
THE OLYMPIC curling competition has had us glued to the TV. Not just because Great Britain is represented by two all-Scottish teams. That must be unique for any sporting event.

WALKING DOGS can be hazardous – not for me, but for the dogs. More than once I’ve watched Macbeth’s twitching tail advancing down precipitous banks at the Rocks of Solitude near Edzell, in pursuit of particularly seductive scents. One wrong foot and he’d be whirling into certain oblivion on the rocks below, or into the North Esk from which he’d be pulled somewhere about Marykirk.

IT’S BEEN a week of sightings and sounds which started with the most unexpected sighting of all.Urgent calls from the Doyenne had me cantering to the other end of the house.

JANUARY CAUGHT us on the hop a bit, ending as it did with such a hard, cold snap. I enjoy the clear frosty days; it stirs the blood and it’s how I think winter should be.