Glorious

We slept well and woke to a fabulous crisp sunny day that stayed lovely all day. All but M decided on the parkrun at Lanark moor and we set off in two cars…with our one taking a more circuitous route apparently to arrive after those who left later. The leaves were frosty on the ground…first I’ve seen….and they’d rerouted the run so we didn’t have the chance to run round the lake for the first part but instead went round a chunk of the racecourse. Walking/jogging through the woods was lovely despite the little hills and we all felt invigorated by the end. I had a slower time than I’d manage the last time I went (in February!) to the Holyrood one, and was third (ie last!) in my category.
We returned home for coffee and a collapse/showers then later had soup and cheeses for lunch in our grand dining room before heading off to Dawyck botanic gardens. Stunning time of year to visit… the trees and views were fabulous especially on such a gorgeous sunny day. Wandered along the various paths and chatted about all sorts, then home for a lot of knitting, sofa slumping, camera exploring, tea and cake. So fabulous to sit with a fire crackling in the hearth (being well tended ….as our only responsibility whilst C and M cooked the dinner) feeling we’ve had plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Dinner was delicious…clementine and smoked salmon salad, Tuscan chicken with mash and cavolo nero, then steamed treacle pudding with salted caramel sauce and cream. We were all stuffed! Back up to our gorgeous sitting room for some peppermint tea, then I had a very early night…it’s been so lovely. We’re very tempted to come every year, but if it wasn’t this weather we’d be disappointed after being so lucky this time