Day Fifty Nine

Festis 

We awoke to rain lashing the whole neighbourhood. 

It was typical weather for Saint Andrew’s Day let me tell you.

I cannot remember the number of times we had to plod over to a cold, damp Kirk for a lengthy sermon.

Rather put us off sermons unaccompanied by scones and hot toddies. 

But naturally the castle always puts on a Saint Andrew’s Day feast for all of Acharacle. 

Our father was a supporter of local generosity, especially when he could justify the bringing out of his pipes.

Cousin Morag has even expanded the tradition to include any and all passersby. 

Fortunately the pub has the contract for supplying the drink so the cellar has not been denuded. 

But regardless of the weather our duty could not be compromised, so we ventured out, after finding our waxed overcoats. 

It was too nasty to venture too far beyond on property and we did not go up to Bank Street for breakfast.

But fortunately we had not finished the frozen croissants. 

Niamh took the car to the university before she went to her work. 

It was far too rainy for Craig to venture forth to get his flu shot so that has to be rescheduled.

It appears as if wheelchairs turn into miniature bathtubs in the rain. Now that is unfortunate I must say. 

Emmet sent us a note confirming that he will arrive here on the twentieth of December. 

So Zita spent a bit of the morning putting his room into some sort of shape. 

She found that the translucent cover over Emmet’s window well had broken and it required replacing.

So she needed to go to the plastics store. But to do that she needed the car. 

She got her umbrella and walked over to The Three Trees to retrieve it.

Dugal’s hamper from Harrods appeared just in time for us to plan the celebratory dinner. 

Fortunately, as Harrods association with Dugal goes back to their beginning, he always get a complementary hamper for all the significant holidays.

Which as one might imagine includes Saint Andrew’s Day. 

So we went into the dinning room to examine this year’s offerings from the food court.

And my goodness it was overflowing;

Harrods own chocolates 

Harrods mustard

Harrods caramel and sea salt biscuits

Harrods blackcurrant preserve

Harrods English Breakfast tea 

A box of Mille-feuille

A box of fresh cream eclairs

Two boxes of lemon meringue tarts

Orange, lemon & bay marmalade

A large tin of all butter shortbread biscuits 

Tomato and chilli pasta sauce

Kenyan Blue Mountain coffee

Green tea

Pink Marc de Champagne truffles

And three tins of sweet caramels

And accompanied by a lovely letter of thanks “for past services….” 

‘No more than I expected” said Dugal enigmatically. 

Now although today is the actual day we intend to spend the next few days indulging ourselves. 

So we had to fall back on our logistics experience and divide everything to all our satisfactions. 

About five o’clock we made ourselves presentable for our FaceTime annual speech to the multitude assembled at the castle.

We thought to get it done early before things get rowdy and Morag takes the broom to them all. 

When Zita got home she brought some apple turnovers, so we did not feel too guilty about the Harrods hamper.

Then she and Craig had another coffee and Zita talked to Kathy about funerals. 

We do not have much experience with funerals as I may have mentioned. 

Our father’s being the last one and that was near fifty years ago. 

Now when Dugal’s Gurkha batman man Thapa died in the western desert, they cremated him and the other fellows in a captured panzer.

With the help of a twenty five pounder. 

Local regulations do not allow for such spectacular send offs nowadays, more’s the pity. Noise regulations no doubt. 

Because of all the rain Zita went and picked up Niamh at her work and brought her to her friend Tarryn’s house.

Then Craig and Zita had bacon and egg sandwiches. And they smelled delicious I must say.

But we were on our way out for evening patrol, so we made our own dinner with Niamh when we came home.

That was good timing I do say. 

Then it was poker time for the three of us. 

Our Niamh declined our invitation as she has another early class tomorrow. 

Day Fifty Eight

Festis 

As we had all been to bed very early last night we went on a before dawn patrol this morning.

To catch the napping squirrels unaware and scatter them to the far corners of the neighbourhood. 

But by the time we returned Zita and Niamh were just about to depart to their respective responsibilities.

And unfortunately did not have time to have breakfast with us. 

So we roused Dugal and the three of us went across the bridge to the porridge restaurant. 

They had a special on porridge and cinnamon toast today. How could we ignore that?

When we returned home for the second time this morning Craig was already finishing his raisin toast. 

And was well into reviewing the overnight’s list of foolishness. 

Festis and I went into Zita’s office so we could use the two screens for our meeting with Cousin Morag. 

We each brought a small flask to tide us through the inquisition. 

Which was mercifully short this time as Morag was unexpectedly presiding over a case of poaching at the Assizes tonight.

She offered to postpone her report until she had more time to answer our questions. 

We declined her offer, trying not to sound too enthusiastic in our decision. The flasks were still half full. 

Dugal asked if we knew any of the local poachers around Tioram. 

Making a suggestion that we had not even thought of. 

But we will most certainly keep it in mind for the next bout of reporting. 

