Rudland family on-line

Time has come again to record our visit to the timeshare at Coylumbricge. Bus travel was great - each one up to time and, while the guy up front did all the hard work, Mum and I sat back and had out picnic.

A fair bit of snow still on the ground at the hotel, but we soon got settled in and off to the restaurant for the first evening meal. Most days we went out for walks in the local woods, down the old logging track to Rothiemurchus and Aviemore and in the opposite direction towards Loch Einich. We did not reach that far, as the path was encumbered with snow and icy patches.

Wednesday, we walked down to the town and got on the Citilink bus to Inverness. Spent some time exploring the streets and shops and to the ‘Kitchen on the River’ for lunch. Markie’s to get food for the next few days and so home.

Rowan and Tony came up to stay on Thursday evening. Overnight there ws a fall of snow, but in the morning, car up to the car park at the base station. Because of the amount of snow there, the train was not running. This meant that the lifts available were pretty crowded so Rowan and Tony gave up the idea of ski-ing. Back home for lunch and then up to the carpark at Glenmore. Walking in the forest was fantastic doing a loop and back by the side of Loch Morlich.

Saturday morning was time to pack up: we were offered a run back to Bonkle in the car, a bite of lunch and Rowan took us into Hamilton, where we caught the bus that we would have been on.

Home was fine and cosy as the technology had worked. So another great holiday came to an end.

See the gallery for a selection of pictures to record the occasion.

Tonight we are to have Beef Stroganoff for dinner and Dad thought “Who or what was Stroganoff ?” Hence, see the title. He was a member of one of the artistocratic Russian families in the early 1800s and may be the origin of the name of the eponymous dish. Another claimant was a relation, Count Pavel Stroganoff who was a bit if a gourmet.

Mum even looked on Google to get a recipe ( but did not use it ) Aint she clever ! !

At the end of the year it was decided that Rowan and Janet and their families would be responsible for the celebrations for Christmas and Dad’s birthday. So, on 23 December Mum and I were all ready to make up to Glasgow, but the snow and cold had arrived and car was deemed inadvisable. With reduced baggage we set off on the Dumfries bus, duly arrived with time in hand for coffee in Barbour’s; on to the Glasgow one and up the road with no bother - lots of snow on the hills but the motorway clear. Janet waiting for us and so to Yokermill Road. Next day passed in a flash and there we were sut up in bed waiting for Santa’ little helpers with a stocking for each of us. What fun !
Downstairs there were masses of prezzies for everyone and the Oohhhs and Ahhhs came thick and fast.

Adrian had prepared a great feast for all and we were “stuffed”.

Next morning Rowan transported us to Bonkle for another pile of goodies and another smashing meal. Kenneth came over to join us for the day, too. There was lots of snow there and in the afternoon Rowan, Mum and I took Issy up to the football field with her frisbie which sailed over the snow only to be caught and returned as often as we were prepared to throw it.

Rowan had to go to work on the Monday and soon it was time for Janet to collect us for the return trip to Glasgow. Lots of snow but the roads clear.

Wednesday of course was the BIG day and all the family, making 13 in all ( plus of course a teddy bear to placate the superstitious ) gathered round the table. What a marvellous meal Adrian had made - course after course finishing with a magic cake which was decorated with an old picture of me aged I reckon about 19.

There were so many presents that we could not hope to take home in the bus so they are left on the spare bed till the weather improves.

Bus home fine and the boiler had been left to come on, so house was cosy.

Not so much snow here but the frost never seems to let up. Walk up to see Rita Aitchison on New Year morning as has been our habit for a long time.

Now looking forward to the New Year.