Desmond - who's he?

Here in the North East, we seem to have completely escaped the 4th named storm this winter - thank goodness. Those poor souls in Cumbria have had it real hard - again. Is there an argument for at least considering planning for medium/longer term depopulation of certain areas which experience repeated floods, like Cockermouth etc?

All we've had has been some temporary widening of the Dee as the snow melt came down from the ski resorts. The river is back to more normal levels today - I had a good look as I cycled along the Deeside Way this afternoon.

Got some golf in yesterday morning as well - full summer course too. Wall to wall sunshine, but it was pretty cool on the hands when the wind blew.

We had our new neighbours move in to number two this weekend. Mike and Gayle moved out a couple of weeks ago and Catherine moved in on Saturday. We know her name because she was good enough to come along and knock on all the doors in the street to offer them the chance of moving their cars if they were going out because their removal lorry would probably block the street for a while. Jo did move her car, but, in the end, it wasn't necessary as there was still room to get by. Still, it was a nice, thoughtful gesture - a good start.

We're on the move again this week - we've booked a night at Rusack's Hotel in St. Andrews on Wednesday night, with lunch beforehand at Forgan's (http://www.forgansstandrews.co.uk/) and dinner in the evening at the Seafood Restaurant (http://www.theseafoodrestaurant.com/). We should be able to get there OK - I don't think the Tay Bridge is falling down (hope not anyway) - unlike the Forth (Road) Bridge. I'm glad we went to Edinburgh last weekend. Even although we went by rail, I'm sure it'll be madness no matter which way you travel with such a major artery being closed for a while.

That's all for now. Inverurie again tomorrow.