The thoughtful Scotsman.....

Well, we've just finished cleaning the house from top to bottom. This can only mean one thing, we have a visitor due.

On this occassion it is the Thoughtful Scotman who will be with us. I am quite sure that this weekend will be the typical whirlwind of construction, sightseeing, fine food, Ardbeg Whiskey and so on. What will be missing from the visit, and this will be a first for our good friend, is the presence of a 7.5t lorry waiting to be filled with our worldly goods, a feat which Mr TS has helped with on 2 occasions in the last year.

As I write this I am completing another important part of the preperation for our visitor. I must say, a noble excercise and not one to be undertaken lightly. As you all had guessed, this task is to confim that the quality of the latest batch of home brew is up to scratch to save us from paying the extortionate cost of beer in the supermarkets. This latest batch is not my preferred Muntons Gold (which I have been unable to get hold off so far since the move from Bergen), this is Coopers brewery kit. This does not follow the all important "Reinheitsgebot" and requires the addition of common suger which is alien to the brewing process. Other than a hint of cloudiness it is acceptable however.

The itinery includes, completion of the pig house ready for their big move outdoors (see post below), a trip to an English pub (run by an Englishman) down the road, a trip to Oslo and much good food and company.

You can expect reports of cultural experiences and detailed descriptions of successes or failures with the planned menus. I will even attempt to get a guest report from Mr TS himself, but given his thoughtful shy nature this is unlikely. Maybe I just need to wait until after a few Ardbegs.......