The BBC forecast was a glum prophet of doom –this was our morning walk, and in response, Glennie (Spaniel) took off in great glee! Naturally, he had re-joined me by the end of our circuit – as breakfast beckoned – sitting on the doorstep with that expression which suggests that he had been waiting for me, all the time.

The day’s weather continued, with something from every season, from thunderous rain showers, sleet, freezing winds – – and warm sunshine from the bluest April skies.

At lunchtime Glennie learned that he was going to be joined by guests with – two Pugs,and a miniature Dachshund – at last he can be the big dog, for a couple of days at least!

The gardens are just coming into spring and this year, the mowers have already been in action during our recent dry weather – the lawns look a lot better than they did this time last year. The weather has been kind also to the Magnolias,

the hawthorn and beech hedges (about a mile of them) come next into leaf and in company with them will come the procession of rhododendrons and azaleas, lasting through until late June.

It is now Sunday evening – and our Scottish weather has decided on an encore:

Quite an end to the weekend.

LG -Mid Balfunning, Sunday, 16:00