On Friday night I discovered what it was like to party in Ayr. I’ll start from the beginning... We had a nice dinner – on the veranda, relaxed and with a couple of glasses of wine. This was followed by music and the ubiquitous tossing of outfits around the room – girls having fun. By 11:30 we ventured down the stairs and click-clacked in our heels towards the car – en-route surprising the remaining dinner party members with our choice of attire. Were we really going out in Ayr? Dressed like that? Yes, and we won’t need jerseys, we’ll be inside where it’s warm! (And we’ll just conveniently forget the freezing dash back to the car at the end of the evening!) Waving good-bye we ventured forth into the night. To say some of the characters were less than salubrious would have been an understatement... the over-inebriated woman in the tight black dress with on-show pink bra could have been a walking advert for the AA – if she could walk. On arrival at the club we he...

It's that first smell, the first lung-full - it may be halfway through the breathe that you notice it - but when you do, or more to the point when I do, the fresh perfumed air has me breathing deeper and expanding my lungs... lost in the airy moment, craving more of the somehow sweet air. I had one of these moments this evening. Walking along the drive I caught myself in the moment, revelling in the dappled leafy light, reflecting on the day and savouring each breath for as long as possible. Now some people may say that I should be used to that by now - being in the country and all. But perhaps this would be a good time to note that the country comes with it's own set of aromas. While I only have to contend with the diesel fumes for as long as I'm stuck behind a tractor, cows have replaced common-town-pollution for me. I'm sure Wikipedia will furnish you with all the specifics - I can give you the day-to-day: They wake you up in the morning - a friendly good moo-ning ...

Two days ago I went to the Scottish Game Fair not knowing what to expect. Something in the country, a couple of kilts, handful of haggis and the odd dram of whiskey (read Pimms). I'd been advised to dress country too - something I'm working on, because currently don't own any tweed... But I'd taken my boots and jacket - just in case of rain - and thoroughly enjoyed the sunny day! There were a few highlights to the day... one was the sheep racing. The 'host' of this event was indeed Australian and VERY funny. With live commentary and rather naughty competitors it was a sight to behold. There were 6 sheep taking part, all different breeds. This was explained to us while the sheep were still in the van. It was also explained that some of them were first time competitors and that all of them would need some inspiration (in the form of sheep nuts) to compete. Enter host / commentator. Gallantly shaking his bowl of sheep-nuts at the flock, who were eagerly nudging ea...

A late lie-in, selection of papers, eggs Benedict & spoonfuls of fabulous marmalade. To me all these things mean it’s Sunday. A day were running on time isn’t what’s important, but taking the time to languish over everything is. And that’s what I’ve done this morning. I may have woken up early (what’s new) but I lay in bed, dozed, read my book and when I was ready for the world – rather than the other way around – I flopped out of bed. Without rushing or thinking too hard I rummaged around for an outfit, brushed my teeth and made myself presentable to the world. Letting my feet do the thinking I bumbled down the stairs and into the kitchen: time for feeding. Having previously sneakily placed the remainder of the Hollandaise sauce in the back of the fridge, out of general sight, I had a plan for breakfast this morning. From Monday to Saturday I eat a healthy, regulated breakfast. But on Sundays I crack the egg, splash out on the buttered toast and have one too many cups ...

Today I did something VERY cool, and something I can totally recommend... The call came in yesterday that a helicopter wanted to land on the Estate today and it was agreed that in return for a ‘parking space’ someone would be taken for a short trip. I didn’t expect it to be me – I may have hoped – but definitely didn’t expect it. The day had begun with a minor drama but a certain phone call definitely lifted the spirits (pardon the pun) leaving me with a smug grin that was difficult to hide – not that I wanted to – and a nervous excitement in my tummy that told me to hold off from lunch (just in case). I was going to fly in a helicopter. Me and the helicopter Due to land at 13:00, from 12:30 I’d been clock-watching and by the time the rotors were thwarting through the sky at five-to I was standing ready and very excited. After circling a few times (and while this was going on I have to admit a small worry that it would land in another field) it headed somewhat ominously – as they...

In a land far far away (+- 5 1/2 hours on the train) where no planes fly (due to the volcano) and only the sound of creaking doors keep you awake (at least I hope not) lies Caprington Castle... and that's where I am right now! Actually, to be more exact, if it were light and I was looking out the window, I'd be looking out this window: But because it's dark and, well, bed-time, I'm sitting on my rather soft, slightly higher than normal single bed. And I've got two things to worry about: 1. that I'll fall out of the single (for short people almost a bunk) bed and 2. that I'll wake up with a bruise! Plans for tomorrow: explore the Narnia-like cupboard with shiny, enticing doors at the end of my room... Lucky

Why is it mandatory for your local / anywhere Chinese to have decor that's dated. Actually to say it's dated implies that it comes from an era. What I'm talking about is a collection of 'remotely from the homeland' plants whose flowers may look slightly like the top of a temple. Plastic, gold coloured shiny cats that bob and wave. Laminated brick walls, or the ever classy, never subtle orange paint. Don't get me wrong, everyone is allowed their taste, and usually I quite enjoy the flavours from my selected boxes / plate. But there is no relaxed dining here. And it seems to be a world-wide (at least in Cape Town & London) trait. I guess it's always a good giggle! But seriously, is there a decorator who has a monopoly? Lucky

Isn't it great when a country prints money especially so you can play a board game that you previously lost all the pieces for - so thoughtful! Lucky

The other day I was hanging out in the north of London, dining on a recovery roti when this came into my life... 100 g of phallic fun Lucky

Sometimes something really small gives you a thrill. Makes you want to grin ridiculously while elevating you to the clouds you feel you're walking on. It can last for a moment or ten - and always takes you to that happy place. Yesterday I had that moment. Stepping into Trafalgar Square the first few snow flakes began to fall. Light enough to enjoy a swirling twirl in the air before landing on my coat and melting. The excitement of the anticipated, the enjoyment of the present. Filling you up with child-like delight... except this time with a beer. Lucky