Between the showers

It's hard not to focus on the weather and nothing but the weather at this time of year. We had a wee bit of a change today. Fleeting glimpses of blue sky through the clouds and the happy thought that the sun might shine through.

This morning two red squirrels were very busy chasing each other from the squirrel feeder and although I have vainly tried many times to sneak close enough to take a photograph, my sneaking skills need a lot of work. This pantomime usually ends with me standing in the rain for a while and then thinking the squirrel is never going to reappear, walking back to the house only to turn round and find my furry friend back at the feeder. Grrrr!

This morning either my sneaking has reached new heights or the squirrel has just got a bit more blasé about the whole deal. I managed to be in the right place when it strolled back to the tree and then had to endure a torrent of chattering and scolding when my presence was revealed. I was so pleased with myself as I headed back to the house, until I slipped and landed with a thump. Only my dignity was bruised and as I limped back inside I thought I had probably made the squirrel's day!

Buoyed by my success, I thought I would go out for a stroll and take my camera, however, every time I got as far as putting a hat on it was raining. The showers didn't last for long though and it was nice to get out and appreciate the fact that the days are starting to stretch out little by little.

Along at the old pier I wondered at the boats or ships that used to tie up to this hook fixed into the rocks. It's hard to imagine any boats on the loch on a day like this - it's so still and quiet - but the metal hook is evidence of past activity and it cut a very solemn and lonely sight today.

I walked on a bit further and stopped to look back up the loch and it was so nice to see a bit of blue sky peeking through the clouds.