After a fairly prolonged mild late autumn, the temperature has dropped substantially this morning and we've been told we're now facing a week of frosty mornings and perhaps even some snow. I had to scrape the car windscreen for the first time this morning.
I got over the S & D bug I caught on the plane home from USA but I had my winter vaccinations on Monday this week - flu in the left arm and covid in the right. I got my usual adverse reaction to the latter - for the 7th time in a row. It's happened with Astra Zeneca, Pfizer and Moderna - it doesn't seem to matter which one. It was like a short dose of flu - a couple of days, then tiredness for a couple more. I need to think hard about whether or not I take the spring booster next year.
A major development in the saga of the fence. One morning, a contractors' van appeared in our neighbour's drive and a team of workers set about erecting a fence at the back of her garden - a job that the fencers we used refused to do because they felt the shifting embankment would soon bring it down. This was the scene after day 2:
The job is now complete and her contractors took away the remnants of the old fence. It's all very tidy and secure now but it looks a bit like Fort Knox. We never thought she would ever get round to making her mind up and getting a contractor to do it - but there you go. I think our action in putting our fence in annoyed her so much it jolted her into action.
We guess she must have been arranging everything when we were in USA. Anyway, so far it's all quiet - and we hope it stays that way.
Luca's got a new full-time job - starting next month at Scotbeef in Inverurie as a packer. He's also got an appointment in a couple of weeks for his written driving test. Gary's also changed employer.
I travelled to Glasgow 10 days ago for another reunion with my old school pals. Nice afternoon when I finally got there - despite Scotrail's best efforts to scupper my trip.
We spoke to Kelly on Friday - they've now taken on another rescue dog. It's just over 7 weeks now until we fly Down Under. I haven't heard any more about my knee operation but even if I get a letter tomorrow, it'll be too late. I'll have to go through the pre-med again as the last one has expired now and then there's a wait after that for the op - not to mention the fact that there has to be a 6-8 week gap before flying long haul. Looks like it'll have to be next spring/summer.
We're arranging to meet Barry, Helen and Dawn in Edinburgh for lunch when we go down to see Ross next month. Before that, we're heading to Elderslie to see Brian, Mary, Julie and the boys.
To close, a couple of wildlife photos I took on a recent walk up Scolty and a cycle:
