Day Eighty

Furrgus

Well Emmet got home safe and sound. 

Glad to be here and glad of the multitude of bed pillows.

This morning Niamh took the car to study at Starbucks and then she went to her store.

As we left on patrol Zita walked over and retrieved the car so she could continue her shopping.

When we got home, a bit chilled, Craig was about to make his second coffee. We went to sleep.

When Zita came home she brought hot crossed buns for a snack.

Just about then Professor Jill appeared and as Craig was about to make his next coffee she accepted one also.

So Craig and Zita sat and talked to Professor Jill as we got dressed for the noon patrol.

Emmet joined them and they started talking about universities. 

Professor Jill used to be one of Emmet’s professors. A long time ago. 

When we returned an hour or so later they were still talking. 

But when she left Emmet went to do some Christmas shopping for Craig and Zita went to do some grocery shopping.

Before a forecasted major snowstorm arrives tomorrow. 

Thank goodness we have stockpiled Whole Foods croissants and Bridgehead banana muffins. 

Not to mention the emergency supply of Ichiban cheese buns. 

The delivery people brought more boxes, these were addressed to Emmet. He was relieved.

Now we saw on Dugal’s telephone that it was nearly above freezing in Glenfinnan. 

So we immediately telephoned, unfortunately there was no answer at the castle. 

Cousin Morag probably had the entirety out to clean the snow from the pathways to the Glenfinnan Kirk. 

The wee Acharacle Kirk is no big enough for her Christmas Day activities, so Morag unilaterally moves it over to Glenfinnan. 

The reverend Mister Rannoch must be a very patient man we assume.

There will not be a snow shovel in the whole island, so they will be reduced to sweep brooms. My goodness. 

But with Christmas Day approaching Morag would not allow a snow flake to infringe on her preparations for the annual event.

Now that is an occasion we will most certainly miss.

But we have missed it more often than not, usually sitting on the ground, half frozen in some godforsaken posting.

But here there is alway a flurry of events to throw ourselves into. 

The Christmas Eve party, Christmas morning breakfast and the ritual present openings. 

Though without our Miss Poppy to assist this year. 

Then there is the family Christmas dinner, including whomsoever is at loose ends at the time. 

And then the Taylor-Mahoney Boxing Day excess.

Where all the leftovers from both Christmas dinners are combined with additional cheeses and wines. 

And the second round of presents are opened. 

So I can assure you we have no time to lament our absence at Castle Tioram. 

This afternoon Craig, freshly supplied with scotch tape continued his present wrapping. 

The area below the Christmas tree is rapidly growing. 

Emmet was downstairs reading a paper for a meeting tomorrow. My goodness me. 

We contented ourselves by debating yesterday’s Time crossword puzzle. 

Only Craig, Zita and Emmet availed themselves of dinner tonight as The Three Trees was open until late tonight.

Because of the Christmas season you know. 

So she would not be eating until much later.

We delayed our before dinner reconnoiter until after dinner. 

To give the afternoon’s cinnamon buns time to settle.

Then we bundled ourselves up and ventured forth. 

We took our brier walking sticks to rustle the bushes. 

You never know. Best be prepared.