Synod and home...

In the end, these events seem to gallop to their conclusion. On Monday evening, it all stretched ahead, as we enjoyed our leisurely dinner and walked back to the hotel - but from the next morning, I felt as if we never stopped until we were home again, tonight, trying to compose a coherent blip before my computer slows down at midnight when the backup kicks in. 

I always think the best bit about the Premier Inn experience is the breakfast, and despite our splendid dinner last night I made sure I didn't waste any of the opportunity. The fruit compote is particularly pleasing ... but I also love a bit of hash brown when it presents itself. I told myself that I needed the energy ... 

Today we missed our walk to the Synod venue because we had to take the car with our cases in it, struggling to find a parking place as wandering delegates seemed oblivious to the fact that they were in mortal peril. (ie try not to bury your face in a capacious handkerchief in the middle of a busy car park!). I had a change of table companions today, giving me a chance to meet people I didn't know as we rattled through the agenda with sporadic comfort/coffee/lunch breaks. We ended with Bishop David's final charge to synod - the challenge to share our reason for being a Christian, and to do it in 45 seconds. (We had a shot at this, in pairs - quite a feat, really.) And then it was over, with a final act of worship, and we creaked to our feet. 

It took far longer to escape than I had hoped - there were people to consult, and people who wanted a word, or a favour, or ... But eventually we were on the road, heading for the snowy tops above the Pass of Brander and on down the utterly picturesque road through Inveraray, along Loch Fyne side, and on to Strachur, where I rang Himself to warn him I was on my way. He made dinner; I had a shower. I did nothing this evening but slumber over the telly. #2 son is about to arrive in Sydney - what a big land mass Australia is! I don't care right now if I never travel again...

And I don't think I'll be doing the messages early tomorrow!

Collage shows stages of today - the biggest photo is of the dying light over Loch Fyne as we head through St Catherine's, 40 minutes from home.