Last night on Arran, to be spent all alone as the Limey's were off for the band Christmas Party.
Like anyone who is busiest at Christmas, this had to take place in January of course (we had our department meal in November).
I was invited, but figured it would be too tempting.

Instead I baked some beans for myself, which I have to say were pretty good.
I packed my case and generally got ready for an early start the next morning.
Well I say early, I caught the bus at 07.00. This morning I'd already been at work for half an hour by that time.

When the Limes came back we did have a chance for a chat before bed.
I was a little perturbed by the following conversation:

- Does [name of person I don't know] expect us to do the rory-bories tonight?
- I think so.
- Well not me, I'll be asleep by then!

It sounded like a really bad codeword for rumpy-pumpy!
Which is fair enough, but it was a shame the word bories was in there. And weird to think of them discussing it over dinner, and Limey turning it down flat.

Of course it wasn't about sex.
The Aurora Borealis were supposed to be visible at 02.00.
Turns out I was still wide awake then, overly worried about missing the bus/ boat/ coach, about my long journey in general and about what I might come home to.
I couldn't see them. Shame, it would have been a perfect end to the visit.

One final photo from the boat, to show it's possible to manage the idiosyncrasies of Gaellic, but still have problems with basic English.

So I think all that's left is for me to thank Dani for her company and good humour.
Oh and dinner - I never paid you back did I?

And Mr & Mrs Limey for their hospitality, kindness and various purchases on my behalf including tickets.
Work have asked us to book our holiday as far in advance as possible, so I'm already blocking in some dates. My birthday is 1st July which is in term time - it's not really fair to book the school holidays as most of my colleagues have children.
Maybe I could come up and frolic in your wonderful house around that time?

I don't feel the same pull to Arran that you've always felt, but seeing the sea is something I try to do every year. And now I wasn't to be amongst the trees again too.
Greedy.

Won't that put you right in the middle of everyone getting ready for the 4th of July celebration? I expect Limey will be playing the "Stars and Stripes Forever" by Sousa at the big concert

Sarge, you are one goddamn funny man. :)