All at once, the bench made our bare paradise look marvellously furnished.
Although we had been told that with time the teak wood would become ever more beautiful, the first shower of rain proved quite unbearable. I became very agitated and wanted to immediately carry our Rothesay into the house to protect the wood. Since then, we know that it can look after itself very well indeed. The wood in its natural state withstands rain, sun, and even frost – with just a good cleaning in spring using a mild, soft soap and water. Recently – as I love to sit and run my hands over the smooth surface - I took some fine sandpaper to the armrests.
Apart from the silvery patina that covers the teak wood, you would not say that our Rothesay is 25 years old. It has, however, acquired its own individual character during the time we have shared. Long ago, the bench stood awhile by the sandpit so that the grandparents and we could sit and watch our little girls. During the slow succession of family celebrations Rothesay took up its place at the long table, and how many times did I not greet the sun’s first rays with my feet in the morning dew, or enjoy a comfortable chat with my old school pal, Eric, or with a companionable neighbour.
