Fireweed...

or to give it its Sunday name, Rosebay willow herb.

Possibly my favourite weed as it brings back many childhood memories.  I grew up in an ex-mining village and it grew prolifically on the old coal bing and where the pit railway had been.  Nearly all gone now as all trace of mining history (apart from street names) have been eradicated from my wee village.  Not a bad thing, it's thriving under its regeneration. Fireweed is in full bloom along the roadsides at the moment and I love the pink/purple flowers against the grey sky.

The grey sky didn't stay long as the weather improved as the day went on.

We were up and out early and on our way to Fortingall Art Festival, third year in a row going there.  I was introduced to it by a Perthshire artist I met on Instagram.  She exhibits there and we usually go on a day she's on duty there.  She wasn't on duty today but arranged to meet us there and go for lunch afterwards.

The artists exhibiting are local and have backgrounds as diverse as the works on display.  It's an absolute joy to go around all the exhibits which are made up of paintings (of all mediums) photography, pottery, ceramics and glassware.  It never ceases to amaze me what people's imaginations can create.  Even if the works are not to my taste, it's so lovely to get up close and appreciate the techniques that have gone into creating each piece.

Afterwards we went to the Fortingall Hotel to have lunch but despite D trying two entrances and going in and ringing a bell, no one appeared, so we left again.  We ended up at the Highland Safaris and Red Deer Centre just long the road and it was fabulous. Fully accessible, lovely food and coffee and a nice shop to browse in afterwards.

It was so lovely to catch up with Rochelle and see her recent work in the exhibition.  We bought one of her paintings two years ago and it's one of my favourites in our house.  

We discussed the changes that are happening to the village of Kenmore, with the local castle, estate and swathes of properties being bought by an American real estate development company, who plan to turn the area into a playground for multi-millionaires.  It's a much loved village and certainly a place we visit regularly.  I really hope it doesn't become a closed off area for exclusive use of the rich and famous. 

After lunch and coffee we said goodbye to Rochelle, had a wander round the shop (yes I bought stuff!  Three little ceramic highland coos, a ceramic sunflower and a curved glass ornament that involves sheep.  Difficult to describe but I will blip it at some point no doubt :-)

Lovely drive home from Aberfeldy through the Sma' Glen.  Had a wander in the garden checking the new plants. All are thriving apart from two, which will have to be replaced.  Really happy with how it's looking though.

After spending the morning surrounded by beautiful art, I was of course keen to get a paint brush in my hand.  Painted the summer clothes line version of yesterday's stormy day washing line.  Again just on cheap practice paper but I will do a version on proper paper as they are such fun to paint.

Dinner of chicken pesto pasta with salad followed by little crochet and some nodding off.  Now ready to join both sides of my hexi cardi.  Exciting!  LOL!