Jess (left) and Orlando (right) bringing a certain kind of attitude.
We are just catching our breath from a busy last fortnight, just in time to rush into another busy month.
Last week, we were all up at Stempster. Euan spent a happy two or three days (mostly) in the Wild Wood, taking down fifty-two and a half trees (the half being some serious surgery to a victim of lightning). Auri spent many a delighted hour on the swing and generally wreaking havoc outside, Elfi was her usual cheerful self, and Scapa got in some much-loved beach walks.
There are several photographs to share, which I suspect will crop up at odd times over the coming few days. But enough of us. How are you all?!
It has been a good news week! Or, more specifically, a good news three-days. Family and friends have received some excellent tidings from Wednesday through to Friday. Many a smile has been raised, and no doubt some glasses somewhere along the way, too.
My mother, Susan Crow (née Temperton), shared her latest blog post on Monday. You can read it – and catch up on all her blog posts about life in Caithness – here.
The milky way, stars and planets were punching the darkness with their brilliance.
October, What’s It Like Up There? by Susan Crow, 31st October 2022
We had a stunning drive to and through Perthshire today, culminating in a walk round Dunalastair House. Today was the second time I have visited the house, and there is something just magnificent about it.
The girls and I had an hysterically good weekend up at Stempster, while Euan was away representing the family at a wedding in Dumfries and Galloway. At one point I was actually crying with laughter during an afternoon of games, which included the world’s most hilarious game of Cluedo (there’s a reason that it’s not recommended for three-year olds). Auri, meanwhile, also had an amazing time making crafts, riding on a train, and generally running rings round everyone; while Scapa thoroughly enjoyed exploring some new (to her) aspects of the Stempster vicinity. All in all, the perfect way to see in the new season.
So chuffed for (and proud of) my sister Virginia, whose book The Year We Lived has received a gold medal in the Coffee Pot Book Club Book Of The Year Awards 2022!
My brother, Alex, sent out his latest newsletter yesterday. You can subscribe to Not A Travel Writer here.
Another morning and there is a surprising dew, every blade of grass is bejewelled, reflecting light and image, a tiny fisheye vignette of the world evaporating with the sun.
Back to School, Not A Travel Writer by Alexander M. Crow, 7th September 2022
The Sisters Three at their Crowvus book stall today in Thurso. It was fantastic to be able to call by and see them in action (and we managed to pick up a few Christmas presents from various stalls while we were there – the year is rushing by!).
