Day Seventy Six

Festis 

To our surprise it continued to snow last night. 

When poker came to a sudden stop; as we had run out of After Eights, we looked out the windows and knew it was snowshoe weather.

So well equipped for the weather we went on our midnight patrol. 

As expected no self respecting annoyances were out in the storm.

So we only stayed out for a cursory excursion. 

This morning we were out before Zita and Niamh were dressed. 

Our road was cleared but the poor trees and the wires were nearly overcome by the snow.

When we returned Niamh was talking on the telephone to her Nana and Grandad in Ireland. 

They were wishing her a most happy twenty fifth year. 

And speaking of birthdays we found out that today is Alice’s birthday. 

Fortunately Zita had brought her birthday present over when she last visited. 

We hope it was something warm.

This morning Zita had very usefully spent her time rediscovering our walkway which was lost to mortals under the snow. 

This was absolutely necessary or the delivery people might not find our front door. 

And our presents from Mull have not yet arrived.

Before Zita drove Niamh to The Three Trees Niamh added more animals and ladies to the crèche. 

She had declared that there was not a proper gender distribution in her opinion. 

While they were gone Craig made coffee for his Saturday morning breakfast with friends. 

We took the opportunity to try the breakfast pancakes at the Cantina Gia. 

It was a delicious decision. 

I must reiterate that the breakfast choices in our neighbourhood are absolutely intimidating. Thank goodness.

Lee and Cara give Niamh an Italian Christmas cake. 

All of us had some with our tea. 

Then Craig had some for lunch while he watched his hockey team on the television. 

Professor Jill dropped over after lunch and Mister Garry also came by to give Zita her new calendar. 

We were in the process of getting ready for the afternoon excursion mukluks and all, so could only wave hello from a distance.

It was not so very cold but the snow was so heavy that our twenty minute expedition took an hour and a half.

But we noted that Glenfinnan is still much colder than here. 

Good thing that we have two coal bunkers filled to the brim.

The Laird stockpiled coal between the wars. Just in case. 

Though it will be a task clearing the tunnel between the bunkers and the castle. 

We are certain Morag will be up to the challenge. 

But it does underline the need to install those windmills on the ocean side of the island. 

Lord know it is windy enough. 

And a regular availability of hot water would be a welcome innovation. 

Tonight Niamh is going to Linsey’s house for another birthday party. 

So Furrgus and Dugal went to Bank Street to replenish the After Eight stock so we could continue the poker game. 

While returning they met Zita on Bank street, but she did not feel the need to be accompanied.

So we arrived home to the surprising news that Craig’s hockey team won again. 

After dinner the poker game resumed.