2012 Happy New Year From Fishinkblog in Braemar

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R  to one and all.  Thanks for joining me again here in Fishinkblog-land.  I hope this finds you well rested and in the mood for a fresh start in 2012.  I thought I’d start my year off here with a glimpse into what I’ve been up to over the New Year as I’ve just returned from a stunning week away, staying with friends in a rented house in Braemar, Scotland. It’s a beautiful small village and if you get there, don’t forget to visit the lovely Braemar Gallery, which has a wonderful selection of contemporary and more traditional artworks.  Cards and gifts in a friendly warm, welcoming environment, not to mention their stunning stained glass window and door.

The parish of Braemar and Crathie has been a playground of kings, nobles and the great ones of the land since the dawn of Scottish history. In the heart of the village lie the ruins of the great castle of Kindrochit (“The Head of the Bridge ”). Nearly a thousand years ago it commanded all the glens leading in and out of the area – Glenshee to the south, Aberdeen to the east, Lairig Ghru and Lairig an Laoigh to the north and Glen Tilt and Glen Feshie to the west. It was around this strategic bridgehead that the little village grew.  Over a hundred years ago Queen Victoria chose Deeside as her holiday centre, taking Balmoral Castle as her highland residence in 1852, with successive generations of the Royal Family following her example.  I think the lady who’s come to the local craft butchers in Braemar in her scottish tweed coat looks very fine indeed and the local sportshop has every type of walking accessory, thermal Chinese goose feathered fleece or fancy decorated hand painted ski that you should need for your outdoor pursuits.

I was staying in a large house with a fab group of friends. Loads of spacious rooms, good light and walks from the front door.  The neighbouring houses give you a ‘wee glimpse ‘ into how lovely the area is.

We did get more than a fair smattering of snow and got out for some beautiful local walks.

This natural rock feature below was called the punch bowl.

The scenery as you can see was truly stunning and it’s a beautiful area for birch trees, which are one of my favourites.  I love how their branches are so fine and feathery that it creates a misty look around the trunk, as well as their silvery bark and the purple hue to the new growth. You can see what I mean on the bottom of the picture of Braemar Castle below.

It turns out that we’re quite a bunch of Capricorns as two of the party had just had birthdays, two of us had a birthday whilst we were there (including me), and yes I know you forgot but I’ll forgive you this time 🙂 and another has a birthday next week.  I was luckily sharing the house with some great cooks, check out the duck platter and gingerbread Christmas tree below.  I even got a place name written out from one of the kids, how sweet.  Time to relax, walk, chat with friends, play board games, build snow people and catch up on my sketchbook too, who can ask for more !

Many thanks to all who helped make it a special time away and I hope you had a wonderful holiday and don’t mind the first week back to your work quite so much.  I look forward to spending 2012 in your good company.