Though we did find out while rummaging through all the paperwork that the Council had approved the grant to reroof the southwest tower.

Morag intends to turn it into holiday rentals, and is searching the family archives for evidence of a ghost or two. Ahhh well.

As if any self respecting ghost would show up uninvited with Morag as the chatelaine. 

But with the added income perhaps we might get central heating. 

Actually any heating would prove to be a marked improvement let me tell you. 

Still rather giddy after our escape we went on afternoon patrol light hearted let me tell you.

And walking over to Whole Foods we picked up several raspberry danishes, enough for the four of us.

After that we all settled in with our books, music or crosswords as was our choice.

It had been a very successful morning I must say. 

Craig watered all the plants, even the giant ones which we suspect may be carnivorous.,

We saw a picture taken at Emmet’s university in the wilds of Cork. 

And they already have the Christmas tree lights on. 

And it is not even Saint Andrew’s day yet. My goodness. 

So we all settled in for a relaxing afternoon until we dawned our mukluks and down waistcoats for the final reconnaissance for today.

Unfortunately there was lasagna on the menu last night so the possibilities of a late night feast seemed to disappear in front of us.

Day Fifty Seven

Furrgus 

I must Zita’s approaching Galla extravaganza has put our schedule right off.

Mrs. T went to her downtown office and on a Monday at that.

And Miss Niamh accompanied her on her early morning departure. 

We had not even rubbed the sleep from our eyes and they were gone. 

Fortunately our planning held firm and yesterday’s croissants had thawed by the time we returned from morning patrol.

So we immediately sat down and breakfasted with those croissants and far too much butter and even some of Dugal carefully hoarded Maison Andrèsy jam.

Well it is getting close to the holiday season after all.

We noticed that those squirrels were getting far too comfortably rambunctious for us, and for the memory of sainted Miss Poppy. 

So we spent the morning detailing our squirrel reduction initiative.

Mr. T looked at the resulting maps and timetables with some awe before he returned to his raisin toast. 

After a second round of croissants we stormed out the front door spray bottles of vinegar in hand. 

We sprayed each and every tree and bush thoroughly and scoured the underbrush with our walking sticks.

This sent numerous squirrels fleeing to more welcoming locations.

We followed up with cayenne pepper spread liberally around the base of the trees.

So filled with satisfaction we went off to Ichiban for lovely some cream filled cheese buns.

We took a long meander home as it was not very cold and we could, if truth be told, use the exercise.

And as there is some suggestion that it might snow tomorrow we thought we best take advantage of the situation. 

When we got home the temperature had dropped and we were exceptionally happy to see that Dugal had made hot chocolate toddies for all of us.

Except for Mr. T who does not partake, but does not seem to have suffered greatly from abstinence. 

Which is a bit of a conundrum if you ask me.

He just had whipped cream on top of his. 

When Mrs. T got home from her other office, she finished assembling her patented lasagna, before plopping it into the oven.

So it would be all ready and delicious when she brought our Miss Niamh home from a long day at the university.

Now our only complaint about Mrs. T’s lasagna is that there are less leftovers in the refrigerator than one might hope for. 

So we have to ration our portions. 

We had to forgo our Scrabble game tonight, as it is Castle Tirom’s quarterly report day tomorrow.

As such Festis and I need to peruse the mountain of documentation that cousin Morag has been sending us, lest we look entirely incompetent.

A state that is rather easy to come by in Morag’s august presence. Even through Zoom we get intimidated. 

So we best have a better handle on the current financial, physical and psychological state of our patrimony. 

We would not wish for a repetition of July’s debacle let me tell you. 

Sometimes those 4,708 kilometres seem a tad too close if you ask me. 

Day Fifty Six

Festis 

As it was Sunday we had a rather abridged patrol so we would not miss our place at the Sunshine Grill.

Sunday mornings are very busy there.

You would think all those people would all be off to mass.

And not getting in the way of we pagans, just looking for a filling breakfast.

Niamh was off right after an early breakfast to continue her studies. 

So we did not see her this morning. 

When we returned Zita was talking to her mother to make sure all was well in Dublin. It was.

When Craig pulled himself from his Sunday sleep in he and Zita had a brace of raisin toast and looked out the window with us.

The roses are now safely protected by their winter igloos. 

That was a relief. 

But as it was another unseasonably warm day the two of them decided to go on their neighbourhood walk early.

But to introduce some much needed variety they did their regular walk, but reversed it. 

Fortunately they did not get lost. 

When they got home it was time for Craig’s American football and Zita and Susan went for a bit of shopping at Landsdowne.

We took the opportunity to have an early dinner patrol so as to avoid the forecast rain. 

Sundays tend to be quite quiet here. Which is a relief. 

We were home before dusk, having taken the opportunity to scoop up the excess croissants from Little Victories before closing. 

And at half price too. 

When we got home we put a dozen or so in the extra freezer. 

