In a Big Country

Loch Lubnaig from Ben Sheann

We had a day away yesterday in the part of central Scotland that becomes the Highlands. Even in the height of our summer, it's green and lush, and on a nice day (as yesterday was, partly) the views are spectacular. Our mountains are not high, but that means that they are pretty accessible. I'm not a great hill-walker myself, but can appreciate why people are fond of it.

Anyway, our trip was to catch up with friends of the family. This made us realise how similar our mothers are: both married (relatively) late and as a result were independent single women (at a time when this was less common). As a result, they both travelled a good amount, and made friends on these trips that have lasted a lifetime. In yesterday's case, these friends went back 46 years. I can only hope that my friendships last so long and with such obvious affection.