It's now almost three months since our arrival in Dunbar, on Pleasance Farm. We have survived floods and winds, problems in travelling and extremely hard work (Therese) and are still enjoying immensely the cottage and its surroundings, dominated by fields, long vistas extending to Fife and beyond, and above all the SEA. Well actually, the Firth of Forth and the North Sea (out of separate windows). The place is mostly quiet, the daily low-flying jets being a very rude interruption to it, and the steady rhythm of the farm being a wonderfully reassuring presence.

Therese's work in Midlothian schools is coming to an end this week, and it will be a relief for her not to have to be out all day four days a week, though of course our income will be less. We have been astonishingly well looked after in that regard, beginning now to build up a little extra for her pension and more difficult times. She loves her work in Loretto, and seems to be establishing herself there with her excellent practice and intuitive feel for people's issues.

Meanwhile I have just sung the baritone solo part in Faure's Requiem with the Hadley Court singers, not too well I'm afraid and with such horrendous nerves that I will think hard before offering to do such a thing again!
The choir is good, friendly and have been very supportive. I will enjoy singing with them but this was too much too soon.