We Have Moved House! …

So, 2019 had begun and I was planning on been even busier with The Wee Scottish Gallery, think on that I had just had the Gallery extended too.
Also, we had hired the local Architect and plans were finally underway for improving Tulloch, this plan, was always on the cards since we moved there and after nearly 3 years we had finally gotten round to it.
All unusual for me, as I rarely plan, have accepted the fact, that with my life, it is often folly to plan!

And as just mentioned above, I was, yet again, going to be proved why…

One day, Alistair walks into the kitchen and muttered something about a small Farm overlooking Loch Tay he had seen advertised for sale.
And? I asked,
Is it someone you know?
No he replied, but I have been thinking, Tulloch isn’t really big enough for the animals we have and well, think I would like some Cattle and I am going to need something to do.
Okay I respond, show me the details.
48hrs later, we were on our way to view a property!

Now, this is where I have to admit (Sorry Alistair), that whilst this Farm looked amazing, I honestly did not think that all this would amount to much. Plans for Tulloch were taking shape and it was going to be an incredible job.
But there we were enroute, snow was on the ground, it was cold to say the least, but it was a stunning day with clear blue skies.
We arrived at the. Property and the views did not disappoint!
It was during this visit, that I just stood back, watching Alistair walk around and take things in, I watched his expressions etc and it was then, that I realised this was exactly what Alistair needed after everything we’d been through in 2018 and that life was going to change again!

Now, we did not get that Farm and Spring was upon us, still talks of moving, but nothing was ticking boxes, until, we saw a place near Callander advertised!
Another viewing was arranged and another day trip.
Wow!
Now we both fell for this property, it offered us everything and we had lots to discuss.
A second viewing was arranged and we took along a couple of very good friends with us, who we knew would give an honest opinion.
They loved it too!
An offer was made.
An agonising wait, as it went to closed bids.
We received the news the following week that our offer wasn’t successful. Gutted!
But as my Father always said, when one door closes, another one opens…
Another appealing property came to our attention and this time, we took a day trip down to Dumfries and Galloway.

This is pretty much how the next few months continued.
A property would come on the market and away we went on another trip.
We pretty much took in the whole of the Scottish Mainland.
Visiting some spectacular places and meeting some very nice people along the way, though you felt invasive at times, but many with a story to tell and some sad reasons why they were having to leave their homes.
We thank each one of them for their time, kindness and hospitality and do hope that they are happy with the next chapter in their lives.

Every property had something to offer, we had a couple of favourites, one near Glen Affric and one near Aboyne, both of us favouring them differently.
Basically, we just hadn’t found The One! Though we were trying to fit them into that and that just wasn’t going to work.
We did have quite a few requirements, obviously Alistair and his land and mine was pretty much, where can me Sheep go, Gallery and I would like a view!
And we both agreed, that we would like to restart the B&B again.
Through this time and realising we probably were not going to meet each requirement, I found myself saying that The Gallery wasn’t a deal breaker.

Come July, we were sat with a pile of brochures and pretty much still no further forward and we would need to think upon Tulloch, winter etc
We also decided to to go ahead with getting married, we just picked up with plans we had had for 2018 with that.
Alistair had the Farm to deal with, which was now under offer.
Sorting through those brochures, there was one, which we both for some reason had overlooked, why, how, just do not know, but we both agreed, that it was a must view!

The viewing was arranged, it was the most stunning day and there we are stood on a hill, yet again overlooking Loch Tay.
The agent met us there, opened up the property, we stepped on inside and THERE and THEN, we knew! We had found our home!
Only a few close friends knew of the reason behind our travels around Scotland and they said to us, you WILL know when you find the right one.
How right they were!

We left it a short while and then arranged a second viewing, just to make absolutely sure.
We were.
But now was time for the Wedding.

We didn’t have a Honeymoon, but, we did get an offer in our choice of home and it was accepted.
And we got a Puppy! Gordon the Terrier joined the Meikle clan.

So September was full on, we were told that Alistair’s Farm Sale was going well and we were looking to move to our new home mid October, it is about 1000ft up hill, so really wanted to be in before the weather turned.

