The 'XMTSAS Saltire' has settled down

[Hamish]

Well, a good night's rest with its new furry friends has worked wonders with 'The Saltire' - my guess is that it was over excited by the journey from Cardiff to Storrington overnight Monday-Tuesday.

After just a few hours sleep, I had to keep an appointment with the Practice Nurse at my Doctor's surgery and thought it best that 'The Saltire' should accompany me ...... Old S-----m, my faithful, if wrinkled, Retainer was seriously hung over (!) following his annual day-off, and so would have not been capable of looking after our wee visitor. As soon as she finished giving me my regular implant, Nurse Angela thoroughly cleansed her hands and was overjoyed to wrap them around 'The Saltire':



She also gave it a wee kiss to send it on its way!

Being New Year's Eve, I was invited to dine in the evening with my neighbour and four of her closest friends - naturally 'The Saltire' was included in the invitation! Before we left Bicknell Grange it was considered that, under the circumstances, the partaking of a wee dram would be in order:



During the evening's feasting, our wee friend was anxious to be photographed at the table (I fear it might be growing a little too fond of posing for the cameras - something to be watched!):



The banquet concluded just in time for the serving of a fine Champagne with which, at midnight and to the chimes of Big Ben in London, we toasted the arrival of 2009.



A hilariously out-of-tune Auld Lang Syne was 'sung' but, unfortunately 'The Saltire', which had difficulty in linking hands let alone crossing arms (!), was content to sit and watch - from a safe distance!

Intoxicated by the atmosphere and events of the evening our little visiting friend, on our return at 2.00am to Bicknell Grange, made a bee-line to the Christmas tree in the Grand Hall:



and then, before retiring for what remained of the night, insisted on being introduced to Wee Hamish who came from Jamie and Star in San Jose to live with me here in Storrington a year ago.



They got on together so well, I decided to leave them alone for the night. [There was no sign of Old S-----m. My guess was that he was still suffering badly from his over-indulgences - probably at the expense of my best crusted Port - 24 hours earlier. I made a mental note to speak with him in no uncertain terms the next morning, but he's so deaf, amongst other things, that it's unlikely he'll grasp what I am saying to him. Don't know why I bother!]

And so to bed.

(More to come)

Take care,
Ham.

[cessna152towser]

Super pics, Hamish, looks like you and the Saltire brought in the new year in fine style with some bonnie lassies.

[McMurdo]

Glad to see that you and the Saltire enjoyed such a wonderful New Years Eve, and it is good to see Wee Hamish has some company for a while. You'll have to bring him with you to California. I look forward to your continuing adventures with the little airship.

[BEEDEE]

What a great way to celebrate the New Year - 1 guy, 5 gals!! The XTMS Saltire log book will make interesting reading, I think!

Brian

[Mael Coluim]

Ah, to be a Saltire and free.

[McClef]

The wee airship is clearly continuing to have a fantastic time!

[thescot]

That's a really great tale and even better pictures. 1 fellow, 5 girls, and even the nurse was pretty. (I, too, had to make doctors' visits this week for a ticker check and a bit of pneumonia, but my nurse was not quite so good looking!)

My planned evening with SouthernScot and his lady was trimmed to a dinner as Lynn and I had to leave it to them to ring in the new so I could turn in early.

You have done us all proud and provided a vicarious thrill once again.

Thank you as always.

[pdcorlis]

Brilliant idea putting wee Hamish in charge of the Saltire! He looks like he is certainly up to the task!

[Riverkilt]

Looks like a lovely evening for all involved....yet, here in the toolies of the canyonlands I'm sooo lonely and you have five...that's 5...FIVE...lovely ladies....good golly....

Ron

[Derek]

Brill pics Ham ... Glad u and the little airship are having a good time .... dont forget, u have to put your foot down now and again ...
Speak soon
Iechyd Da
Derek