Katie Beardie

Katie Beardie had a coo 
Black and white aboot the mou' 
Wasnae that a dainty coo? 
Dance, Katie Beardie.

Katie Beardie had a hen, 
Cackled but and cackled ben. 
Wasnae that a dainty hen? 
Dance, Katie Beardie.

Katie Beardie had a wean 
Widnae play oot in the rain. 
Wasnae that a dainty wean? 
Dance, Katle Beardie.

Katie Beardie had a cat, 
Sleek and sly and unco fat. 
Wasnae that a dainty cat? 
Dance, Katie Beardie.

Meaning of unusual words: 
but and ben=two roomed house 
wean=young child

This isn't the picture I expected to be posting. Such a beautiful day today and so, having it all to myself, I decided to head north to Speyside for a spot of walking. Climbed up Craigellachie and saw my first cuckoo of the year and stunning views from the top but I'm just no good at capturing landscapes and the photos I got didn't do justice to what I actually saw.
This photo was taken on a wee lochan near Loch Garten. As soon as I saw that hanging bit of lichen the name Katie Beardie popped into my head, although I don't know why as I grew up in England and so it wasn't something I heard as a child. 
Two slightly sad discoveries - my favourite tearoom at Glenmore, which was a bit rough and ready but cheap and full of character - has been gentrified (and the prices seriously increased.) Secondly - the lovely tearoom at Inshriach nurseries where you were guaranteed to get up close and personal with red squirrels, has permanently closed. Sob.