Mid October came and went, the Farm Sale was to take a bit longer.
Our move would be. November.
November became December!
The farm sale was not going great!
The amount of stress we (Especially Alistair) were under was immense, never mind the fact that we were now close to losing our new home.
Also, during that time, the grieving process for my Father had finally caught up with me!
I thought I had been handling things okay, I wasn’t really, I was just on autopilot and had just kept going. Now came the the release. It was a pain I did not want to go through or admit to, but like us all at some point in our lives, I had to.
My GP and Alistair, were great and both said, it had to happen.
Then there was a foot issue I had been having, a swollen ankle for the last year and it had worsened dramatically and a fair amount of pain came with it. I couldn’t drive and was just hobbling around, so trips to Specialists began.

December was long and agonising in every sense. (Believe it or not, am cutting a long story short here)
We were stressed beyond words, each day and every time the phone went, it seemed to bring another problem.
We were snapping at each other, the dogs were snapping, Pet Lamb had become even more aloof, the skies were grey, I was pretty much housebound with said foot and the air was blue!
We got a call, that was pretty much telling us the Farm Sale was falling through, unless Alistair adjusted a couple of things (And WHY does everything like that always happen just before the weekend)!
Anyhow, Alistair and his Solicitor worked swiftly and turned the tables.
Okay, we will agree to those terms, on the following conditions…
The Farm sale was back on for completion on 20th December and we would move to our new home 0n the 23rd! And amazingly, the snow had held off.

Late afternoon on the 20th, we learnt, that we would again, not be moving to our new home on the 23rd! But, on the 23rd we did get notice of the Farm sale completing and that was a fantastic Christmas gift for Alistair.
Now, it is at this point, that I would like to thank the agent and previous owners of our new home for their absolute patience, faith and understanding in all of this.
To the buyers, solicitors and agents of the Farm, there are no thanks, just please, when you next proceed with another sale, think on how it affects people beyond the immediate ones you are dealing with. And communication is key! Honestly hope our paths do not cross again!

Anyhoo, Christmas Day, amid boxes was a quiet affair and we just chilled.
We needed to do that and now there was nothing we could do until people returned back to work after the holidays.

30th December we get notification, that our new home was definitely ours, that the move is back on and that will take place on 7th January 2020!
Whoop whoop!
I also went down with a Flu virus!

1st January 2020 and Happy New Year and due to our wonderful first footers, I learnt that Gin, specifically our local Badvo Gin is an amazing cure for the colds/Flu etc
One glass and within the hour, I felt much brighter.
Come the 2nd January, it was like what Flu!?

Tulloch was in chaos.
My hobbling was getting worse.
6th January, the removal firm sent packers.
Tuesday 7th January 9am, I load the car with Gordon the Terrorist (As he is now known), Coffee, Cameras and other such essentials and I would drive for the first time in months.
I had about an hours trip ahead of me and I was going at a snails pace, so as not to aggravate the foot any more.
But FINALLY, with anticipation and adrenaline I pulled up outside our new home.
It was lashing it down and it was blowing a hoolie, but I got Gordon and the essentials inside and then just stood and looked out of the window.
There in the very distance, I could see the very first property we viewed last year and then looking out of the other window, I could see the hill and place where Alistair and I got married.
I was home and just had to wait for a few hours before Alistair would arrive, attempt to carry me over the threshold, to much amusement of the fantastic removal guys.
And that night, we slept soundly, which was probably the first time for me in nearly two years!
We are looking forward to sharing with you, our new home, Tombuie, the Hoose on the Hillside – Karen – x

A Squirrel In The Chicken Coop…

A quiet Sunday and McTufty decided it was time for lunch, which meant time to visit Tulloch.
Because it was quiet, McTufty took a good look around, including going into the Chicken Coop!
McTufty fancied a change for lunch, so wanting a lazy Sunday, opted for ground feeding & Sunflower Hearts instead of Peanuts.
But, McTufty wasn’t the only one!
The Chickens had made the same plans.
A new and unusual friendship was soon formed…

Venturing In …

And Taking A Look Around

Who’d live in a house like this?

Lunch on the ground

McTufty Keeping A Low Profile, Hoping The Chickens Wouldn’t Notice

You’re A Funny Looking Chicken!

