After a small leak, and damage to the dining room ceiling, we decided to do a bit of extra decorating.

This is the new paintwork and wallpaper in the dining room:

It’s been a busy few days with decorating work, but Fay has also completed some ‘phone rounds’ of elderly and vulnerable people for the Food Train. Unfortunately, the list she was working from was for people in a different part of D&G so we’re not likely to bump into them when this is all over, but Fay enjoyed the chats. Made a change from talking to me

A wee solo jaunt up The Merrick today. Saw a couple of other people too. The photo doesn’t do the wind justice. Let’s just say I had to approach the summit cairn on all fours.

Snow in the hills, but none in Newton Stewart so far this winter.

Soooo much plastic after all the storms.

The snowdrops are out at Castle Kennedy Gardens. A bit blowy today, but a nice bit of blue sky too.

Arran the biggest stag at the Red Deer Range on the New Galloway road out of Newton Stewart. We use the Red Deer Range as a good turning-round point for cycle rides from The Stables.

Pleased and very proud that Fay has been interviewed and accepted by the local ‘Food Train’ volunteering organisation, as an elderly person ‘befriender’ in the local community. She will be terrific at it, and hopefully will bring a smile to people who have no one locally to visit them. ❤️

After 1 year of running The Stables, our new stickers and posters from booking.com have arrived. We’re very pleased as the rating has improved over the year, which is lovely as we’re new to the hospitality business.