A Grand Day Out

Woke just before 7 and thought about swimming, but I sprang out of bed slightly late at 6.55 and was in the pool by 7.15. I was glad I went.

Home I looked at the sun and decided to revisit the plans and go to the Borders.  Had a look at Floors Castle and Paxton House and decided on the latter.  Unfortunately I sidetracked myself and left later than I should have.  This led to a fast drive (as fast as artics and grass cutting and tractors would allow) down the A68 and 697.  I made it just in time for the 11.45 tour.

It was very interesting though I would have preferred if it had been possible to spend more tome on the rooms with the displays about the Home families links with Grenada and the slave trade.

Sat in the very warm sun for my call about grants and then had lunch outside in the courtyard.  Had a walk round the formal gardens that loom onto the Tweed and England.  I wanted to walk along the river but the Boat House was being sued for a wedding and I didn't want to gatecrash.
 
It was such a beautiful day I drove upstream to the newly refurbished Union Chain Link bridge and walked over to England, and then back again.  The Tweed looked lovely, remined me of Aberdeenshire.

Started the drive home up the A1.  I decided not to go into Eyemouth or Coldingham but did drive down into St Abbs, a place I've never been before.  Had a walk round the harbour which was very noisy, with gulls.

On the way home I had a look at Pease Bay but couldn't get near the beach as it is all a leisure park.  Finally a very quick look at Cove and then home.

It was still really warm and I spoke to A walking around the garden.  The few days of no rain is taking it's tall and something had demolished a tall rose.

Dinner and then a call with G before making the bookings for K's visit in a couple of weeks.

Felt like it was a good day.