So tomorrow’s breakfast is all taken care off. 

Niamh came home for a moment but then left to watch Ben’s hockey game with Linsey and Tarryn. 

She had to get some warm clothes, because hockey rinks are not heated. 

So Craig and Zita had the leftover pizza in the den. So they could watch their new program. 

But they had some sad news as Mr. Richard’s father died late this afternoon. 

Miss Tara was with her dad when her grandfather died. Perhaps that was a help. 

We all hoped so. 

Day Fifty Five

Furrgus 

Miss Niamh is as busy as could be.

Just as we were leaving the house on our morning patrol Mrs. T was leaving to drive her to Starbucks.

In order to start her morning studying with some nutritious pastries. 

Then Mrs. T visited the grocery store. 

She must have returned home for a moment or two as there were new pastries on the kitchen counter when we returned. 

But she was gone and the Buick were gone.

Having gone for a long walk around the Arboretum with Miss Susan and Miss Chris.

We saw Miss Niamh in the Starbuck’s window as we went to Eddy’s dinner for our breakfast.

Obviously we did not intrude. 

And when we got home both Mr. T and Uncle Dugal were awake. .

Uncle was busy with the Times crossword and Mr. T had made himself some raisin toast and was talking to his old friends. 

When Mrs. T got back she took the opportunity to clean some of the windows on the far side of the house. 

Seemed excessive to us. 

But as the spray from the sea tends to scour the windows, few as they are, at Tioram, we admittedly have little experience in this. 

Actually we have very little such experience, as cousin Morag consistently points out if we question her quarterly reports. 

Oftentimes Festis and I agree that the several thousand of kilometres between her and us is a very good thing. At least for us. 

It was particularly nice this afternoon.

So when Mrs. T was satisfied with the windows she and Mr. T went for a long walk around the pond and over to Fifth Avenue.

When they got home Miss Kathy called as her mother has returned from the hospital to her retirement home.

Since Mrs. T has had extensive experience in such matters they went for a long afternoon walk to discuss the situation. 

Fortuitously we Blackthorn-Badgers are notoriously long lived, even for our kind, so we have little experience such events. 

As far as I can remember even family funerals have been few and far between. 

And they were most attributed to enemy action or irrational husbands.

As I recall Dugal’s father, the Laird, was a subaltern with the Gordons at Waterloo, and he shows no sign of leaving this mortal coil. 

Much to Dugal’s dismay. 

The universities were having their championship football game this afternoon so Mr. T watched, without so much interest, as none of our universities were involved. 

We went for our late afternoon reconnoiter before the sun had set and the temperature plummeted. 

We are becoming acclimated to the weather here.

It was about time Dugal said. Now as he has never given the family any leeway we were not offended. 

When Mrs. T got home she said she was 4 inches shorter as she had worn her feet off. 

We took that comment with a grain of salt.

Our Miss Niamh walked back from The Three Trees just in time for tonight’s dinner. 

Last night Mr. and Mrs. T watched a new program with a young lady named Wednesday. 

It is apparently very good. 

We were busy with the poker game alas..

Day Fifty Four

Festis 

Both Zita and Niamh were awake before us. 

Now that is a bit unusual and it was before the dawn of the day.

So Zita cleaned off the car and drove Niamh off to Carleton and then she went to visit Mister Roger’s hair salon.

The Galla extravaganza is next week and she wanted to be as ready for it as possible.

She even has an especially fancy frock already picked put. 

Fortunately for us we have our regimental dress uniforms always neatly packed away.

So there is no unnecessary time spent wondering what goes with what. 

Even cousin Morag gets in a right tizzy when it comes to getting ready for our Saint Andrew’s Day soirée at the castle. 

We ventured outside this morning with some trepidation, as there was a bit of freezing rain last night. 

But it proved no big impediment and we thoroughly scoured the property before flipping a coin to decide where to breakfast.

By the time we returned so had Zita. 

She immediately went into her office and started her day’s work while we helped Craig with his second coffee and crumpets. 

We have noticed that without Miss Poppy to encourage him he no longer religiously has breakfast. 

So we try to promote the idea whenever possible. 

The ancillary duties that fell to Miss Poppy continue to shame us. 

Knowing this we will be far more supportive when she sends a replacement.

After our late afternoon patrol we had another round of acrimonious telephone calls with the Home Office. 

We have decided to leave it all in Dugal and Murdoch’s hands. Easier on the digestion I say.

Because the Americans are having their late thanksgiving there were lots of football games on the television.

Craig’s hockey team played too, and for a change they won. My goodness.

When Zita was finished her work she went for a brain clearing walk to the grocery store. 

Fortunately it was still above zero so she was in no danger of freezing solid. 

It was only Craig and Zita tonight as Niamh was still at the university. 

We waited until our dinner had settled before venturing outside, but we were back before Dugal awoke.

Then we got the newly arrived cheese cake from the refrigerator and were ready for poker night. 

