R.I.P Christine

Just 20 months after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and despite chemotherapy and major surgery I am sorry to say Chris lost her battle with this nasty disease on Saturday 29th October at 2:25 pm
She died after spending her last two weeks in hospital being cared for by the wonderful staff at the Alexandria Unit in Dumfries.
Christine remained bright and outgoing till the very end, always showing interest in other people and their lives.  Almost the last thing she said to me was to ask me to hold her hand and not let go, I didn't let go till after she had passed away.

Although the disease claimed her life it never, never beat her.

We will be saying a final goodbye to her on Monday 7th November at St Cuthberts Church in Kirkcudbright.  The service will be at 1:30.  St Cuthberts is the same church we renewed our wedding vows ( on the occasion of our 31st wedding anniversary ) in a fabulous white wedding ceremony just 28 days before she died.

Gosh, it actually happened! I feel as thought it was all a dream but happily its true. I really did marry my princess!  All our plans came together and Christines talent for color co-ordination really showed as every little thing from napkin bows, cars kilts balloons and flowers everything looked like the centre page of vogue

 Best Day of our lives.  Thanks to all our guests for making it such a wonderful occasion

Well, it seems that things are finally starting to settle down a bit.  Since Chris left hospital it feels as though we have not had a day to our selves.  We have had family, friends and neighbours from both near and far visiting and calling all expressing there concern and love for Chris, (and yes me as well :-))  So just to try and keep every body that may be interested "in the loop" I am happy to report that Chris appears to be stable and is home living the life of a retired millionaire (well maybe I exagerate that a bit )  Plans are almost complete for our forthcoming renewal of vows/wedding cermony.  Christines dress has just arrived so we will be going to Edinburgh shortly for it to be fitted.  All kilts have been ordered and us guys have all been measured up!!
Just 1 month to go now so we are getting really excited.  Chris will be fine and a glowing bride on the day.

Very sad to report

Where do I start.
I am very sad to announce that we closed Fludha on the 26th July 2011 for the foreseeable future.
Christine was told in January that she was now terminally ill.  But that on average, people with her condition have approx two years.  As Chris is relatively young, fit and incredibly strong willed we thought she had every chance of beating this average.  Hence we continued to take bookings and continued working, after all, its what we both enjoy doing.  Unfortunately cancer takes no notice of such attributes and Chris took a turn for the worse on Thurs 21st July.  Doctors thought at one point that she may only have 4 or 5 days left.  However, I am delighted to report she responded very well to some "fancy" drugs and is now home again.  It was however a wake up call and we have decided that we need to spend whatever time she may have left in comfortable retirement.
We had grand plans for Fludha and our success to date meant we had every chance of making them all come true.  However, we are incredibly proud of what we did achieve.  We took a house and converted it into a business that in the 4 years that we were open went from zero to THE ONLY 5 star Guest House in the county and on the day we closed we were ranked as No 1 on Trip Advisor for the whole of Dumfries and Galloway





In other words, we retired at the very top of our particular tree.

I am constantly amazed at how many people read this blog, so I would just like to say a very genuine thank you to all our guest's over the last few years who have made us not only successful but very happy to have been able to share our home with you.

Proud to announce

That our business "Fludha Guest House" has recently achieved the No 1 ranked position on Trip Advisor as the Top rated B and B/Guest House in the Whole of Dumfries and Galloway.


Visit Trip Advisor to read independent revues about Fludha

This means Fludha now enjoys the Double Accolade of being  

1

The only Bed and Breakfast or Guest House in the whole of Dumfries and Galloway to be awarded
5 Stars by the Scottish Tourist Board

2

Ranked "No 1 out of 244" Bed and Breakfast's or Guest Houses in the Whole of Dumfries and Galloway by independent revue's on Trip Advisor.


Gosh, we are proud.  Many thanks go to all our staff and top quality suppliers without whom this achievement would not have been possible.

Wedding Announcement

On the 1st October 2011 Christine and I will have been married for 31 years. 

To celebrate this momentous achievement we are going to Renew Our Vows in a White Wedding Ceremony at St Cuthberts Church Kirkcudbright.  Followed by a reception and Ceilidh (Pronounced Kay-Lee and means Scottish dancing) at Threave House Castle Douglas

Approx 150 guests have been invited (and we hope they all say yes)
When we were actually married I am afraid it was a less than salubrious occasion with just witnesses at a registry office.  Christine has never forgiven me for that so now it's time to make amends.

Posh wedding dress, Bridesmaids, Groom and best man in Formal Scottish Kilts (and any male guest who cares to join in)  Piper at the Church and Harpist at reception.  (Champagne & canape reception before a sit down meal) formal speeches and toasts. All followed by directed Scottish dancing (everyone will want to join in)  Bacon butties for those left standing later in the evening.  All in all a celebration of our life together which we want to share with those that mean the most to us.  No gifts please.  We will be seeking to relieve you of some cash though in aid of cancer research, more details nearer the time.

Spring is in the air

In May this year we will be starting our 5th year in business here at Fludha.  It has been an amazing time, starting the business from scratch I am happy to report the business has grown from strength to strength.  For the first 3 month of this year alone we are 50% busier than last year for the same period.  With bookings for April already exceeding last years total we are guaranteed a great start to the year.  This year sees us with a new chef starting.  Helen previously ran her own hotel before family commitments meant they had to give that up.  So she is well qualified to continue bringing top quality food to your table.  I am also pleased to report that after the quiet winter we have managed to retain all our staff and indeed have plans to take on some more.  Not to worry though, even though we now have a lot of help we are still a hands on business, here to ensure everything runs smoothly and that the high standards that Chris has set are maintained.  The lighter nights are here the weather is warming up, thankfully we don't suffer from natural disasters or have problems with airports so I believe we are going to get even busier.  Part of our success must also come down to our competitive pricing structure as we provide the only 5 star accommodation in the area at less than many 3 star hotels, so, why not take advantage and come and enjoy yourselves here in Glorious Galloway.  We look forward to meeting you, or indeed welcoming you back!!