Anticipation

People told us it was madness to have open viewing on a Sunday between 2pm and 4 pm and they were so right. Despite warning viewers that there was already a closing date of 4pm tomorrow, most of them still insisted in coming in in droves to see what was on offer. Bedlam is a word that springs to mind.
At 2 mins to 4pm , his Lordship posted a large notice on the door saying "4pm Viewing finished". No dubiety about that then. Don't you just love a man of authority who takes charge?

I have to say, the castle was looking at its most charming today with the sunshine streaming in through the windows (Hopefully I was the only one to notice the illuminated dust). The gardens looked enchanting with the camelias and the magnolias in flower. His Lordship, who doubles as the gardener, bore the viewers praise with characteristic modesty.

We celebrated at 4pm with a glass or two or three of wine and are now looking forward to the finish line tomorrow.

Before this afternoon's mayhem, we took the opportunity to drive down the coast with the thought of a walk on Tyninghame beach. However there was quite a haar the further down the coast we went , so we decided to double back to East Linton and Smeaton gardens. There we found an oasis of calm and rural charm.
We had a coffee and a short walk while promising to return when we had more time.

The blip is of his Lordship in kindly mode, anticipating the piece of cake about to land on his plate in the Smeaton tea room.