Christmas Day

Inchmahome Priory Church

Standing on the cracks in the middle of the lake

Sibling affection

Looking west as the afternoon light fades

Snow on the Lake in the late afternoon



Grannie & Gregor

The day started with a visit to the neighbours to fill two water jerry cans, the temperature was -9°C and there was no sign of the frozen outside waterpipe delivering any Christmas cheer. After breakfast, Aileen, Amy, Gregor and I walked across the frozen Lake of Menteith to Inchmahome Island. After four days of brilliant clear days, there was some cloud cover but the experience of walking on the frozen lake was none the worse for it.  The odd skaters were out but the lake was bereft of similar morning adventurers. It was a memorable way to start Christmas Day.

We returned home to open presents with Grannie Ellie, who had enjoyed a lie-in. Amy went skiing in the garden, a bit of a comedown from her normal off-piste ski adventures before we went to the Lake Hotel, where we had managed to obtain a late booking for a relaxed Christmas lunch. 

This was the first time we had eaten out at Christmas and all because there was no water to prepare and cook a meal at home.  We had a table with a view of the lake, one of the best of viewpoints on any day, but even more so as the light conditions went through their full winter repertoire.  Then, as the light faded, we returned home to make various phone calls and Skype link-ups, followed by Christmas naps, more water foraging, a simple supper and, surprisingly, no alcohol. It was strange not to have Eva at home at Christmas but I suppose this is how it is as your children begin the next phase of their lives.