Mair rain

There is a poem by the great Hugh MacDiarmid which, after analysing then Scottish political scene, ends in a melancholy "mair rain". I can't be bothered, to be honest, to look it up again as at one time I could have quoted it in full, such is time and its effects. However I was reminded of the poem when reading that support for Independence has fallen to around 30%. Whilst the accuracy of polls may be questioned and the recent Jubilee effect may play some part, it is still depressing that a majority of Scots feel they should vote against the simple statement that their nation should be equal to the likes of Luxembourg( I apologise to the interesting little place). However I maintain that it will be the second, or more likely the third, referendum which will secure independence and, once achieved, there won't be any returning to the status quo ante.
However rain remains the theme of this awful summer and with holidays approaching next week what can In do? I think a spot of swimming may be in order but not in the sea, what was formerly land may suffice!

Lakes and pools of rain

Sorry for the lack of blogging of late. Reason is the usual mixture of laziness and holidays. As a seal I love water but the excessive rainfall was not welcome recently as I joined my family at Ullswater, Lake District. As the scenery is so spectacular this never disappoints and, if I'm honest, the rain even enhances it to some, albeit subjective, extent. However activities are nonetheless curtailed by the weather. The only decent break from it saw us in the lovely town of Keswick, a centre for dog lovers as there were dozens on view. Our own dog, Ellie, collapsed with diabetic related problems but is now better.
I returned early to play bowls and it was worth it with a rare win. On return here the news of the closure of the area's largest employer, a meat production plant, was sad as 1700 jobs will go. Although the Council and Government are now involved the international nature of such large companies mean there will be little they can do. As a vegetarian I suppose I've not helped their cause though.