Ruboftheweathergreen won’t last long, will it?

The MacNaughties were drafted in to hoover up after a good party, with legions of glasses wrapped in paper returned to the barn

Haven’t we been lucky with the weather?! Of course, by the time you read this it may well be cold and wet. In short, business as usual. For the MacNaughties, these hot temperatures are a mixed blessing. The Norfolk Terrier finds them rather testing. Memo to mum – he is in dire need of a clip. Yet whilst poor Rummie wilts, his less hairy brother, Barra, blossoms.

The cocker spaniel lies sprawled out on warm gravel, the spring rays working wonders on his arthritic leg.

When the day is done the chief and I have also taken to relaxing outside. Sometimes in loungers with a nice drink in hand – and why not?

Because there has been no rain the grass has not grown. So why bother with the mowing? Then the heat has dented appetites. So cheese and biscuits can serve in lieu of a proper meal.

It is threatening to become something of a lazy life. But this week we must rouse ourselves.

We are having a drinks party. A hundred people are expected at

Armstrong MacGregor Towers – and as the day approaches a mild panic sets in. Boxes are brought in from the barn. They contain legions of glasses that have been wrapped in paper and must now be washed and dried. Bottles of fizz are bought. Then there is the food to consider.

Oval platters are lifted down from the tops of cupboards. And these will hold the piles of canapes now being assembled in the kitchen. Smoked salmon is laid on thickly-buttered bread. Pate is spread on crispy croutons and topped with a sliver of gherkin.

There are the tiny pastry shells which I have been painstakingly making and freezing over the last few weeks. These are defrosted and are filled with a mix of hummus, or egg mayonnaise. Small sausages are cooked and rolled in mustard and honey. There will even be pineapple and cheese on a stick. It is very retro, I know. But at least the pineapple is fresh.

It is some operation. Furniture must be moved so folk can move easily around rooms. Rugs are rolled up to prevent slips and the more delicate ornaments are put to one side. When all is ready the MacNaughties are put out of the way. Into the office they go. Much to their disgust. They like a good party.

I think it is a success. The thing is, I can barely remember speaking to anyone for more than 10 seconds. Then that is what happens at your own party.

The next day the MacNaughties are sent in to hoover up dropped bits of pastry. The platters go back in the

The chief and I are both exhausted, so we go outside to sit in the sun. It cannot last.

cupboard. The glasses go back in the barn. I have a feeling they will not be needed for some time. The chief and I are both exhausted, so we go outside to sit in the sun. It cannot last. Come summer proper we will be wearing wellies and brandishing brollies.

Such is the mystery that is the Scottish weather.

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