Day Fifty Three

Festis 

It was another early as could be day here.

Zita and Niamh were out the door before we had even finished buttering the croissants. 

When we had finished and cleaned up the crumbs we went on morning patrol. 

We no longer have our Miss Poppy to clean up after us unfortunately. So we have to attend to it ourselves. 

Today is another all day the university for Niamh and Thursdays are Zita’s other day to be downtown. 

It was a lovely fall day with an abundance of sunshine to lighten our responsibilities. 

And Life of Pie was having an apple pie sale, which we were quite keen to take advantage of. 

So after making sure the property was secure and safe we wondered over the bridge. 

Fortunately there was enough to go around.

We did not get home until Craig was finished his second coffee. 

We had been very careful to brush ourselves off to remove any evidence of pie excess. 

But he immediately asked if we had cheese with the pie. So we had to confess. 

But as it was time for the afternoon patrol we left before guilt racked us. 

It was also an opportunity to work off the results of those pies. 

As it was still rather sunny and above zero, it was no great imposition.

But Uncle Dugal stayed here to keep Craig company and to encourage the lawyers. 

With Christmas just around the corner we do not want to be found short of funds. 

As the price of single malts has risen most shockingly. 

Thank goodness we have room to store the casks in the basement. 

But you really cannot decant some for Yuletide gifts. 

So we have to rely on the inventory of the Liquor Control Board’s local store for Christmas presents. 

Dugal does not really consider anything younger that 18 as real scotch. 

Up till then it can be mixed with water. 

When we got home Craig’s friend Paul was here for his afternoon coffee. 

So we went downstairs to look for our cross country skis. 

We do not want to be caught out by a sudden change in the weather. 

Anyway our winter camouflage kilts needed to be taken out and aired for a week or two. 

Zita arrived on foot, almost immediately followed by Niamh and Tarryn. 

There were hotdogs on the menu tonight. 

Hotdogs were not on our menu. 

But apple pie with cheddar cheese and ice cream was. One must keep up standards you know. 

Day Fifty Two

Furrgus 

Well it was a busy day today. For all of us. My goodness.

Miss Niamh was out the door to her university at the crack of dawn. 

Even before Mrs. T had finished her coffee. 

We had just gotten back from morning patrol and watched her wizz by.

Even Mr. T was up early.

Mainly because he had a much needed appointment at the barbershop. 

It is one thing for we three to be a bit furry but he really needed a bit of a brush up. 

When Miss Niamh returned from university Zita drove her to The Three Trees before returning home.

 So she and Mr. T could get up to Bank Street in time. 

One might go so far as to suggest it was a bit past time. 

But while they were off galavanting we had our personal business to attend to. 

After another round of acrimonious telegrams with Horse Guards and the fools at the Home Office we have tuned everything over to second Cousin Murdoch’s firm, Murdoch, Murdoch, Murdoch and Singh. 

Lord help them now. 

After that exhausting experience we traipsed over to The Wild Oat for a much deserved lunch.

And lo and behold Mr. and Mrs. T were there too. 

But there was not enough room to share a table. 

And Festis suggested that while two is company, five begins to look like a convention.

So we had separate tables. Just as well I suspect. 

But we did notice that Mr. T had one of their filling omelettes.

So did we, but we did not have the fried potatoes, as we had indulged ourselves only a few days previously. 

They left before us and we continued our now seemingly endless search for just the perfect Christmas presents. 

When we got home Mrs. T was just leaving to look at getting some of her beautiful pictures framed.

I do admit the walls are rather bare, but our Quatre Bras suggestion seems to have fallen on deaf ears I fear. 

Mr. T retired to the den as he was now rather light headed. 

And continued to read his new book.

When Zita came home it was without any framed pictures. 

Because of the absolutely astounding fact that a nicely framed picture was more than an entire case of reasonable Scotch. 

Good God in heaven. 

So she came back here to look at the exhaustive collection of framed pictures in the basement. 

And low and behold there were at least two that will do the trick. 

So she chose one and will return to the store next week when they are not busy with just the right size frame. 

We must get in touch with Cousin Morag right away. 

As she has been using the portraits of the less commendable members of our family as insulation in the guest bedrooms. 

We probably should probably adopt a better strategy knowing the cost of those frames. My goodness me. 

Miss Niamh will not be here for dinner as she went right back to Carleton from her work.

So we are rather banking on an early dinner, so we can continue our Monopoly game.  

Day Fifty One

Festis 

We went for a bracing walk, and after this morning’s reconnaissance, to the Ichiban Bakery to reassure the staff that we were in fine fettle. 

When we got back home Mrs. T and Miss Niamh had departed for their respective workplaces. 

So we put the extra pastries in the other freezer. 

The weather was better this morning.

It was still cold but at least the sunshine was abounding. Which always helps. 

When Mr. T arose we were fast asleep, but as he is a gentleman he was very quiet when making his breakfast.

