During the lockdown of 2021 we have had the conservatory replaced. Removing the leaky roof, replacing it with a properly insulated roof, insulating the walls and floor to modern standard and replacing all the windows with modern units. We also took the opportunity to add an exit door to the side.
Author Archives: dane
More decorating
Having sorted the majority of the inside, and had our building work done by the terrific, local R.E.B. Joinery, it was time to start the outside – painting stone-chip on 25ft walls was never going to be a party !!
But, became much more interesting when we hired a cherry-picker ! 🙂 The view from above was very nice !
More garden Wildlife
Newton Stewart waking festival is cancelled for 2021
It is with great regret that we heard this week that the Newton Stewart waking festival is cancelled for 2021.
We were hoping that vaccinations would have allowed things to go ahead as it is in May, but I think the timing is just too soon to risk the upfront investment that needs to happen a long time before the event.
Wildlife Camera action
For Christmas, Fay bought me a wildlife camera. I’ve had a lot of fun with it since, and captured many many birds on our feeders. However, the night images are the most exciting. Look what we’ve got visiting the garden at night.
And, our own ‘wildlife’.
A braw day on The Merrick
Yesterday we took advantage of beautiful blue skies to head up ‘The Merrick’. It’s been nearly a year since I was up there and 18 months since Fay was. Fay has never been up when there has been snow, and I’ve only been up with snow when there has been zero visibility, so it was with great anticipation that we set out.
Glenwhan Gardens
During the lockdown easing and since the opening up of travel and other restrictions, we have visited all of the local gardens. Today, the last one, Glenwhan. Just a short distance along the A75 from The Stables, it’s very different. Small, but a bit of a chaotic layout meaning you can easily explore a smaller area but it seems much bigger. You can end up approaching the same point several times, all from difference angles, meaning you get surprised by where you are, and where you end up 🙂
Open water swimming
Fay decided to get out into deep water when we had a guest who liked a bit of open water swimming. I, however, declined the offer 😂. I’ve not taken my titanium shoulder into the swimming baths yet, so given I have no idea whether I can or cannot swim, thought it best to watch, and take photos .
Arran looking Magnificent
Lovely guests visiting us take a detour to see the Red Deer at the Red Deer Range and get a great picture of Arran the Stag looking magnificent just before the rut starts.
Culzean Castle Gardens
And yesterday. . . a day out at Culzean Castle Gardens, and beach. Quite busy it was too. This is just over a hour’s drive from The Stables, along the very pretty and very windy A714 Girvan Road.