ALL SOULS DAY. (01/11/14)

Okay maybe I was a bit mean yesterday but I managed to give away two apples. In an effort to make amends, redeem myself even, I have a ghost story for you. It’s a pity Moffat isn’t famous for goats, I could have had endless fun. Sheep it is famous for and goats and sheep are distant relatives; a relationship too far removed for puns about Ghosts and Goats. *

      This is the Moffat Ram. A fine beast but with a haunted past.

“The local legend has it that it is William Brodie the sculptor of the Moffat Ram that haunts the Annandale Arms Hotel which stands opposite. It is not the Ram that is haunted. It is purported that Brodie committed suicide by hanging while staying at the hotel. William Colvin had commissioned the sculpture and ordered a grand unveiling ceremony. A local farmer pointed out that the smart new ram “Had nae lugs” and indeed the Moffat Ram has no ears. This omission proved too much for Brodie and he is said to wander the corridors of the Annandale Arms on an eternal search for the “lugs”.” Sic.

I lifted this from a Yankee web site. I am not saying it is not grammatically correct. You good old boys know best but I have joined a no tolerance movement against bad Americans. Miller could write. I would appeal to all the good Americans to end the inhumanity of death row. Texans are the worst and I have already told them. I’ll tell them again because they are for the most part thick. “Stop IT! It’s not nice.

After another wet night we had a wander round the town to get some provisions or messages as the Scots call shopping. It’s a grand morning and first stop was the butchers.

     Wallace Bros. Purveyors of messages in the form of superb steak pies, sausages, haggis and a handful of trimmings as a treat for the dogs. Mr Wallace also offered a couple of marrow bones but I declined his generosity as they make the dogs fart and it’s only a small van.

        After sheep and woollens shops Toffee is the towns claim to fame. It isn’t toffee as I know it but a boiled sweet with a lemony taste. I suck them a bit then chomp them in half and the citrus flavour is a unique experience.

        I have always liked this little lane but even it has attracted a wheelybin. It would clone out but as you can see these pictures are all unadulterated.

      The A701 to Edinburgh.

    I’ll leave you with the Ram.

It’s a grand day here but the rain isn’t far away.

* If anyone would like to hear or read a revolting joke about Goats and Ghosts then feel free to e-mail me.