 As a result we did not awaken until the afternoon. 

The sidewalks are clear of snow, thank goodness so our ramblings are not impeded at all. 

So we all went to do some Christmas window shopping on Bank Street. 

We dropped by the Olive Oil store, to do some tasting of their holiday specials. 

Though my goodness some of the bottles are as much as a nice Scotch. 

On our way home we toured the block so we did not have to go out again until the 2am meander. 

When Mrs T got home we had almost regained our normal operating temperatures. 

And just a little bit later Miss Niamh arrived with an already cooked chicken dinner.

So dinner happened forthwith. 

And we were well prepared to start our next round of Monopoly fortunately.

Day Fifty

Furrgus 

It was Monday so it was back to work for everyone .

Well except for the contentedly retired Mr. T.

Zita drove Niamh to her early class and then took herself downtown as she had to be there today.

There were to be packages upon packages delivered for their extravaganza.

And someone had to be there to sign the papers. And this time it was Zita.

Craig did not have a sleep in today so we were still out when he awakened.

And was into his second coffee when we had finished our morning patrol. 

And filled ourselves up with lots of home fried potatoes at the Wild Oat. 

We had rather hoped for warmer weather but unfortunately to no avail. 

But the wind had died down a little bit, so we did not need our down waistcoats today. 

So we had a relaxing afternoon, catching up on our retirement paperwork. 

But now The Bank of Scotland is making a fuss about having to store the sovereigns. 

A long while back Dugal found some obscure codicil allowing members of the Lords to receive all remuneration in gold sovereigns.

Apparently it will take an act of Parliament to change this. 

Considering the state of the Sasanach’s Parliament we have no worries. 

But Cousin Morag has had the strong room at the castle “improved” in case we need to move our holdings to an unregulated environment. 

Always thinking ahead is our Morag. Thank goodness. 

It was a very dull, dreary and blustery afternoon so we limited our excursions to the necessary. 

Reminded me of the Western Isles on a good day. 

I am afraid the young ladies at Ichiban will wonder what happened to us. My goodness. 

But as the stereo contented itself with cello music this afternoon we, after the struggles with the Home Office had a refreshing nap.

But then the Christmas lights sprung into life, all by themselves and awakened me. 

And not too long later Zita returned and she accompanied us on our before dinner look about.

She thought the fresh air would clear her mind of all the work preoccupations. 

So we just chatted about the best places for an early breakfast. 

Something in which we are acquiring some expertise. 

Day Forty Nine

Festis

My goodness it was cold outside this morning.

So Furrgus and I put on our down kilts and our angora socks and did our morning ramble before everyone else was awake.

When Mrs. T was up she called her parents to make sure Ireland was still there. 

Miss Niamh soon followed but she and the Buick were off to study in the quiet of the National Arts Centre. 

Mr. T had his Sunday sleep in but as soon as he appeared he made coffees for Mrs. T and himself.

And he had the last two cherry turnovers. 

Fortunately we had already brunched at the Oatmeal restaurant with a double order of bracing porridge.

A double order was quite necessary as the wind over the bridge was skin a goal cold. 

Mrs. T braved the wind to put protective covering over our roses while Craig watched the football games. 

Their exercise walk was sensibly canceled due to the cutting wind. 

So she took the opportunity to put up our rather spectacular Christmas lights.

Festis and I postponed our afternoon patrol until it appeared to be much more inviting outside.

After lunch a gentleman came to get a small table that Miss Niamh was giving away. 

To make for room for her giant plants I assumed.

Tonight is the championship game for Mr. T’s kind of football.

As is the tradition in the household dinner was held in the den.

So the game could be seen uninterrupted. 

And to everyone’s amazement Craig’s team won. 

So we all went to bed. It had been a long day. 

Day Forty Eight

Furrgus 

Well although there was only a bit of snow last night, this morning was quite cold. 

With a rather bitter wind. 

Fortunately we had bundled up for our trip to the Sunset Grill, to order our favourite blueberry pancakes after the morning patrol.

So we were quite surprised to find the streets rather full of people and they were all heading to Bank Street.

But from some subtle eavesdropping we soon discovered that today was the annual Santa Claus parade. 

Which accounted for all the children swathed in snowsuits and scarves. 

Their parents were filling up with warming coffees from the various restaurants along the street.

Fortunately we had decided on the Sunset Grill today which was a bit past the route of the parade. 

But we did not envy anyone standing around in that wind. 

When we were back home Zita was already talking to the head of her board of directors.

And Niamh had run off to Starbucks to write her essay.

With the help of expensive coffees.

Days off seem to be a foreign concept to these two. 

Now Craig only had a very little sleep in before he made his coffee and met with his breakfast friends. 

When Craig was having his coffees Zita went off to get her flu vaccine and brought back some cherry turnovers. 

There were enough to go around.

Niamh was at The Three Trees today. After her Starbucks intermission. 

Now this is the beginning of their very busy season. 

