A wonderful discovery...

Up early again this morning, even before the roofers were here! :-)

I was beyond excited because Radio 4 was broadcasting my beloved Kate Bush's first interview in years on Woman's Hour at 10am.  

By the time the programme rolled round I was ensconced in my studio, door closed and painting, eagerly awaiting her voice....and oh how lovely to was to hear!  More mature but still recognisably her, and still down to earth, a bit gobsmacked by the current world domination of her song Running up that Hill, excited about a new generation of young people discovering her music and as ever, incredibly thankful for anyone who shows an interest in her music.  Sadly there was no mention of any future releases but that's not surprising.  It's not her style to announce things in advance, but I remain hopeful :-)

I carried on painting till midday when a prospective new support worker for Alan's team arrived to meet us and Alan.  She met with Jordan first, who explained the situation and the practicalities of the role, then she met with us, and finally with Alan who took to her immediately (as did we) so fingers crossed she will accept the job offer and will join Alan's team soon.

Not long after that one of Alan's friends arrived for a hydrotherapy session in the pool.  Unfortunately Alan and Ally had gone to Glasgow on a shopping trip by then so he didn't get the chance to see her, but he returned happy this evening with new t-shirts, jeans and pjs.

It was such a lovely evening that D, Lola and I headed out for a short drive before dinner to look for a very interesting place that we've only just become aware of.

When my blip pal P was here from America a couple of weeks ago, we went to the Borders to stay in Dryburgh Abbey Hotel hoping to see first editions of Sir Walter Scott's novels.  Sadly the novels were rather neglected and stuck in a locked cabinet with none of the staff able to find the key!  Well little did I know there is a collection of 19th century editions of Sir Walter Scott's novels not 15 minutes from our house, at Innerpeffray Library!

The library lies on a scenic back road between us and Crieff and we have driven past the road sign countless times but never investigated what lies at the end of the little country lane.  Turns out it is Scotland's first lending library founded in 1680!  

The website states, "We have books on a huge range of subjects – from gardening to witchcraft or from algebra to zoology! Would you like to see the handwriting of Robert Burns? Are you interested in reading the latest news on the Jacobite Rebels? How about getting your teeth into the first printed recipe for haggis – or 18th century dentistry? Perhaps you’d rather gaze at pictures of strange creatures from unknown lands or explore the world through our atlas and travel books? You may even find the books borrowed by your ancestors – then hold history in your hands."  They actually let you touch the books!  

The earliest books in the library date from 1476!  FOURTEEN SEVENTY-SIX!!!!! That blows my mind.  And they have the first printed recipe for haggis :-))

The little path in my blip is the path that runs along the side of the chapel to the library.  I can't wait to return when it's open but before we visit, I want to research properly what books they have and which one's I'd like to see.

P, I am so sorry we didn't know about this little gem when you were here.  You would love it! Top of the list for your next visit!  :-))