and enjoys some Autumn sunshine

I've been on the other side of the holiday divide recently, we've been busy at home. So I'm glad that we've had a bit of an Indian summer because I feel guilty if the weather is bad. I know that's silly, because there are some things beyond control and it's  Glamour Puss who claims the magical powers, but it's true.

one of the glorious sunsets we've enjoyed this month

I think Autumn could be my favourite season, the colours are gorgeous and the low sun casts fabulous shadows.  Autumn still feels like the start of the year too,  even though it's years since it actually was.  And it's a time for celebration;  three Starke birthdays, our wedding anniversary and that of  DogStarke joining the family.

Autumn flowers

It's the season for walking, and that's what we've been doing on our days off.  When we moved here I bought a great little  book of walks which we're working our way through.

We're still on the easier ones, graded C or B,  and wouldn't be thinking about moving up a grade until the summer comes;  A and A+ are serious hill walks. One walk has become a regular outing, it's close by and has a beach at each end so heaps of fun for DogS;  others call for a bit more organisation.

get it right or it's a long walk back

Of course all this wholesome outdoor activity does tend to work up an appetite....sometimes we take a picnic.....

but mostly  we call in  for "a little something".  Fast becoming a favourite is  the Ben Lora cafe and bookshop at Benderloch, we've also enjoyed the Bridge of Orchy hotel and the Atlantic Islands Centre on Luing.

Because every good walk deserves cake.....

at the Ben Lora cafe

And anniversaries deserve a celebration, so I've  booked a little stay somewhere. But that's a secret for now.

october 2005

Marina x

and travelled on the Hogwarts Express

Well a little bit of it....

September is a busy birthday month, at the start there's mine,  I wrote about our stay in Glasgow to celebrate that last time a tale of two houses;  MrS's day comes along a few weeks later and we had a little trip to toast that too.

In contrast to my urban break we travelled north and west and for part of the time at least by a much slower means of transport.

First we boarded the West Highland service to Mallaig and enjoyed a  picnic lunch.

Happy Birthday MrS

Smoked trout, oatcakes and champagne

and for once DogS WAS ALLOWED

We had a quick turn around at Mallaig and then boarded The Jacobite Express (aka The Hogwarts Express) for the return journey to our overnight stop in Glenfinnan. We dropped off our bags at our hotel,  Glenfinnan House, and set off to view the two famous local monuments.

The Jacobite (or Hogwart's) Express at Glenfinnan station

We didn't climb the 1745 memorial because we would have had to go up separately, dogs aren't allowed inside the walls;  instead we had a little play on the beach and then headed up to the viewpoint behind the visitor centre. From there you also get a great view of the other famous structure.

Glenfinnan monument

not the Hogwart's Express

DogStarke at LochShiel

The Glenfinnan House Hotel

The Glenfinnan Station museum has developed a path which passes underneath the viaduct and then back to the station, after our time in the train it was lovely to stretch our legs in the glorious early autumn sunshine, DogStarke had a great time with all the new sniffs.


There were candles and a lovely fire to welcome us on our  return,  and up in our room as well as our bags there was a card and present for MrS. We ate dinner in the bar because DogS was allowed in and she wasn't alone.  I think I counted about five other dogs with their owners. If you're not a dog owner/lover don't let it put you off though, they were all well controlled and the main dining room is a dog free zone, the same menu is available in both. After dinner we sat in one of the lounges and read some of the great old books there, a Winnie the Pooh contemporary for MrS* and historic household management tips for me.

Next morning we ate breakfast in the grand dining room with gorgeous views of Loch Shiel. The weather had changed but the loch still locked beautiful through the mist.

breakfast is served...to me!

We had just enough time for a visit to the station museum before catching our train, the regular diesel service this time,  back down to Tyndrum where we'd left the car.

sadly the Callander Oban line doesn't exist anymore

So now it's October, anniversary month.......




*Katawampas by Edward Abbot Parry 1895

A tale of two houses

It was my birthday recently and I celebrated with a trip to Glasgow.  It was lovely because most of my favourite people (and DogS) were able to join me there too.  MrS and I stayed at our Glasgow favourite, Blythswood Square Hotel . This was I think our fourth visit,  so what is it that keeps us going back? Well reason number one is that they are dog friendly, (there is a charge for dogs but they also supply beds and bowls)  DogS was welcomed even more warmly than us.  That brings me to reason number two, the staff;  everyone we've encountered throughout our visits has been friendly and helpful.  I think it makes a real difference. And no, I'm  not being paid to say that.

The last time we stayed,  just before Christmas I was feeling poorly and couldn't face a night out, this time I enjoyed two great nights, my birthday at The Finnieston and the following night a more bijou gathering at  The Pelican. Both were very good with a special mention to the The Pelican's Glasgow dish,  a slow roast pork delight, I didn't have it but MrS and the GlamourPuss did and it looked delicious.

We didn't just spend all our time eating, we had time for a bit of culture too. On Saturday we drove out to Helensburgh to visit The Hill House.  Mr S and I had been before but it was a first for Glamour Puss and  The Prof. so it was nice to share it with them.  Some extra rooms were open too with enhanced displays explaining the design features and conservation challenges ahead.  It was gorgeous enjoying the bright light filled rooms on a sunny day.

The next day MrS and I made a visit to a very different home the Tenement House another National Trust for Scotland property. This was a first for us both,  though I've wanted to visit for a  long time. Much smaller than the Hill House it still made for a fascinating visit;  the last owner Miss Toward not only kept the same furniture over the years and resisted electricity into the1960's, she also stored bills, letters and recipes which are displayed and give a wonderful insight into her life and times. There was also for MrS the memory of a similar flat and being tucked up in the box bed in the kitchen when he was unwell.

But that, as they say is another story. For another day perhaps.......