Brrrrr, colder than usual.

Although a little later than advertised, the shop did open yesterday. But that's all it did. On opening, five potential customers popped in dressed as if for Alpine sledging but were quickly shooshed out by a BBC production person who shreiked that they had a very narrow 'time window'. So our customers were duly shepherded out the door by the tall blonde with the weatherproof clipboard , tight pants, and strained voice. They'd been filming at the house and were partly responsible, because of their 'relaxed' parking style, for me having to park my car half ways down the driveway. It may have been half ways up. I was busy concertrating on staying upright. The snow and ice shared the blame.

Coffee, soup and a cheese scone were delivered by Janet, God bless her, and Bertie also arrived to keep me warm and in good spirits. She being given an 'in', recalled her time in the tv / film idustry, and subsequentlylaid waste verbally to all media people and those who work for them. Actors got off lightly. Ian arrived and was soon lambasting Government quangos. What an afternoon we had!

As darkness began to squeeze through the trees, I closed up and slithered back down the drive. You've probably guessed that no sales were made.

1005

Overnight, 'Angus Crafts Association - Brian's Blog' crossed the 1000th visitor mark. That's more than the attendance for three Montrose home games. I wonder who the passing stranger was? Unlikely I will ever find out. There is so much I don't know about the World.

Five Star Pie

'Neck', a London-Irish Celtic-punk band play Montrose Town Hall on Saturday Night with 'Sons of the Soil' as Support. Looking forward to doing the photies for that. I think tickets will be on sale at the door if you fancy a 'hoolie'.
Last night I witnessed Diego Maradona's debut as Argentina's manager at Hampden Park. Not the most exciting contest I've ever been to but......as always, the Hampden steak pies were gloriously juicy and tasty! They're possibly worth the drive and late return home? It was Amy Macdonald's 'shottie' to sing our 'past it's sell buy date', anthem, 'Flower of Scotland'. I thought she did well, although the tune does not lend itself too easily to improvisation. It was difficult to concentrate fully on it tho' because I was eating my pie at the time with gravy running into my jacket.

Unusually, 'The Corona' on Pollockshaws Road, was quiet for pre-match refreshments. First time ever we've got seats and were served on arrival.

Even although I was well stocked with Midget Gems, maybe I'm getting too old for these trips.

I see we're nearly at 1000 hits on the Blog. Pity more than half have been me. I wonder who the 1000th visitor will be? Me?

'Gridlock'

So, how did Perth Fair go at the week-end? I did think about you all as I was stuck in that traffic jam between Perth and Dundee on Sunday evening. Why was all the traffic heading east? Forty minutes to travel two miles! The Couper Angus route to Glasgow seems a better option in the near future (which is tomorrow) methinks.

This weekend I'm in the shop....I wonder who's on with me?

Oor Michael v. SWRI

There has been e-mail ping pong this week regarding an article which Michael Kay wrote for publication the SWRI magazine, 'Scottish Home and Country'. Oor Michael is a friend of local SWRI groups and regularly and freely demonstrates his silversmith skills to these fine bodies of women. Unfortunately, the editor has decided that Michael's article is not an 'article' but an advert and she can't allow pieces to be seen to advertise the ACA or House of Dun in her publication. Here is SWRI criteria for publication from their webste:

'We accept articles on a variety of subjects. Our readers enjoy features on crafts, personal histories, social history, health, travel, cookery, general women's interests, etc. Instructional craft articles are also welcome but must include clear illustrations. We do not accept articles on religion or party politics.'

I'm sure Michael passed regarding the religion and party politics. Maybe he should resubmit leaving blanks where he mentions ACA and House of Dun in the style of 'I've got News For You'?
Could be considered for a quiz page.

I was up the coast taking snaps yesterday. Here's one of Gourdon Harbour which I'm advertising.

So, what do I make of the past two days at Forbes of Kingennie ( where does that name originate from?). In this case is Forbes a first name or surname? I once knew a Marjory of Motherwell or was it Moffat? I wonder if she is now an 'up-market resort' , she was when I knew her. But of course I muse. I also had a metalwork teacher called Mr Forbes. He was such a barbarian that I spent most of his lessons down the beach shivering in harr and wishing I was older and out of the educational system which had too many employees akin to Mr Forbes. 'Forbes of Kingennie', a great name for a butcher.

Being an 'upmarket resort', in Angus terms, the location of our craft fair was excellent. Visitors were steady without crush barriers being required. Quality products were on display and browsers were complimentary although hands were reluctant to open purses or delve into pockets. Is it the credit crunch? In a business sense my view was that goods were not 'flying' off the stalls although some crafters, and thankfully some first timers, did ok.

But you and I know that there is more to life than business. The ethos of the occasion was splendid. New aquaintences soon became old friends. Ideas were shared, views exchanged and friendships made. We all got along 'like a house on fire' and to herald this the alarm was sounded mid afternoon. Ritchie and I thoroughly enjoyed our two days and big thanks to new chums Peter and Family at the next table, Georgia, Michael, Cheryl and Christine. Not forgetting Bertie, P&J, Janet, Walter, Young Georgina, the staff of Blue Daisy Jewellry and fellow snapper Mark & Di. I know I've missed some of you out and I apologise but it's time I retired to bed.

Good times.

While we're away......

........many thanks to Linda and Sue for stepping in and making sure the shop stays open on Sunday while we are at Kingennie. It is much appreciated.

Oops, dearie me!

How could I forget?

Members of Angus Crafts Association, who run the Crafts of Angus Showcase and Shop at House of Dun, have presented a cheque for £100 to Lippen Care. The sum was raised through the generosity of the crafters who donated items of their work to be sold for this purpose. Lippen Care is a charity which supports Strathmore Hospice at Whitehills Hospital , Forfar. Presenting the cheque to Peter and Elizabeth Duncan of Lippen Care is Janet McFarlane, chairperson of Crafts of Angus.
Crafts of Angus and Café Dun are now open on weekends only (11.00am – 4.00pm) until 14 December. L-R Sue Beavan, Peter Fordyce, Elizabeth and Peter Duncan, Janet McFarlane, and Aileen Ogilvie.

'Anyday above ground's a good day'

Some time has lapsed since my last post. That's because the large cheque came in the post and I've been busy celebrating with fish suppers, mars bars, litre bottles of Coke and monster bags of crisps. What a time I've had! Btw... this post's title does not refer to Walter (pictured). It was a thought provoking Texan homily provided by Dear Janet in reponse to my 'mumping' at the last committee meeting. In my place I was put!

First a reminder that an ACA Craft Fair is being held at Forbes of Kingennie on Sat 8 (10.30 -5.00) and Sun 9 November (11.30 -6.30). Most of this Blog's characters will be there selling their wares to our discerning customers. There is another Fair in Perth on 15/16 December too.

Not forgetting the House of Dun Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday 6 December.

NEWSFLASH! ACA is to form a business partnership with Angus Cooncil's Education Department. Now that's an exciting venture.

Walter the Woodcarver was demonstrating his skills in the Gamekeeper's Bothy at House of Dun recently and gathered a large crowd of onlookers. Was this because of his woodcarving or his kilt I wonder? Peter 'the Woodturner' Fordyce plans to demo his lathe work soon too. I'm not very good with dates but it's sometime in December.