So they are chockablock with gifts.

Speaking of which this afternoon Zita and Susan went downtown to find inspiration for Christmas. 

Craig stayed here to watch his hockey team again. Hope beats eternal they say. 

Now Emmet was in contact with Craig and the headhunting presentation went off swimmingly he said. 

And he he kept to the theory and left the practice to the audience’s imagination. 

But he mentioned that his travel agent will be contacting him this week about his Christmas trip home.

In anticipation of which Zita is hoarding After Eights. 

Do you know that there are households where Christmas does not include After Eights.

We thought this to be viscous rumours, but unfortunately it appears to be true. 

And some places they do not even have Crackers at the Christmas dinner. 

Civilization is not as widespread as one might have hoped. 

Fortunately Cousin Morag has Fortnum and Mason’s on speed dial. 

Furrgus was only speaking to her yesterday. 

Just checking in so we do not get cut from the Christmas list.

She said that the Castle’s ravens, Huginn and Muninn, have left for the warmer climes of Ireland, until spring. 

This migration have always seemed quite suspicious to me, as it is more of a road trip than a migration. 

But as it have been going on for decades beyond my memory I have never raised my doubts. 

Though the thought of the Kirk’s choir entertaining at the Castle for the entire twelve days may have something to do with it. 

And being feathered pagans they may well be offended by the padre’s over lengthy saying of grace at dinner.

Dugal claims the catered dinners are solely responsible for that gentleman’s diligent attendance. 

We take his complaint with a grain of salt as whenever Dugal was in the country he spent his Christmas at Boodles.

In order to avoid the trip to Dunstaffnage and discussing anything with his father the Laird. 

Thank goodness it is not like this here. 

Which is why Dugal emigrated we suspect. 

Miss Tara is already coordinating Christmas time, focusing on the Saint Stephan’s day extravaganza naturally. 

Zita returned with some appropriate presents for distant friends. 

Getting the Christmas list done bit by bit. None of that last minute Christmas Eve shopping in this house. 

But she did not stay for long as she went to get Niamh so she would not freeze walking home. 

When they got home they brought Tarryn with them so she would not starve. Which was nice. 

After the dining room was cleared we set up the Monopoly tournament. 

We are not using Romanian money this time. 

Day Forty Seven

Furrgus 

We had more snow last night. 

By the time we went out on our 2am reconnoiter it was blowing sideways.

But when Zita and Niamh were awake it had stopped but our sidewalk was covered again.

Zita drove Niamh to her class before returning to her own office.

This morning we only made a cursory patrol as we could see any evidence of intrusion in the snow. 

And as there was none we decided to pull the covers up and catch a hour or two of repose. 

Craig made coffees for both he and Zita before reviewing the current worldwide debacles.

Niamh came home for lunch, so she could return to the university with the car. 

All in all it was a very pleasant quiet morning. For which we were all thankful. 

Zita’s office is going to have an extravaganza in a couple of weeks. 

So they are having many many meetings to firm up the planning. 

They had another today. 

I must say I for one do not miss planning meetings in the least. 

I remember the complaints when Dugal just refused to go. 

Sent some poor junior officers to make notes instead. 

So with Zita preoccupied with her meetings, Craig reading his book and Niamh in class the house was far too quiet for our liking.

It never used to be so quiet. Ahh well. To absent friends I say. 

So in spite of the weather we all went off to The Wild Oat for a bit of a late lunch. 

I must say they do have a fine hand with a mushroom omelette. 

It made the cold walk almost exciting in anticipation. 

Unfortunately the weather forecast is for more snow. I am sure Dugal has snow shoes somewhere.

For dinner Craig and Zita had do-it-yourself Mexican sandwiches. 

But Niamh did not come home at dinner time as she was still writing another essay with Emily. 

She said to save her some.

So I guess we best not make pigs of ourselves with the leftovers.

We went to bed early tonight as tomorrow may be a difficult slog. 

What with the snow warnings and all. 

Day Forty Six

Festis 

We when we arose there was still snow on the ground, but not on the sidewalks or roadways.

So we rather concentrated our investigations to them.

Warmer toes that way.

Both Mrs. T and Miss Niamh were off early again today. 

So when we returned the house was empty, aside from Mr. T and Uncle Dugal of course. 

When Mr. T appeared it was with two almond croissants and his first coffee.

Fortunately he shared those croissants with us. 

We refrained from telling him we were waiting at Little Victories when they opened this morning. 

To assure ourselves of getting the freshest croissants. And some hand warming coffee. 

We did not wish to put a decision regarding our waistlines on his shoulders, so soon after his awakening. 

Regardless, the croissants were just the thing to prepare us for our first afternoon nap. 

Fortunately the stereo contented itself by playing only works from Mr. Chopin. 

But just before we curled up Uncle Dugal made us say a quick prayer for the success of our Emmet’s speech.

The one on headhunting as a hobby. Which he was giving as we fell fast asleep. 