Lets Lunch Together & Have a Wee Blether

Time To Say Farewell for Today…

…And With A Swish of the Tail, McTufty Was Gone

I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You A Rose Garden …

Monday – Barclay was at his Spa Day today and returned pm looking & smelling lovely, shame it doesn’t last long.

Some nice visitors and a surprise visit from Scotland For All. Good chat and I await to see if TWSG warrants a mention with them.

Tuesday am, Windy and cool again. The gallery signs ended up staying down as they constantly blew down!
Straw & Hay just refused to be swept up this morning.

Was in a miserable mood this morning, which was no good for me or the animals and because it affects them, that made me more miserable.

Pet Lamb managed to seize the opportunity and get into the house, so him and Barclay ran amok and our Dutch guests continued to have breakfast and seemed oblivious to it all. I had warned them it was a mad house!

We had (Please note I said HAD), a lovely climbing Rose on the Kitchen wall. Pet Lamb had been having the odd nibble, but nothing too damaging, but, along came McKenzie and he decided he was partial to it as well. Thing was, his nibbles lot bigger than Pet Lambs! Then, today an eating competition of said Rose began between them, which resulted in McKenzie getting the very last flower from it!
We are now just left with bare wall & few twigs!

Lovely visit from a friend this afternoon, who spoilt me with a bouquet of stunning Peonies and some delicious local Strawberries. Felt very blessed.

Wednesday, I do believe Pet Lamb has gone off Parsnip!! Was doing Grocery Shop, so ordered him some Kale. McKenzie on the other hand, was very keen for Parsnip.

Thursday am, stepped out with Morning Coffee to destruction! Gates half knocked over, wooden stag planter was knocked over and beheaded and a chewed up wicker bird feeder (Sorry Dawn)

Sky engineer came this afternoon. Barclay went crazy! Pet Lamb chased him out of the paddock & McKenzie left a fresh pile of manure near his van, then Bruce decided to go for a full spur attack! This all happened within about 10min and I’m sure he thought he was visiting the Beverly Hillbillies or something!

The longest day, but I was in bed by 8pm.
Our recent guests had suggested I look into Mindfulness, they thought it would be beneficial for me.
I mentioned this in a Facebook post and got great support & advice about it.

Friday morning, woken by the Farmer and the Poodle!

The Poodle has found the pony muck and began to eat it!
The tame sheep was butting the doors wanting to be in the house. I gave him some kale to pacify him, he just came back for more!
Car wouldn’t start.
Everything was in absolute chaos.
I text Alistair two say about car and that I was so done in, then went to beat the hell out of some butter & sugar, which would result in a sunken Lemon cake!
Then, I heard a “Good Morning” echo through the hoose.
Alistair had actually driven back up to Tulloch to see to the car and see that I was okay.
Now love shows itself in many forms and this was one of those forms.
Was cross with Alistair for making the journey, but yet was so happy to see him.
I was stood in what looked like a bomb site, whilst emptying Kitchen Bin, bag had split over the floor, baking ingredients everywhere, I spilt me coffee and had me arm stuck in fleece pocket instead of sleeve.
Alistair was laughing and just laughed & laughed.
It was a priceless moment and his wee surprise visit made my day.

As did the dozen or so bikers who would shortly follow to visit TWSG … AND … they thought the Lemon Cake was delicious!

Found a poor dead Blue tit fledgling on the lawn this morning.

I hadn’t told Alistair, but McKenzie likes to play with the hosepipe and there has been a couple of rips appear in it. Today whilst hosing the yard, the almighty of bangs. The hosepipe had exploded! I do not know who got the biggest fright, sheep, pony or me! But do know that I was the one who was soaked! Said hosepipe is now in several bits.
This is a mad house!

Loch McBasil

Seat in Tulloch Meadow

Feeling blessed with my beautiful peonies

Before…

…After Sheep & Pony attack!

McKenzie got the last flower!

Half a year gone ….

And you are gone.

Over half way through June.
The year is going by far too quickly.

We have two lots of House Martins nesting, on a night in bed you can hear them chattering, tis lovely.
Swallows diving in and out of the stable, but nae as many as last season.

It has been hot, can you believe way too hot, then Thursday Storm Hector paid us a wee visit and yesterday was torrential downpour, the yard was about flooded!

