Friday 30 August 2013

Just in case you haven't noticed, we've revised our prices.  Again!  This year we offered super discounts if you booked ahead, but of course most people aren't that organised when it comes to visiting Carradale.  It's often a spur of the moment decision, especially when the weather's good.  And what a lovely summer we've had.  Another plunge in Carradale Bay last Sunday - late afternoon when the tide's coming up is perfect. Though most people seem to enjoy just standing in the water trying to pluck up courage!

Campbeltown Music Festival , which was a great success, was on last week-end,  and next Saturday Jane performs another of her plays in the Hotel. What a whirl of activity. And meanwhile we are wondering how on earth we will replace the wonderful Catherine who has looked after the cottages for the last 5 years.  And I'm sure Angie is wondering how she will replace Cath's partner Roger  in the bakehouse.  It's bad enough not being able to get rolls before 9 in the morning - but the thought of not getting rolls at all..................

Cath and Roger are returning to their home area of the Lake District, the delights of Carradale clearly don't overcome the lure of grandchildren! It's taken them about 18 months to sell their house - and there are another 26 on the market so if you fancy moving down you have plenty of choice. 

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Well the busy part of the holiday season is over and the cottages are emptying - although lots of last minute week-end bookings still, it's amazing.

With the good weather to get us started and remind us of all these wonderful summers in the past ( how our memories forget the bad bits) we really had a great time.  Carradale Bay was packed, swimming was terrific, and from up at the Mains we could hear the shrieks and barks of people ( and dogs) thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Every now and then you can see a kite whipping up and down the beach, and we can sit on our balcony and see the masts of anchored yachts bobbing up and down.  Although the new moorings down at the quay seem to have been very successful - although why should it be that the rich yachties don't feel any obligation whatsoever to pay their mooring fees?  Perhaps that's why they can afford yachts and we can't.

Not enough entertainment going on in the village, although the couple of concerts that were on were terrfic , and packed out  And this week-end it's the Kintyre Music Festival so some very good acts in the Victoria Hall.  It's also the Artmap week-end in Argyll with studios all over the place open to the public - makes a super day out. (can be expensive if you fall for a painting).

New settee in Douglas which is very smart - and apologies to the poor souls who had to manage with the collapsing one.  They sent the wrong cushion covers, but we'll swap these on one of our trips to Glasgow.  And a new toaster - if only people would tell us when things break down rather than complaining when they leave!  We're always game to replace anything at any time.

Enough - time to take the ironing up to our wonderful ironer (orshould it be ironeress?) Audrey - who also kindly points out to me that the tea towels are getting a bit ragged. and so it goes on.