We are into February and being hit by storm force winds and incessant rain.

Good job we have a few bottles of wine in the cellar to digest whilst trying to obliterate the thought of heading out into the cold howling winds outside. Seem to be catching the full force of the wintery storms from both the east and the west. A full mixture of rain, hail and snow along with storm force winds gusting up to hurricane force at times. Our poor ferry services have had to suspend sailings on a frequent basis this month. Never known it to be so bad in all the years we have lived up in Scotland. Not that it effects us too much. We can just hunker down in front of the fire and get absorbed into another book or watch the ever changing fortunes of our various Olympic curling teams as they hunt for medals. Hurling lumps of stone across a floor of ice towards a target. Fascinating, so highly skilled with tactics as complex as a game of chess. 

All the Olympic curling stones that are used originate from the small island of Alisa Craig in Scotland. You can just see it on a good day from off our balcony, looking out to the West. They are made in Ayrshire, to the South of us at Kays Curling's workshop. The company has been making them since the Chamonix games in 1924. The Ailsa Craig granite is some of the hardest and purist in the world.

Moving onto something not so hard. Judith has been suffering this month, not in a physical way l add. It’s more of a cosmetic mishap. On our cruise she snapped off a tooth whilst eating eggs Benedict. Well the toasted muffin to be precise. Which left a big black hole at the front of her teeth. Good job we were wearing face masks most of the time.

Judith hates dentists, and her fear wasn’t diminished after her visit to our registered NHS practice. Fortunately found a private clinic just up the road,  with a kind sensitive Doctor who was able to allay all her fears.

The day after her consultation she had the broken tooth removed, along with the cap next to it. A new pair of teeth made on site, baked to harden and colour, then fitted, all whilst she slept under sedation. In at 1.30 and out at 4.30. Amazing technology performed by a skilled professional.

Even though Christmas has long gone, the Christmas vibe keeps ongoing on and on. We came home to all manner of goodies that we keep diving into, a kilo of M&Ms, shortbread, panettone, Swedish Liquorice and Christmas cake. No wonder it’s taking longer than normal to take off the pounds. 

It’s a good job we keep doing our daily Tai Chi, keeps our joints moving and helps our balance. I have also added another layer of exercise each morning. Just ten minutes low impact chair based workout from the people that introduced us to the fast 800. Give it a try. Workout video. Finish it off with a 30 second blast of cold water in the shower.

Judith coming round after being sedated, totally oblivious to all the work that’s been carried out over the past four hours.

We did have a day of clear sky’s, albeit the winds were still howling and the temperature was bitterly cold, but it gave me the opportunity to get out into fresh air. Headed up into the hills at the back of us. Even though we have had a bucket load of rain it was dry underfoot, due to the upkeep of the forestry tracks.

Found a new section of track heading up and around Innellan and Toward Hill. Unfortunately, just didn’t have enough time to see if it linked up with the circular walk. Another time.

Nice and snug, although not the most attractive look.

What a glorious evening, bitterly cold, but not a cloud in the sky. If we were further North, up in Aberdeen, we may have been lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis, the Northern lights. Nevertheless, we were still treated to some fantastic constellations.

The following morning we took the window of opportunity and caught the ferry over to the mainland as foot passengers. Caught the bus to Port Glasgow to collect our new glasses. Then on to Glasgow city for the night.

A late steak lunch and a few beers, then off to the Cinema. Took in a movie, Belfast, A British/Irish coming of age drama written and directed by Kenneth Branagh. A semi-autobiographical film which chronicles the life of a working class family and their young son's childhood during the tumult of the late 1960s in the Northern Ireland capital. 

A well made film that portrays the sectarian divide through the eyes of a young boy.

Rose at a leisurely hour, crossed the footbridge over the Clyde and headed up to the Hunterian Museum and Art gallery at the old University. One of my favourite go too’s when the weather isn’t that great. Visit our favourite food shop at the end of Byres Road, Waitrose, recent winner of the most expensive food shop in Britain. On the other side of the coin, Aldi won the the most cost effective supermarket. Then back into town for a little shopping before we head back to Greenock for lunch and the ferry home.

Honestly thought we were in for an improvement in the weather, especially as the evening sky was so clear and the strong winds had subsided. But as the saying goes, one swallow doesn’t make it summer.

Then it gets slightly worse with two imminent storms heading in from the Atlantic. The first being Dudley. 

The weatherman’s hand points to our exact location where the winds and rain will first hit land. So as our brief day of sun turns quickly into rain and wind, we hunker down in front of the fire. No hardship. An excuse to turn back into sport in the form of the Winter Olympics and the six nations rugby. Back to back excitement. Days filled with scintillating activities, many of which l have never heard of. Nordic combined, Biathlon, snowboard big air and cross.

Sat spellbound as two old snowboarders took gold in the mixed Cross. I say old, 36 and 40, which compared to the others competing, who ranged from late teens to early twenties its truly amazing. Goes to show that experience can often outshine youth. Hope for me yet.

Feet up in front of the burner, the warmth wraps its arms around you and makes you feel good - or is it the large glass of highland park in my hand.

This pretty awful weather doesn’t seem to deter the wildlife in our woodland garden. Our two one year old infant deer had a mad half hour darting through the woods playing tag. A gorgeous sight.

The heron in the pond looked on in total disdain at their activities. That was until they spooked him as they launched themselves over the narrow section of the pond, not a metre away from him. 

Too busy enjoying the experience of the tag to actually catch them on film

It looks calm, but there is a storm raging winds of up to 90mph, lightening, floods of rain

Inactivity brings its own woes, especially as the internet is the first go to when boredom hits.

