Letham Glen Leven

This was the first walk the group (5 of us) did in 2009. There were 17 walkers today! Flushed with success at the good number we strode out in the wrong direction and added another half mile on to the 'easy' walk I'd advertised.
We were hardly started, and appreciating the lovely gardens in Letham Glen when a few of us were tempted to 'have a go' on the newly installed exercise equipment.

" You've always wanted a shot on a camel. Goan then!" was Bob's encouraging invitation to his lady wife who couldn't resist temptation.
Hilarity over, we got down to the business in hand. It is a gentle incline through the park and we needed a wee pause once we reached the open countryside again. How nice it was to hear Winnie say that she had to walk through Letham Glen to reach her school, and even more interesting that we passed Coldstream Farm Cottage where she and her family lived in her early teens.

We were blethering goodstyle and almost missed the lovely cottage and grounds called Cuffabout.The sun at this point was so warm, we shed a layer or two and donned our sunglasses. Crossing the main road into Blacketyside Estate we admired Blacketyside House painted white and situated in an idyllic setting. Field upon field of fruit bushes under polytunnels on our right indicated that this business is flourishing. And when we reached the farm shop/restaurant and noted a huge expansion being built, this emphasised the good times that the company is having. Blacketyside would have been our choice of coffee stop, however, there is a large noticeboard stating that the restaurant is closed on Sundays with a Bible text beneath.

Exodus 20:8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work,10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens,the earth,the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy."

We were all, of course, supportive of this audacious statement in these times and will continue to patronise the business during weekdays.
Safely across the very busy road into Silverburn estate we stopped for our preplanned picnic in the gardens. "Margaret? What have you done with ma piece?" We were amused at Bob's dependence on his wife for providing the scran. That was a really lovely time just looking closely at our friends and pondering on what was happening in their lives.
Some are facing difficult times, and love and prayers go with them.
Fed and watered, we moved on,but just as far as the toilets! This proved to be a drawn-out affair as there was a long queue for those who wouldn't spend their penny in the gents! We crossed the golf course, silently of course, and saw a few skelps as we pressed on. Now, right at the shore, the view was breathtaking. No wonder folk used to come to Leven for their summer holidays. We walked towards the town again with the sea on our left, breathing in the summer smells of newly mown grass, seaweed, and faintly, the burgers from the amusement arcade on the promenade.

Back through the town we reached Letham Glen in stages as 17 of us couldn't walk at the same rate. But we gathered and said our wee prayer as usual, so may the Lord hold all in the palm of his hand until we meet again.