Arrived here on Saturday for a few days.Weather had been cold with snow and ice , main roads fine but side roads a problem at times.Staying in Ptarmigan for 5 nights so glad to say heating working and nice and warm.Now mild and rapid thaw so roads no longer an issue.

Bird feeders empty and same with the squirrel box. Filled them and word got round fairly quickly with plenty of blue tits and 2 red squirrels.Also a couple of pheasants nearby and a rabbit which appears to stay under the decking.

Had a visit to Granton yesterday for some Christmas shopping.Discovered the local bookshop there which was a great discovery.The owner is an enthusiastic old lady who could not be more helpful and if she doesn’t have the books you want she will certainly get them for you.

Heading to Inverness for further shopping today.Need to get some electric bulbs for cottage and some screws for wardrobe door.The screews from 2 of the 3 hinges had mysteriously disappeared..!!

Aviemore is slowly gearing up for a busy period and everyone is hoping that the mountain has enough of the white stuff to get the ski industry up and running after a bad season last year.

In case you haven’t been on the web site before it has been renewed and hopefully improved.

It will take me sometime though to get used to it.

Jim