When we awakened it was still a bit on the frosty side but we went outside anyway. 

A good dose of fresh air never hurt anyone, or so they say, usually from a warm house, in front of a roaring fire.

Be that as it may, there were still a surprising number of trees steadfastly holding on to their leaves. 

Covered in snow as they were. Well done trees I say. 

Furrgus and I wondered over to the far pond to see if the great blue Herron was still there. 

But we could see not sign of it so we went to Whole Foods for a quick hot chocolate. As it was only a skip or two away. 

I must say our residence is situated in fortuitous proximity to, as Miss Poppy often said, tasty treats. 

Back at Tioram finding a convenient venue for tasty treats is a major challenge, even when the tide is out. 

Which is why the garage is a bit up from the dock. 

So cousin Morag can whip off to Fort William as the mood strikes.

This afternoon Mrs. T sent us a picture of Miss Rockette. 

She was paying Mrs. T a visit while she was having a break from her job as Miss Sam’s seeing eye dog. 

It is good to have a dog around the office. Keeps the floors clean for one. 

We had a Regimental dog. Lance Corporal Quintus Maximus as I remember, something Latin anyway. 

Thought we lost him at El-Alamein. 

But he was hiding those New Zealand chaps. Apparently they had cheese in their rations. 

Everybody had better rations than us. 

We used to steal them from the Colonials. My goodness. Sometimes they had jam in a can. 

When Mrs. T came home she brought our Niamh and Miss Tarryn. So they would not freeze solid. That was nice of her. 

What with the length of our Niamh’s skirt that would have been a distinct possibility. 

There is an important meeting tonight but Mrs. T just found out that she does not have to attend. Much to her relief.

So we had everybody for dinner tonight. That was a pleasant surprise.

But Miss Niamh and Miss Tarryn ate downstairs as they both were writing essays and did not with to interrupt themselves. 

Furrgus found a nice padded Mahjong mat so the sound on the tiles was not so very loud in the middle of the night.  

Day Forty Five

Furrgus 

Well the time spent finding our warm boots was certainly well spent.

As when we went outside this morning for the first patrol all was snow. 

But thanks to our boots we were able to fulfill our duties with aplomb. 

And left our spectacular footprints in the snow at the same time.

Zita was well awake by the time we returned home, but lamenting the state of her bicycle.

And the last of our beautiful roses. 

Soon Niamh appeared ready for her early class. 

Fortunately the Buick had received its snow tires weeks ago, so she was able to drive to the university.

And when she returned Zita was then able to drive her to The Three Trees before Zita herself went shopping.

We were in the midst of our morning recovery nap when Craig made his appearance.

 So we were only able to wave a cursory good morning to him before falling back to sleep.

He said fortunately the weather forecast had prepared him for the sight out the living room windows.

But it was still a bit of a shock to his system. As it was to all of ours too let me tell you. 

Another package was delivered here and promptly hidden away. 

It appears that some serious Christmas presents planning has taken place thank goodness. 

When Zita came home she had, many bags, some apparently secret, and most importantly, almond croissants.

So Craig warmed up a couple and he and Zita looked out the window at the first real day of winter. 

Then Zita had to venture outside to take off the screen from Niamh’s bedroom window.

And replace it with its winter version. 

We were fortunate tonight, because Niamh was out for dinner and therefore there was plenty of extra shepherds pie to go around.

When Craig and Zita watched the detective program from New Zealand we resumed our Mahjong journey. 

Day Forty Four

Festis 

Well it was all hands on deck this morning.

Miss Niamh dropped Mrs. T off at the other office before going to her university class..

That is Mrs. T’s downtown office. The one without the good coffee. 

We were off early too, in spite of it being below zero outside. 

But after a through sweep of the property and the park, we were off to Bridgehead for coffees and a rather filling Stollen.

The thought of Stollen even motivated Uncle Dugal to put down his copy of Marcus Aurelius and accompany us. 

By the time we returned home Mr. T was up and finishing his coffee but it had not got any warmer. 

Thank goodness he had turned on the gas furnace.

While we were out he had been talking to Master Emmet, who is presenting a new paper on headhunting.

My goodness that should be a best seller I must say. 

Reminded Uncle Dugal of his time in Borneo. 

We left that comment uncommented upon. 

It was nearly lunchtime you see. And Uncle tends to be a bit too illustrative on such subjects.

The weather forecast says that it is going to snow tomorrow, so Festis and I spent some time rummaging through our kit in the basement.

We needed to find our Italian mountain boots and our long johns. 

No point letting fashion dictate comfort I tell you. 

The UPS driver delivered a rather large box. 

A certain warning that the Christmas season will soon be at our doorstep. 

Good thing we shipped Cousin Morag’s present weeks ago. 

When Mrs. T got home we had just finished our late afternoon patrol and were about to have a restorative nap. 

Miss Niamh was at a hockey game tonight so she had to fend dinner for herself. 

