Breaking the rules

Snow on the pavements this morning when Archie and I went out for a wee dander. One of us skipped along whimpering with delight... I went on down the road, but I could see it wasn't lying much on the Meadows, so didn't venture further. Besides, the tennis was on!

And the women's finals was a terrific match. There were a couple of horizontal snowstorms (with bright sunshine in between) while the match was on. Just as it finished, J texted to say that she and Bailey were up on the golf course in the snow and it was beautiful!

So we bundled up and parked in the golf course car park. The course was closed, of course, and the slopes were mobbed with families out with sledges. What fun! We could see J and Bailey away up on the hill, and as were leaving the car park, a man in a kilt rushed up and told us to come in and have some soup in the cafe when we came back from our walk. Friendly folk at this golf course!

Then another man, not in a kilt, shouted at us that we weren't allowed on the course, it was private property and against their rules. Perhaps the 'Do not cross a fairway when people are playing' rule. But the course was closed, so there were no golfers and no danger of flying balls. He was quite nippy about it. I pointed out all the children, possibly breaking the club's rules. 'But they're young'. My 'But we're old', didn't seem to sway him.

He drove off in his car after I assured him we'd collect our friend and leave his precious fields. However, the kilted man then said it was all right. And asked us again to come in for soup after our walk.

And what fun we had! (See extras). Archie made several snowballs and ran round with them. Then he ate them. His hairy feet ended up with balls of snow and he looked like a wee Clydesdale horse. But he didn't seem to mind. He and Bailey charged around like mad things.

We didn't go into the cafe - dogs not allowed - and so were back in time to see Jamie Murray winning his doubles match! Great morning of tennis.

I've got my knee operation date at last! And yes, it's in February, as promised. Just.