Me-No-Owerit; Fighting Fear-bruary

Long-term readers will recall that this is my least favourite month. Regarding my state of mind and emotions, the shortest of months seems interminable to me. Some years are better than others, and there is no question that the previous five years were among the darkest at this time. '20 to '24 were real struggles during Fear-bruary. 

As we entered this year's F-month, I admit to tending to my natural cocooning habit, which is the default coping mechanism. I'm very good at shutting out the world.

However, it has been a little different thus far because I was prised out of my Hutch in January to attend the memorial in Aberdeen. Thus, I have been out on the road, which is a novelty for this season. It is not an unwelcome alternative distraction and has prevented a total chrysalis state. It started with being able to linger for three nights at Hazlehead Park and recuperate, first, from the onslaught of crowds. I drove south for a night at St Cyrus Nature Reserve and then spent two nights at Ferryden...

That little bit of heaven can be viewed from The Grey. I was even able to sit with the van door open for part of the day. I got this interesting shot of a passing vessel through the flyscreen, creating a canvas-paintery look.

The next stopover was back at Friockheim, which is fast becoming as fond a long-term park-up spot to me as Lanark is in the borders. Despite overnight hard frosts, the days were bright, and I was again able to sit with the doors and windows open.

On my last day there, I took The Grey over to The Hub for a full charge-up whilst I made use of the shower facilities, had lunch, and then tea.

The carrot and coriander soup with cheese toastie was perfect for a wintry day. I must say, The Hub was hooching with folk that Friday; I've never seen it that busy. So full was it I offered two ladies who needed the seats to share my table. This turned out to be very entertaining, as I learned that Sylvia (in the blue) was born and bred in the village, and her friend, Joyce, was from Arbroath (about a 20-minute drive). They had been at school together, and here they are now, both 76 years young and still going strong. (I used the magic eraser on the photo to remove all the other folk there...)

Honestly, they were comical and would make a great double-act on stage!!! It was a spontaneous and unexpected but very welcome interlude and set me in a positive frame of mind for the drive down to Cowdenbeath later that day. I hope I meet them again when once more up that way.

Two nights at the Fife town car park stop - not fancy, but functional. Sunday, it was down to Edinburgh...