And we now have a Pony living at Tulloch! Two mugs broken and a Garden Parasol demolished this last week! And as I’m sat typing this, Alistair reckons he’s messed up the Sky dish too!
He is a proper Thelwell character!
Am hoping that all the animals will get on together (Eventually)

I can’t say I’ve had time to enjoy this Spring. Work is nonstop and that is why I have now blocked off Airbnb and am taking no more bookings. Still too soon to say if I am finishing it forever, but certainly come August I am done for now.
Exhausted and really struggling to cope, never mind not getting any Photography done and I need to be and WANT to be.
And The Wee Scottish Gallery is coming into its own, yet lots more to do there too.
Just work, work, work, hence behind on this journal too, it HAS to change.
On a positive note, oh boy, the sleep, the Gravity Blanket is awesome!

And talking of Photography, am (Can you believe), looking at trying something other than Nikon!
I think I have decided to trade in one of the McNikons!!
More on that if/when etc

Mum came up for flying visit this weekend, waved her off again this morning, far too short.
But, your ashes are now with me Father and I do so hope that you can hear me talking to you.

I want to wish you Happy Fathers Day Dad and to tell you that I miss you every day, as does Mum.

There is a huge void in our life’s, which try as we might, it will never be filled.

Life is changing again but more on that on a future post.
Just want to talk to you again
Karen x

Basil Fawlty …

Saturday 5th May and another beautiful day break, alas, short lived.

Good Gallery day and the new Galley in the Gallery was launched.

Come 3pm, it was between now and 6pm that tonight’s guests were due to check in. Just before 6pm, Phone rang, due guests …. “Would 7 or later be okay, we’d like to do more sightseeing”! I am ashamed to say that I turned into Basil Fawlty within a split second! And the French girl soon felt my wrath down the phone! We were meant to be going out tonight to the Kirky Bar for Gary’s official opening night. When they arrived, they also wanted to use the kitchen and wanted to checkout before 7am. Basil Fawlty part two came on!

I have been contemplating finishing Airbnb, well, am certainly cutting down bookings and on a whole, we have been blessed with guests, but ones like these really do make me question it and as I said in my review of them, a hotel would have been a better option for them. By the girls own admission, she just hadn’t read the house manual or my welcome message.

Sunday 6th May – What a cold dull one! Then after mid afternoon, the skies cleared and the sun burst. It almost became too warm! Time for a glass of Prosecco (Or two) and to soak up some free vitamin D. Stunning sunset, even our Russian guests took a walk down the glen to view it.

Monday 5th May – Woke at 12.30am, paddled round the house, eventually returning to bed, only then to be rudely woken by the Poodle!

Disappointed to see the sunshine had gone, was colder again and then there was a downpour! Typical Bank Holiday and reckoned it would be a quiet gallery day. Come lunch, out came the sun and what a beautiful afternoon and I was (Pleased to say), wrong about a quiet gallery day, help was needed! Also pleased to say, that the Tulloch menagerie behaved themselves with visitors today.

No idea what’s up with 4G, lack of it is driving me mad!

First Wasp of the season today.

The Galley

The Galley in the Gallery

Chickens Enjoying the Sunshine

Tulloch Sunset

May the 4th be with you …

3rd May – What a beautiful start to the day, blue skies, sun, birds singing and heard my first Cuckoo of the season.

By 7am, grey skies and cold! And it stayed like that for much of the day.

Friday 4th May – Change Over, Ironing, Bread Made, Grocery Shop and The Wee Scottish Gallery Facebook Page all done by 9am! And what another beautiful start to the day.

10am – yep – grey cloud!

Another nonstop day, but more about that in next entry.

In the meantime, please go Like the new Facebook Page … Wee Scottish Gallery

8.30pm and time for tea and then the gravity blanket will soon be calling Zzzzzx

Gravity …

Continuing on Saturday 14th, was just thinking about Bedfordshire, when we notice the outside light come on, there was a pussy cat visiting Tulloch. All I saw was it’s wee white paws. Barclay was beside himself!

Sunday 15th – And 2.10am wide awake, oh and cramp thrown in for good measure. WHAT? Was Loch building yesterday, does that not warrant a wee bit of extra sleep at least??! AND I had taken two sleep Gummies!

