Friday 23 October 2009

Thinking of Days Gone By

mmccoffeefairyblinkie

Last Friday Stuart did not have an art class and as the sun was shining from a cloudless October sky we thought we would have one of our grand days out. We set of for Crieff and coffee and scones at the visitors centre where we had a quick read of the papers sitting at a sunny window with our drinks. We then headed to Loch Earn and this is what got me thinking of day gone by. When I was a little girl my parents had a motor bike and sidecar and we toured a great deal in it. One of the runs we used to take was to this loch in fact it was where I had my very first holiday when my Dad got home from the war in so it must have been 1946 by my reckoning. On our runs and holidays there we always stopped to see 'The St Fillians Dragon'. It is a hand painted very large rock that has been painted to look like a dragon. As a child I was terrified of the dragon from the roadside and one day I was taken over the field and the railway line to see it up close to show me there was nothing to be afraid of. Even up close I was not convinced it was not real. We could not get a picture of it on Friday as there is no parking all along the road. I do have a picture of myself and my Mum and Dad standing under it but I cannot put my hand on it just now. I have however found one or two on Wikepedia to let you see what I am talking about. Unfortunately I cannot get the pictures to download on here so if you click the link you will see my dragon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Fillans_Dragon

I don't know what it is just now but I am in a remembering mood, Stuart must be sick listening to me. I have been gifted with the great memory and can recall the slightest detail about things, sometimes it's a good thing other times you don't want to remember.

This entry has been done over a couple of days this week, since I started it I have been to the optician had a dreadful appointment that took 2 hours, waiting 25 minutes to be seen had the test choose my frames saw the 'Optical Assistant' to get all the measurements done which took ages then he went and got another 'Optical Assistant' and she did it all over again to check his work, by the time we got out of there I was 'up to high doh and past it. What a dreadful morning we had. Reading this you will now know I am not the most patient person in the world.

I think that's about it for now will let you know how the new specs are when I pick them up on Monday, fingers crossed I will be able to see out of them after all this carry on. Take care till next time. Love

mmc_red_sparkle_flower_Joan

9 comments:

Julie said...

I can see why the dragon would scare you as a child. I have a terrible memory. Wish is was better.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Unlike you I'm not blessed with a great memory. I think what I've developed is quite selective as I try to stay away from any bad ones. That rock is a little scary for a child but the memory of those trips with your folks must be good ones. A ride in a side car is something we all don't get to experience. Glad you got out on a beautiful day to enjoy the sights. Those bright days will be far and few inbetween for us now.
I do hope those glasses are all right for you! Have a wonderful Friday!

Jeannette said...

No wonder you were scared, it is a pretty scary thing. Sorry the opticians took so long and I hope it is worth it when you get your new glasses.

Sandra said...

Hi Joan,

I can see why the dragon would look real to a child, it really stands out from the other rocks with it`s brightly coloured face. What a novel thing to do. My dad used to have a mororbike that was his pride and joy. My mum made him get rid of it hoping he would buy a car. He didn`t, he bought himself a bicycle which he kept for many years before he eventually got the car!

Love and Hugs

Sandra xxxx

Sybil said...

Well Sandra we sure learn something every day..I have never heard nor of course seen the "dragon" isn't that odd. I have been around there many many times...Mind you unlike you my memory is not very good !! but I would not have forgotten that. Thank you as always for sharing yor days with us. Hope the new specs come on time and that you are happy with them.
Love Sybil xx

Sybil said...

SORRY I SAID SANDRA....MEANT JOAN !! see what I Mean ABOUT memory.It is very short time to be sure LOL
sybil xx

Jan said...

Iam in awe of your dragon no wonder it scared you ,Itoo can remember things from that far back too arent we lucky ,I hope the specs are a success (did you go to specsavers hee hee ? ) ..love Jan xx

Unknown said...

Just back from caravan and a week of ill health.


I know that dragon rock well! We sued to holiday there in the 60s and indeed of an on till 1991.

Herrad said...

Hi Joan,
Lovely post, can picture you and your parents and the motorbike and sidecar.
How glorious.
Came by to say hello and wish you a good Halloween weekend.
Love,
Herrad

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