Mr. and Mrs. T had lasagnas. 

Mrs. T had home made lasagna. With Mr. T had frozen lasagna.

He must have lost the coin toss.

We decided to forgo our nightly entertainment and opted for an early bedtime.

If the weather report holds true tomorrow’s patrolling in the snow will be as difficult as it sounds. And as cold.

Thank goodness for the boots and Uncle Dugal’s warm socks I must say 

Day Forty Three

Furrgus

Well holidays cannot last indefinitely unfortunately, so this morning the ladies were back to their respective responsibilities.

Zita drove Niamh to Carleton for her early class before returning home to her office. 

We were gone when she got home. 

I must say those waistcoats are a great help when it is a bit frosty out.

And it was certainly frosty this morning and keeping warm while waiting for Little Victories to open was a challenge let me tell you.

We brought a croissant back for Dugal naturally.

Even by the time Craig was having his coffees it was still a bit too frosty for a casual ramble.

So we settled down for a bit of a culinary exploration for our lunch. 

Fortunately Zita has a substantial library of cookbooks for us to peruse. 

This was rather prompted by Craig’s friend Kirk taking some time off to visit Venice. 

He has sent some pictures of how to gain weight while on vacation. 

He seems to divide his time between churches and the local restaurants. 

Probably praying in one for self control when visiting the other is my guess. 

He did say that he did not succumb to a 30 euro espresso at some fashionable hotel.

Thirty euro, good lord that would buy a round for the whole pub in Acharacle. 

What is this world coming to I ask. 

We bundled up again for the mid afternoon patrol and shooed the squirrels off as much as we could without unsheathing our swords. 

Zita has defined very strict rules of engagement unfortunately. They include land mines we suspect.

But with the side garden now empty they must now go and annoy someone else I suppose.

When we returned Craig was on his third coffee. 

We settled for some nice hot chocolate with whipped cream. 

Dugal added a smidgen of brandy to his. Old habits die hard. 

Zita received a nice note from some people who breed Bouviers. 

We are so glad that our family is actively looking at acquiring a new companion. 

Sometimes it is far too quiet around here for our peace of mind. 

And we did not have to rely on finding our night vision goggles when we could count on Poppy’s superior eyesight. 

Ahh well. Sic Semper.

For dinner Craig and Zita had carrot soup made from the very carrots Furrgus and I have been protecting. 

That quite made our evening. 

Especially since there was some leftover for us. 

After dinner, but before the detective programs Zita went and got Miss Niamh from the university.  

We decided to forgo scrabble tonight in favour of Monopoly. It is safer. 

Day Forty Two

Furrgus 

As we went out early this morning we found Zita already awake and cleaning the front garden. 

After we exchanged our usual pleasantries we continued our reconnaissance of the neighbourhood.

When we arrived back home Zita had her arms full of carrots, just taken from the side garden. 

Before leaving we had glanced at the weather forecast and they are calling for below zero temperatures for the next week.

So we were getting those carrots out of the ground just in time. 

Then Zita spoke to her parents as she had her breakfast. 

Niamh was up early so she could return some things to Ikea, but she came back with another giant potted plant. 

But it has to rest in the dining room until she makes more space in her already crowded bedroom.

When Craig finally appeared he and Zita had some before lunchtime coffees. 

When Niamh came home she and Lee took Disney for his walk before they all came in for a visit. 

They did not stay out for long as it is quite chilly this morning. 

After Lee and Disney left Niamh went to visit Sach and Zita went out to return a coat. 

We did not enquire why.

Craig went to the den, coffee and croissants in hand, to watch the football semifinals, and the Formula One.

All at the same time. 

So Furrgus and I took Uncle Dugal out for brunch his favoured Sunshine Grill. 

But we were well bundled up with our sheepskin waistcoats and gloves. 

When Zita and Niamh were both back home he commented how suddenly cold it became.

Craig said that as he had not yet emotionally prepared himself for the cold he would forego a walk today. 

A wise decision let me tell you. 

We certainly came straight home from brunch without our usual Sunday ramble. 

Then Tarryn and Sach arrived and they and Niamh went to Sach’s apartment to set up her Christmas tree.

Good Lord in Heaven. 

It is not even December and they are decorating a Christmas tree. 

And before Saint Andrew’s day too. They must be desperate. 

At the castle the Yule log has to be brought in well before traipsing about hills looking for trees that meet with Cousin Morag’s approval. 

As if one tree is sufficient as she supplies trees to both pubs, the hotel, the Kirk and the nursing clinic. 

The police station has been struck from the Christmas tree list for years and gets second hand Christmas cards.

Some long time dispute about their claim that the law of the land superseded Morag’s wishes. 

Brave lads I must say.

It was only Craig and Zita at dinner tonight as Niamh was occupied with Christmas decorating. 

So they started watching their detective program early releasing the dining room to our continuing scrabble tournament.