Eighth decade

So the day arrived when Mr A started his eighth decade. As C and K are in town, we marked it with a celebratory walk up Allermuir Hill, which was new to them. There were quite a lot of people around, especially quite some numbers of fell runners. But as ever, the Pentlands were not crowded - at least away from the car park. The walk back along the low path to Swanston was enlivened by lots of horses, some goats (‘curry on the hoof’, according to Mr A with his new enthusiasm for goat curry), and various other mini entertainments. The weather was fine, and it wasn’t as blustery up there as it has been on some occasions. I’ve added C and K in the extras.

Unfortunately the sunny calm weather didn’t stick, and by the time we were sitting in the new Lane Bar that has been created outside the Biscuit Factory, enjoying beer and tapas, it was already getting a bit chilly with the sneaky easterly wind being funnelled through the bar area. But it was fun, and impromptu (and all the better for that). The hoardings surrounding the empty site on Anderson Place have been decorated with some excellent Shona Hardie street art. It rained a bit in the afternoon, but brightened up in the evening, and was actually quite warm, which made our evening plans more conceivable, even though they cheated modestly by pushing somewhat in the direction of Monday’s impending rule change…. 

Anyway, I think Mr A enjoyed his birthday, even though he doesn’t really do these things. What’s for sure is that in due course he’ll enjoy the lovely bottle of red wine and the 15 year old Bowmore that arrived as presents! And I cooked him a pie with a wee message (see second extra).