Menotural; Controlled Nature

For Nature Friday this week, we remain in the town of Ayr, the capital of the county of Ayrshire, on the south-west coast of the Bonny Land. I mentioned yesterday that Gail, Nobby, and I wandered a short distance from the Rozelle showgrounds to the museum of Robert Burns, Scottish Bard, and a local in these parts. 

Long years ago, in the century before this, I visited what was then the Burns Museum. It resided within the family cottage itself. Half a hundred later, the museum is now housed in a purpose-built beauty of a structure, set in reserved grounds between the original cottage - which is still open to view - and the Brig o' Doon. More on all of that in the follow-up post... Gail and I spent the briefest time glancing around the actual museum part, then got Nobby from the car and took him for a walk on the grounds. I do not have as many photos as I thought from this time spent. Importantly, though, the brig does feature!

Why is this old bridge important? Apart from being so historic and really very beautiful, it features in Burn's work "Tam O' Shanter." That's a poem for spooky month if ever there was one! There were quite a lot of steps from where we were to get to the bridge, so I sent Gail and Nobby off to do the posing. Another time, I would make an effort to seek the side track that means no steps, then can walk those cobbles myself.

Back up the wee hill behind us is found the rather imposing Burns Monument.

Gail climbed the stairs to the viewing platform in the rondel while I, waiting below, spotted this fine fellow...

The few other shots I took were not great - far too many people! There were coachloads and carloads and vanloads... In particular, Americans. Much of the funding for the upkeep of the museum and its attachments comes from the various clubs and societies dedicated to oor Rabbie's works - and several of the staff, including the manager here, are American immigrants. Anyway, more about this on my return visit post...

Meanwhile, after a drink from the cafeteria, Gail drove me back to The Grey, who was parked in his overnight spot at Belleisle Park. As it was still bright and a very pleasant evening, we continued our slow exercise by going to the walled gardens. 

Nature honed to Man's desires. Perhaps emphasised further by the suggested scriptural readings carved into the monolith at one side of the gardens; twice a day, thrice on Sundays.

There is no questioning the quietude and calm that can be felt here - but outwith the walls, among the giant

Beech trees, one felt freer still. The tight plantings and severe constraints of the paths within the walls felt a little claustrophobic until the rockery and wildflower plantings above the pond and by the exit.

As we walked through those trees, we passed the deer enclosure -

(spot the bonus critter in that last shot?!)

We parted ways after this, and I slept another night in this lovely park. The next day, I returned to the museum for a more in-depth visit. Prepare yourselves!

Here's where I remind you that next week is already the Final Friday of the month and time to prepare a Feature post to share!

Menolloping; Less Agility, More Indignity

I may overstate it... then again...

Having departed Lanark and taken a couple of days to saunter westward, I reached the town of Ayr. That third weekend of September was dedicated to being with blogpals, and the focus was Nobby performing at the final agility show of the season. But I'll get to that.

Gail had alerted me to the event quite a few weeks earlier, and the timing was perfect. Then, a little later, during the week I was in Lanark, I heard from Tigger's Mum, F, that she and Mr B would be in Scotland by the weekend. The flow of things enabled them to join in at the event, so one of my longest and dearest pals met through blogging would meet some of the newest (and as dear!). I was confident they would hit it off, having many common interests. As there was time to spend before Nobby's afternoon slots, we first took a turn around the grounds of the Rozelle Estate, spotting lots of intriguing brush sculptures, some more recognisable than others.

Then, it was lunch and toilet breaks. Nobby had two events, back-to-back on both days. On the Saturday when we were all together, the weather was not the best: fierce and biting wind and lots of sharp showers. The voices of many of the handlers got lost in the air, and a lot of the dogs had trouble completing their rounds successfully. 

Nobby was not for having anything to do with it! Once he did get started on one round, he managed about a third of the course before defaulting...

On Saturday evening, Gail and F joined me in The Grey to eat our evening meals... each got what they fancied. Unfortunately, that meant that Mr B went for garlic pizza (not sure there was anything else on it). When he opened their van door the odour had me reeling (I'm allergic to garlic, and it makes me quite nauseous even by its smell), which meant he was eating solo! I felt bad about that, but even F agreed it was well-pungent. Her pizza caused no disturbance, and Gail's fish supper looked scrummy - I had made myself a pasta dish.

Then came the time for goodbyes. I was sad, for I will not see F again for quite some time. Those who read her blog will know she is repatriating to New Zealand. It was with some degree of dismay that I realised I had been so focused on drinking every moment with her and Mr B that I entirely forgot to get any photos of them! Naughty Yamini.

On Sunday, Gail and Nobby once again reported for participation at the agility. The day was brighter and drier, though the winds still cut slices. Things looked promising for a while...

It was still mid-afternoon by the time he'd done, so Gail and I took him over to The Burns Museum, which has some lovely grounds... but more on that tomorrow!

Let me leave you with two rather fine "pawtraits"... the first taken looking into the van, and the second taken looking out...

Menoizikul; Midweek Musicalisms

Next in the Greek musical adventure this month... Demis Roussos.