Cauld Kail (Cold Cabbage)

    Another couple of new dances last night - I think Nigel is determined to knock us into shape before we take a break for the holidays. I was so tired by the time I got home, but my legs were throbbing so I had trouble falling asleep. I think I am still rather out of shape after the long time away from dancing. This was one of the new dances we learned.

   Not us again, we just had ten brave souls as it was a miserable windy night. This dance, "Cauld Kail" is interesting as it has a change of tempo to make it a medley. First a Strathspey, then a Reel. No idea how it got its name!

A Quiet Sunday

    Got my overseas Christmas cards written today and will get them in the mail tomorrow. Each year it seems that there are one or two less to send and I am always expecting some may be returned as most of my relatives are getting on in years. 

   Other than that it has been a quiet day, too miserable to get outdoors so I have contented myself with finishing my most recent jigsaw puzzle. It was very satisfying to get that last piece in place!

It is from a collection of Indigenous art and was quite challenging!

Festive Special

    Visiting Swiss Chalet for the Festive Special is a Christmas tradition chez nous. We were rather earlier in the season than usual but met last night at our local restaurant. Great fun was had by all as well as a delicious meal and still time for a second visit later in the month. In a way it was rather bitter sweet as we were just 6 instead of 8, but this is our new normal since my son and his wife departed for the west coast. Perhaps we can persuade them to make the trip east next year!

Getting Back in the Groove

    I have finally got myself motivated to resume attending the Scottish Country dance group I belong to. It is on Monday evenings and I rarely go out at night any more so it was a real effort to get there. Once there I usually enjoy myself and am glad I went. They have been going since late September but last week was my first visit. Our teacher, Nigel, and his wife Lourdes, have made every effort to keep it fun and enjoyable. 

    I found dancing in a mask very bothersome but loved to see most of the familiar faces. I found I was quite out of shape and breathless after each dance despite getting lots of exercise over the summer. We aren't able to have our usual "tea break" but Lourdes has been supplying home baking at break time. Catherine brought herself a flask of tea so maybe I will do that next week instead of my bottle of water. Here is one of the dances we learned last night, "Pinewoods Reel". This is NOT us dancing, you can tell as they are not wearing masks!