We are having had another amazing time here, I am now starting to roll my RRRR'sand use terrrms like - Ochaye, Oil ave a wee drrrram.

Here is a bit of a run down on what's been going on.

Kinloss Primary School where I am teaching , is near Findhorn.Itgainedfame in the late 60's early 70's as an alternative self sufficient and eco friendly and spiritualcommunity up near Inverness .I think it is where the idea of hugging tree came from. It has survived as a community and is still very vibrant with a lot of interest these days and they run many courses on how to save the world and yourself whilst at it.- .Which are to do with self realisation as well as practical ecological aspects of lifestyle.Sort of Nimbin -ish. It is on a lovely Bay with cute little pubs and fishing village, just like you see inpicture postcard calendars.They have great organic bread at their bake house where we had Friday afternoon coffee with other teachers.

Kinloss School is near an Air Force base, so most of the students are from other parts of UK. Not your typical ScottishPrimary school.. There are a lot of RAF brats here, but nice ones. Why they need a Room13, they have dislocation issues. Really interesting community.The kids are having a great time and numbers in my class have soared since I have been here, as I am offering something new.. The kids don't want me to go.

We have lots of photo's to tell the tale - as you can see

Now going on, , two weekends ago, we went to see the old farm" Brownhills" near Insch where I was born and the lady who now owns it was very generous and took us all over the place, up to the top field which had 360degree views and was so lovely. They really love the property and it is looking cherished and loved, which was nice for me. I remember walking to school and playing in the courtyard outside of the kitchen.Saw the old schoolhouse in Old Rayne. Stuff like that.Then went on tjh Aberdeen. .

The following day we explored more of our county. Went to an antique fare,I did not think their prices were that bad, then went to anhistoric village nearby, on the Moray Firth and had a pub lunch, then on toa country walk in the Forest,and a Steading with gallery, crafts, and furniture .It was sleeting whist we were walking. We do have good jackets,scarves and central heating.THANK GOODNESS .However I only have two pairs of slacks - a pair of jeans and a pair of black pants and I need to cover legs all the time. Also only have 3 tops that are long sleeves. So my wardrobe is limited here.

We were invited to the Head teacher- Stephanie's place for dinner one night and that was lovely.

We wentup to the highlands later in theweek, as I am not at schoolon Thursday .We went to a Big impressive Castle there called Dunrobin - , Fabulous. Also went to the Black Isle, Saw a Falconry display. I now respect the Falcons and eagles much more.

Then at the weekend.,we headed toEdinburgh.It is gorgeous, very vibrant, would love to be there in the festival time.The Castle, the Royal Mile , saw where Penny lived. A good trip.

Other things we have been able to get around to whilst we havebeen here are -visitanothercastle (Ballindalloch) , andThe Glenfiddich whiskey distillery, as well as Johnstons cashmere and woollen Mill and Shop just down the road. Was tempted with alovely scarf, so soft and gorgeous,a nice souvenir. Understand a lot more about Cashmere now.

We are enjoying the scenery, the misty moors,the daffodils, the wee cottages and villiages, stone fences, cute pub -the one down the road from us is called "The Crooked Inn" and is just as quaint as can be, with good food, a raging log fire, and a cold pint,low ceilings,memorabilia, red walls, stain glass windowns etc etc.. We are going there tomorrow for a Beer and Pie night. This is Dads scene.

Unfortunately , I love the shortbread,- all that butter and sugar goes straight on to the hips.Shame, as they say in St Africa.

Love hearing the bagpipes when in the tourist stops.

It has been freezing, with icy cold wind that takes your breath away. It was snowing a few days ago. I understand whyMum and Dad left, I am sure I would have if they hadn't.We had been intending to Cycle and canoehere however I would freeze, and even Jack didn't push the ideaalso. So we have put that idea off till we get south to England. There are a few hardy Scots who I have seen out cycling here but they have all the proper gear on.

It is interesting being here for the run up to the BritishElection. We watched the debate the other night. Also hearing peoples opinions, particularly the Scots.

We are going to be here for another week and a halfwhich makes it 3 weeks altogether, then on down to England where Jack wants to go to another airshow