Colourful Feature

Thsi delightful garden setting was created by Andy Loudon a few years ago.. I felt the bright Autumn colours were a grand cheerup to counter the deep mid winter here in Scotland. More from Andy after New Year along with a link to his website.

Quiet Time after Feast

The cat in this photo sent in by Mark Jurus looks so comfortable. This is how I felt after eating my Christmas dinner. It is that quiet time when even I am happy to relax and not think about building walls for a day or two.
Go to http://rockinwalls.blogspot.com/  to see more about Marks's dry stone activities and another picture of the comfortable cat.
Autumn scene from Andy Loudon on 31st. December.

Merry Christmas

A very Merry Christmas to all who put on stones around the festive period or even around their waists.

Lunkie

Sheep creep, hog hole, badger pass, but no humans.

Slate Feature at Dolleriemuir

This feature was built by David Welch with old slates left over when he repaired a roof close to his property. Quite an achievement for someone who normally works with lime mortar. 

What a Difference a Week Makes

I went by foot to take this photo of the wall only finished a week ago. My wee car couldn't make it along the track because of the deep snow, Last week the track was very bumpy and muddy this time it was smooth and icy. Forecaster say it could be Christmas before the thaw comes. January is normally when the bad weather gets going. Roll on my annual escape to the Mediterranean.
Next post on 15th December is a feature in the neighbour's garden at Dolleriemuir.

Capping the Dyke at Dolleriemuir

What a great finish to a wall. Angus and Caroline fitted on the last three cope stones after inserting a bottle with details of the build left as a message to the future. The neighbours and their families arrived to celebrate with suitable refreshments, sparklers, speeches and an amazing cake. The cake had been made with blocks of chocklate sponge and a coping of chocklate buttons. Each person was offered  delightful pieces of simulated stones.

Entry on 11th December relates to a sudden change at Dolleriemuir.

Work close to home

I often travel long distances to find jobs in dry stone. I was very fortunate recently to find an opportunity to build a wall close enough to nip home each lunch time. The regular cups of tea, biscuits and pieces of cake from the owners, the entertaining chat with them and their children added greatly to the experience.

To cap that there was a gathering of neighbours at the completion, details of the celebrations in the next entry on 7th December.