September sunshine.

The month of August departed with a wet and windy week. On Sunday evening the temperatures on the highest tops of the Cairngorms dropped to below freezing point and some high peaks had 'powder snow' which a Mountain Weather Spokesman said was quite rare in August. This week the temperatures here have dropped to single figures at night giving a slight chill in the evenings and mornings. However the days have dawned with a clear blue sky and the temperatures climb gradually during the day to almost 20C with a lovely warm easterly breeze. We have taken full advantage of this glorious weather and gone out for a few drives in the local area - great to think these views are just a short drive away from Aspenwood. The water on the lochs sparkled like diamonds, the heather is beginning to flower on the mountain slopes and the sheep seem to be content with life -  and so are we.

Timothy Spall filming on Loch Ness.

The following information and photo was sent to us by the Loch Ness RNLI.

"Timothy and Shane Spall filming with Loch Ness RNLI today.

Timothy Spall (Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Auf Wiedersehen Pet) and his wife, Shane, will be filming on Loch Ness today as part of their adventures for Spalls At Sea, a documentary about life aboard their 50 foot Barge as they travel around the coast of Britain.
They have a film maker embarking during the day today and Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat will be on the water during this event.
Tim and Shane are great supporters of the RNLI and have been calling in at RNLI stations and meeting the volunteers as they travel.
Loch Ness has been a very much anticipated highlight for the duo and they plan to be in the area for the Glen Urquhart Games and Gathering on Saturday.
Last night they met the crew of the lifeboat and witnessed a training exercise.

         Pictures are Timothy Spall, Loch Ness RNLI member Gordon Menzies and Shane Spall."

NESS EXPRESS

The 'NESS EXPRESS' RIB [Rigid Inflatable Boat] is operating in its second year and is again proving to be very popular for those who enjoy a thrill on the water of Loch Ness. The 'Ness Express' One and Two both seat 12 people and are safe,comfortable.very fast and operate from April through to November.

They now do various trips, the most popular for our guests has been the hour and a half trip from Fort Augustus up to Urquhart Castle and back. We know the times of this trip and as they zoom in front of the house we wave at the excited passengers and driver who wave frantically back. We feel like we are out of the film 'The Railway Children' so we call ourselves 'The Rib Children'.

Oh what fun we have.

Sunset and September.

As we sat outside yesterday with a wee drink at the end of the day we watched the sun setting behind the mountains opposite and the sky changed colour from light pink and all shades of orange to deep red. These colours were reflected in the water of Loch Ness and it was better than watching television. We never take living here for granted and it is so nice to be able to share it with all our guests who come to stay in the cottage. Hopefully our guests staying in Aspenwood Cottage at the moment also witnessed this amazing light show possibly from the decking area overlooking the loch.

Due to a cancellation there is a week this September still available....Saturday 18th to Saturday 25th...who knows what magical show will appear on Loch Ness then.

Little and Large greenfinches.

Noticed an unusually large round scruffy juvenile bird resting on the side of the bird bath without a care in the world. I was able to get a few inches away for some close up photos and it just gazed casually back at me. We had quite a conversation, although a bit one-sided, and I was able to recognise it as a juvenile greenfinch by the olive green head plumage, the distinctive finch-like beak and the yellow bars forming on the side wings and tail which are later used as a visual threat to other species.
It is strange to think that one day it will be as sleek as its male parent who was eating greedily nearby at the sunflower heart feeder and pecking at any other bird who dared to come near.

Anniversary Weekend.

We really enjoyed our Anniversary Weekend and the sun came out as organised. On Saturday we had a lovely lazy day and then sat outside with our guests who are staying for two weeks so no changeover to do. On Sunday we had a long relaxed lunch with a good friend and neighbour and sat outside in the sun. However the highlight of the weekend was gazing at our special present to each other - a new 4 drawer coffee and cream filing cabinet [2 drawers each!]. We are right now in the throes of refurbishing our office plus laying a new oak floor so this filing cabinet is an essential piece of kit to keep everything contained neatly.....every girl should have one ! 
Many thanks to all the kind messages we received - they all meant alot to us. Thanks to Ron and Irene [+ Charlie the dog] for sending photos of the squirrel taken from Aspenwood lounge recently on the feeding fence.....all photos gratefully accepted.

The 39 steps.....

Tomorrow Ray and I celebrate our 39th Wedding Anniversary so we are having an anniversary weekend starting right now.......CHEERS everybody......

Piper at Aspenwood Cottage.

Donna and John, our guests staying in Aspenwood Cottage, celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary yesterday and we were kindly invited to join them in a toast. As we were enjoying drinks and a lovely cake in the lounge the magical sound of the bagpipes drifted down the driveway. We all went outside to watch and listen. As a surprise to Donna John had organised 'Spud the Piper' from Aviemore to come and play especially for her. We were all amazed listening to this talented man who is in great demand at various venues all over Scotland. He declined the champagne as he had another gig to attend and settled for a cuppa in the kitchen where we all had a good chat and laughs. 

After a rendition of 'Flower of Scotland' we all waved him goodbye and watched him walk up the driveway to his car. A very good way to celebrate any special occasion .. so a big thank you Donna and John for letting us share it with you both.   Remember to put the sound on.