Celebrating the sunrise

0550 this morning. It was the last day before British Summer Time, so it seemed a very early rise in the sense of when the alarm had to be set for. Some of the dippers were planning to repeat the experience on Sunday, after the clocks had changed, which of course would be the same time according to the body clock, but would somehow feel different in numerical terms.... (0645).

Mr A came too, and we had to clear the ice off the car first thing. It was glorious at the beach. Just four mad dippers and one bystander. It was great as the sun just popped its head over the horizon whilst we were in the water. Fairly big breakers crashing on to the beach, but as usual once beyond those the swell was modest. We bobbed around for a while. Freezing hands and freezing feet were the reward, and it took me a while to get warm again once home, although a hot water bottle really helped. 

An extra of a big sky and beach plus three small humans.

Later on we tried to organise some plants for the garden, but our chosen supplier would not ship to this address. So we found out that Highland Liliums, which several people have recommended, had what we wanted, so we drove off there (up above Beauly - about 40 miles and 50+ minutes driving). It was mostly a glorious day, although it was obvious there had been quite a sharp shower along the Cromarty Firth just before we were there. It went grey here in the afternoon, although by then I had brought my swimming stuff in from the line, but brightened up again for a reasonable sunset.

We enjoyed company this evening. Not just N and A, but also their friends H and D, who seemed very nice people. Very chatty and interesting perspectives on life up here. They moved up (also from Edinburgh) shortly before we bought this house. They related the challenges of trying to renovate one of the older Tain houses. When we hear that, we realise we made a good choice.