Scotsman's Ramadan

The period between Hogmanay and Burn's Night is often considered the Scotsman's Ramadan while liver and purse recover; its not to say that total abstinence is preferred over moderation however few have serious parties at this time and in general quiet evenings by the fire side are considered decorous. Regrettably after the 25th of January things get back to normal with wine merchants calling with samples and the barrel of the trusty 303 is red hot providing a large freezer full of vitals to last us throughout the year; and we prepare for a "futures" in veggies to keep scurvy at bay in the months ahead.
The new Baronial Ski Boots have been in action on the slopes of "Glencoe Mountain" perhaps a bit icy but a wonderful afternoon so close to home. It is reassuring that the Glen Coe Crouch style still keeps the old hands fairly safe although I found myself muttering about a slightly hazardous return to the top station of the main chairlift; little remembering when such a descent was a virtually unheard of  luxury in the '60s and 70's when we happily scrambled in frozen mud to 1700 feet without a murmur.
Apart from shovelling a fair few tons of horse dung in preparation for the aforementioned veggies our main event has been to switch on the Glen Trollaigh hydro scheme and by golly it works. Of course a cork or two was released and a Sploosh enjoyed as the cash register, sorry the turbine whirred away to itself. However the plan is to have a more serious bash in May for all those involved plus a hanger-on or two when as any resident of the North Argyll Glens would say a generous "Scoop" will be available!
As our winter slowly grids the surface off all country roads it was reassuring to read another classic Oban Times headline "Highland Council to put cash into potholes" probably just what it feels like. Yours aye, Archie, The Baron Trollaigh.