Ah, Sterling Castle - Braveheart country. I remember it well. They had just finished refurbishing the great hall which had been gutted by fire (I think)
Ladies, thank you for the wonderful expressions of sympathy. It's not a nice thing and to know that mainly it is all my own fault as well........ Anyway, a couple more hurdles to overcome and I can move past this as well. Always something sent to try us. You learn from mistakes and decisions made. If you learn well, you come out of this as a better and stronger person. Phoenix rising from the ashes etc.
Teel - it doesn't really matter how big the dog is, it is a real deterrent. It's only since Shad passed away that we have had these problems around here. All the dogs have gone and there has been a spate of burglaries. Well there are the yappers on either side but no one takes much notice of them since they yap if a bird flies overhead. I did hear them during the night but as usual turned the good ear to the pillow and snored on. So hang onto Holly - she might be saving you from all this!
Ruth - it's good to hear from you as always. I'm looking at August/ September time for a visit to the big country. No definite plans as yet. Still trying to come to terms with the view that Italy is no longer on the menu and working so durned long hours. A lot will depend on how this job goes and when the next one rears it's ugly head. There is a fair amount of work about at the moment - all the big mining resources have decided to go overboard for training at the moment. Such blissful money making times can't last. Anyway, we will keep you informed as to the plans or lack thereof and I would love to visit and/or catch up. Get as many together as possible.
Holly - I feel for the predicament. Sometimes you simply have to make sacrifices to make ends meet. The thought of DH going off to the big smoke for a finite and limited period of time may make more sense than a family move to the smoke, on the other hand, that is two set of living expenses - can it be justified. I'm sure you will work out the odds and act accordingly. Meantime, ever increasing tightening of belts is necessary. It's difficult for all involved.
Carla - went and checked out the Chateau Montebello. It sure looks a great place to visit. There is a log cabin for sale down the road from me. It would fit into the swimming pool by the looks of it.
Suzi - I carry very little cash in my wallet. There was probably less than $50 in cash and notes in there. That's what makes it such a pain. There is little doubt he/ she was after the cash as I found coins on the driveway. And there was so little in it. Its the drivers licence and credit/ debit cards which are such a pain to live without.
Okay, well the day is dawning overcast and dull, so I had better go and get on with the things I didn't do yesterday. And I should give miss Puss some time today as well. She didn't get much 'joy' yesterday.
See you.
the week at a glance
it's nice to see you. I didn't know that you were in a folk band?! That sounds fantastic....it's nice to meet a fellow muso. I love music with a passion and love to sing, can't get enough of the opportunity.
The sun is shining and it needs some attention. I think a gelato might be in order. 