Struggled on throughout the day, but come 3pm I could do no more. Tonight I would move back into the marital bed after having a few nights in spare room. Don’t think it really matters where I sleep, I still struggle.

Monday 16th – Awoke at 4, but nae up til 5, this was good. Had woke earlier with a hand across my face, but Alistair said this was due to the fact he has been able to spread out the last couple of nights! Mixed weather, but milder at least. Great progress with the Gallery extension. I mounted prints for best part of the morning, then it was website work and hopefully getting SEO sorted.

Noticed McQuack spent most of the day swimming on Loch McBasil, which saying that Muscovy Ducks are different to other Ducks and usually don’t do ponds etc, am impressed. McDuck was late off the nest this evening for her break. She is doing ever so well, I’m counting down the days til Duckageddon, so she surely must be.

Woodpeckers, Wagtails & Siskins all very active.

Tuesday 17th – And up at silly o clock, laid in sunroom for a while listening to the rain on the roof, 5.30am, could feel sleep coming on, so away back to bed I went, Alistair would get up and Barclay would join me. And 15min later, ”twas no good, up again!

Still a downpour and we got wet in said downpour.

Exciting progress with the gallery extension today, an entrance has been cut through. Gives us a much better idea of the finished project. Whilst Jim, Dawid & I were stood admiring their work, main door crashed open and tame sheep ran amok through gallery!!

Delivery this afternoon and … did you heed my words and take shares out in insomnia industry?? I hope so, as the Gravity Blanket has arrived! So heavy, that Alistair had to carry it upstairs for me, but I have every faith in this product and it will be worth every penny if I get some decent sleep. *Watch This Space*

The Grand National…

Thursday 12th April – 3.30am and up like a shot! Perhaps should have had a Gummie?

Framing this morning and got done by midday.

Beautiful day (When out of the breeze).

Saw a Peacock Butterfly sunning itself in the meadow.

Daffodil leaves poking through.

Work continuing well with Gallery extension

Friday 13th April – 6am, nae even finished me first coffee and Barclay was digging the biggest hole in the garden!

7.30am and I waved goodbye to our charming guest Angela, wishing her well with her next chapter in life. And … that is now me having a week off from Airbnb! This will be the first in over a year. Love it, but I am just exhausted at present.

It turned out to be a grim cold day, an abundance of Finches in the garden.
Jim & David made great progress on the Gallery extension and got tables, chairs etc ordered for it today.

Saturday 14th April – 3.01am and that was me up!
Saw the breaking news of us bombing Syria.
Today was nae a day I was looking forward to, yet, has always been a great one in previous years, The Grand National.
For as long as I can remember, Dad would put my bets on for me and we always had great chat in the morning about it.
Today would have been no different and then we would have been discussing the latest news on Syria, we enjoyed talking politics too.
Mother telephoned am, did I want a bet on the National, I said no, everything had changed, it did not feel right.
Though as the day wore on, I began to have second thoughts, Father would indeed want me to, so I made my selection and got my bets on with William Hill.
Alistair home early and a spur of the moment decision was made to continue work on Loch McBasil, am exhausted as I type, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
4.55pm, dropped tools and headed on indoors to watch the National.
Champions theme was playing, (That was what Mum & I walked into Church to at Father’s Thanksgiving Service).
Jockeys steadying their rides and they were off, by time they had finished their first time round, I was already out of my seat, heart in mouth and talking to Dad, Pleasant Company was in the lead and was looking comfy.
What a finish, a photo finish and congratulations to Tiger Roll & Davy Russell on your win and to Gordon Elliott and his yard, not forgetting owner Michael O’Leary.
But, not only I had I got 2nd place, I also had 3rd with Bless the Wings.
Just a shame that William Hill app & site is down and no one can collect their winnings!
Back out to Loch McBasil to tidy up, then will finally collapse on the ole sofa as soon as Ive published this.

Father & I with his horse Claudia Miss

First Place

What a difference some sunshine makes

Gallery Visitors!

Loch McBasil

Progress slowly been made

Overcast …

Woke during night, but actually managed to stay in bed til 7am! And then it was Barclay who made sure I got up.

Nice morning again, but more cloud appeared. Got bread made for guests and even set on giving espresso machine a good clean.

