Who would have thought of it. For once while it is floods and thunder storms down south, we are basking in our second glorious week of sunshine. So much so that we've been out watering the garden and the farmers are (of course) worrying about the barley crop. But all the way to Campbeltown the bright green landscape shows us that the silage is in and already en route for a second crop.
A lovely afternoon spent indulging myself in a spot of sunbathing down on the bay. Two other groups of people there happily splashing around and a couple of yachts , and  that was it. Apart from hordes of gannets up from Ailsa Craig and having a splendid time swooping into the sea.

The ridiculous new path from the Hall to the village is now complete with lights so no longer can dance goers justify falling into Dougie's field - what spoilsports the Government are. But visitors to the cottages will not even need a torch as they wend their way home. Will it spoil my  stargazing from our balcony? That remains to be seen, but for any would-be astronomers amongst you we have an almost perfect 'dark skies' area here, and once we're over the longest day it will soon be out with the telescope again.

Time to go and have a taste of my first strawberries of the year from the hoop house,although sadly the gooseberries are looking very sad  - that's gardening.

I don't know what happens to the blog over the winter - we still have people coming and going, we still have bookings coming in, but basically outside it's damp and cold and there are no leaves on the trees and the place just doesn't look inviting! But it is, it is! Since I last wrote we have had dances, concerts, the terrific little Music Festival (worth coming to next year ) , the Kintyre Way Ultra with runners and cyclists whizzing past the window, and now the huge excitement of re-roofing the Village Hall and a mammoth and ridiculous path project from Hall to Village which involves about 50 men, cranes, diggers, road rollers and huge trucks -  all of whom trundle down the single track road from Lochgilphead. So much for austerity! And all we want is a few of the potholes filled in.

But this means that you will be able to walk very very safely as far as the next dangerous corner. 

Now, I know you will be wondering why I'm showing you this dreary picture instead of the bright green young leaves of the beeches and limes of Carradale, BUT, this is very special. Because this is the start of our green roof.


As we sat on our balcony and looked at the tatty garage roof which leaked like a sieve, we knew something had to be done, and I hit on the idea of planting the roof and making a garden. We got very enthusiastic and then looking at all the pros and cons we sort of gave up. However a Christmas present of 'How to plant a green roof' did the trick, and about 2 years later (and a lot poorer) we have just completed planting the roof with 'Seascape plug plants for green roofs'.

It is a very tedious process - very strong joists and wood followed by waterproofing then a serious liner, than a fabric liner, then 5 tons of special soil carted up (mainly by Mike) in bucket loads, and then planting 203 wee plants (mainly me) and then letting the whole thing get going. but even after 6 weeks it is thriving and we actually have 6 flowers! 

I will keep you posted.