Spend ten minutes watching bbc news, or scrolling through social media , and it would be easy to think the world was going down to hell in a handcart. What with power struggles in the Conservative party, fuel bills rocketing and war looming in the Ukraine. These days,  l tend to keep well away from the bad news and keep looking at the inspiring bits that pop up on the net.

You could try looking at some of the good news channels. Positive News & Good news net.

One of our friends in the US was kind enough to send me a link to an article in the National Geographic magazine on Scotland. Some very interesting pieces covering Scottish Wildcats, Crannogs (ancient artificial island habitations), Scottish moors and Black magic. The link may work, but the magazine only allows you to read one a month foc, so best of luck.

Nevertheless, the visit Scotland site has some great articles. The two l checked out recently were most beautiful lochs in Scotland & 12 peaceful waterfall walks. Both worth taking the time to looking at, might inspire you to get out and up to see us.

On Twitter l follow Michael Warburton who has the ability to post some fascinating clips from the past.  Like this bit of trivia. Did you know that the national trust leaves the light on at the childhood home of John Lennon on the anniversary of his death. Two other must see tweets include, an interview with Stephen Fry where he is asked what he would say to god at the pearly gates. The other is Billy Connolly with his famous hitman golfing joke. Click on the link to watch on Twitter. If you are into famous movie clips have a look at Michael Warburton Tweets. He is prolific.

After reading the weekend Times, specifically the section where famous people answer questions about themselves. An insight into there likes and passions. I decided to to do one myself. So lying in bed with a freshly brewed coffee l came up with the following. Found the process fascinating and enlightening.

What’s your favourite breakfast.

If l am feeling good with myself and not too over weight, l love to make myself waffles and top them with Canadian maple syrup and a splodge of thick Devon cream, along with crispy streak bacon. 

But normally l am quite content to have porridge cooked with water and full fat milk, a handful of mixed fruit and nuts, topped with fat free yoghurt.

My favourite book or author

For an exciting none stop romp through the criminal world of the retired Military Policeman, Jack Reacher.  Lee Child’s books are totally addictive. It’s just a pity that he has now retired. I will have to start the 25 novels from the beginning. With my memory, l will have forgotten the plot anyway. It’s fortunate that Amazon prime have started serialising his books, with Reacher being played by a 6foot 5inch actor, in line with the character in the book. Unlike Tom Cruise who was used in the films.

The book l am reading

Presently reading another crime series by a Scottish author, Quintin Jardine. I was introduced to the Bob Skinner series of books on the Iona whilst cruising over Christmas. Since then, l have worked my way through another five books. This time in sequence.

My favourite film

It’s difficult to choose just one film, especially as some of my favourite films now look quite dated. But if l have to choose just one it would be the corrupt prison movie “ Shawshank Redemtion”. Hits all the buttons - takes you through a bucket full of emotions.

Two other films that rate highly on my list are “Toy Story” for that Christmas afternoon in front of the fire when you want a good belly laugh. And Russell Crowe in “A Good Year”, for a delicate, charming story set in Provence, France. A real feel good movie.

The box set l am hooked on

It would be easy to say Game of Thrones, but too be honest, it went on too long. 

It could also be the Sub titled Scandinavian crime drama The Bridge. following the joint efforts of Danish and Swedish police officers to solve murders that take place along the border of the two countries. In the first series, when a woman's body is found on a bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark. (Sub titles are great for the hard of hearing)

But my choice has to go to the gritty, chaotic western of Deadwood. Ungoverned and lawless town, with all its corruption, lead by the brothel keeper Ian McShane. The language is a little blue at first, and the natural lighting takes a bit to get used to. But it’s truly magnificent. Looking forward to watching it again.

My favourite TV series.

Going back in time it must be John Thaw in Inspector Morse, but a close second would be NYPD Blue, 1993, day to day lives of cops in a NY precinct. Always remember the message at the end of the roll call “folks let’s be careful out there”

My favourite LP.

Elton Johns earlier work with a western theme “Tumbleweed Connection”

Still listen to this today on a regular basis. The LP is no longer around, all have been moved on, but l can still hear it on Amazon Prime music.

Piece of music.

Handel’s Sarabande by Escala. 

The song that makes my tap my feet.

Mamma Mia from ABBA.

The instrument I wish I could play.

The Alto Saxophone, so warm and mellow, such an emotive and passionate instrument 

The music that makes you think.

True Blues. Used to have a double album, one white and one black artist. Wouldn’t be able to do that these days. Beautiful relaxing Blues music

The place I feel happiest.

Might sound cheesy, but it’s by my wife’s side. Preferably on the QM2 going somewhere warm.  

I’m having a fantasy dinner party and invite these famous people.

Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer from gone fishing, wine expert Olly Smith can bring the booze. Giles Brandreth for his tales and Hugh Laurie and Russell Crowe providing the music down other entertainment.

The last movie that made me cry.

Oranges and sunshine, based on the social worker Margaret Humphries, who uncovers the scandal of the deportation of children to Australia, where many were physically and sexually abused.

In this day and age, not politically correct. But it made me chuckle.

I believe that we should miss the majority of the next storm coming off the Atlantic. It seems to be heading up through the West Country. They have now been put on Red alert, the highest category.

Nevertheless, we decided to make the most of the clear weather and go along the lane, just up from us.

February is my birthday month, and l am that age when travel insurance cover becomes difficult and expensive. We are ok at the moment with our Nationwide Flex Plus account. By paying £13 a month it gives you standard travel insurance, phone and breakdown cover. And for a small excess you cover the over 70s. The which! Magazine did and article on insurance, explaining the seven things that scare them. Worth reading.