11am Deer appeared in field for brunch.

McDuck came out of the coop, so took the opportune moment to head on in, only to find Agnes in a nest box! Thought McDuck was eating, but saw her away doon the glen with McQuack! Hope she isn’t getting tired of motherhood already?

Perthshire Open Studios application came through, so got registered for it.

I do not think we have the brightest animals in the box! Would give fresh grit and treat sticks to the poultry and cleaned out their sandpit and got fresh sand in and all they did was stand at outside of fence looking through, wondering how to get to it all! Gate wide open and these treats are near said gate! However, tame sheep figured it out and grit went everywhere!

You know you are tired, when trying to eat your Rice Krispies and you’re using a fork instead of a spoon! Whilst eating said Krispies, took a read of latest ‘Your Chickens’ magazine, especially article on Cockerels & aggression. Think I’ll put it in the coop for Bruce to browse over.

German guests arrived.

Tuesday 10th April – Hadn’t gotten up during the night, but tossed n turned a fair bit. Cooler morn and overcast. Up at 6 and pretty much on with jobs, then into Gallery to mount prints.

And looking out to Loch McBasil, there I saw for the first time McQuack swimming on it.

By time midday came, my M.E was playing up and I was exhausted, so time for some time out and snoozed.

McQuack totally disappeared this afternoon, but I saw him returning back up from the river around 5pm. I wonder if he’s messing around on the river with wild ducks whilst McDuck is on the nest?

DSCN0317 DSCN0318

Duracell Poodle…

Woke and was nae in the best of moods! Was not helped by the Poodle, who in the following hour was in a destructive mood and destroyed a box of batteries, which I may add, Alistair had left lying around. Had a busy day ahead and morning coffee wasn’t doing its thing either! Was wondering how long it takes for ‘Inner Peace’ (See yesterday’s post) to kick in.

Made a start with ironing, only to see a flash of brown race past. The Poodle had now got my bra!

For Barclays next trick, he got a garden cane. It wasn’t even 8am yet and was proving to be a very long day already

even though it had been a beautiful daybreak, it was now snowing again.

Ryan with trailer arrived and it was time to start clearing sheds (More on this soon).

Grocery shop arrived pm, Including the Cherry Juice, Which after googling bedtime drinks, it was highly recommended. 10pm, I climbed the wooden hill, cherry juice in hand looking forward to my new improved sleep.

12.30am I was up! Obviously hadn’t drank enough Cherry juice, though my bladder said otherwise!

Busy day, gallery hive of activity this morning and in the afternoon Frame order arrived. Now can not move in the sunroom because of boxes and that is my weekend sorted.

Haven’t seen McDuck all day.

Friday pm, stepped out before bedtime and had a right Frog Chorus going on, then sensed movement, Barclay was agitated, called Alistair and got the torch, there near the door was one member of said chorus.

Got me Cherry Juice and headed to Bedfordshire.

3.30am! Wide awake! Tried to roll back over to sleep, but mind had already gone into overdrive and bladder wasn’t going to be outdone either, so up I get. Barclay followed too, which is actually quite comforting and I didn’t have to tiptoe around as much, as no guests in tonight.

Nothing like deciding to do some early morning baking to make you return to bed, so 4.30am that’s what I did

So today (Saturday 7th April) was overcast, but milder, no hat required. Gallery open, steady trickle of folk throughout the day. Made a start cleaning/hosing yard, 2hours it must have took and the stretchy expandable hosepipe has mind of its own, 3 times it got out of control, yes, I got soaked!

McDuck left her nest for 1/2hr break, so I got the chance to see to coop. Her nest is even more downy, am so impressed with her and was thinking, I could sleep in all that down.

Got Alan telephoned today and it was so good to catch up and meant to be I reckon. Have been having a think on work over these last couple of weeks and have sort of felt Dad has been nudging me in a certain direction, proved even more so with call to Alan, just what was needed and head bit clearer.

Ach, made mess up with grocery order, get recipe out for tonight’s stir fry and I ordered the wrong bloomin nuts! So 30min of my time was stood shelling n skinning Monkey Nuts, as I’ve nothing else to do what so ever!!!

French guests tonight seem lovely .