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Hi, Rusty!
I am on neither Twitter, nor Facebook, so shall have to rely on you to keep me informed (via Twitter) about Laddie and Lassie, until there is a regular blog on the osprey website.
I am glad that Laddie arrived safely..... and is settling in!
I have parsed 13a as follows:
often = on numerous occasions (def)
O - first letter of Ottoman
Ft - abbreviation for "fort"
en - half of "(se) en"
I think this is okay?
Good for Mikaela......she is doing well.

Hello, Elle!
Oh indeedy, I'll keep you in the picture regarding the loch activities.
I think it is closed today (to the public) because the access road is blocked with snow.
Your parse makes a better fist of it than mine, Elle!
Well done!
I did not know fort could be "ft", but you and Chambers have it, so thank you kindly for the dig out!
My friends have landed down at the boat and it will sail on time.
They left early because of the roads.
Said the driving conditions were awful.
Yes, Mikaela is the real deal, alright!

Hi, Rusty!
I am glad that you think the parsing for "often" is okay....I have now checked with Anne B and she, too, has "Ft" as an abbreviation for "fort".
I am just taking the dog out very briefly......
I might need some ballast to stop myself being blown away!
Back in a bit......

Update regarding the Loch, Elle.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-47596049

HI, Rusty!
Oops! We just crossed posts (see mine below)
Luckily, I just caught sight of yours!
Thanks for the picture of Laddie.
Bless him! I hope Lassie turns up soon.
I must away...the dog is waiting for her walk.

Good evening, Rusty!
The wind was very boisterous, so we didn't stay out for too long.
I am not venturing forth again, now, until tomorrow.
Any word from your friends?
Did the ferry leave on time?

Good evening, Elle!
Yes, the ship left on time and my friends are now at home in Belfast.
They had a grand time here, though hectic for them.
Think they were glad to get away from the snow!

Hi, Rusty!
You will be able to relax now , knowing that your friends are home safely.
That is good.
It is a long journey for so short a time here.
I am watching "The Voice" - it is "The Knockouts" rounds now!
Are you watching/ recording it, by any chance?

Hello, Elle!
Yes, they got home in good order!
My friend's Mum is in a care home here, so that is the main reason they were over.
And they have a lot of friends here, too.
I have not had my television on tonight.
Had my CD on and reading this evening.
Was The Voice good?

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I enjoyed "The Voice", but then I usually do.
It was the first session of "The Knockouts" tonight, more next week, and then it will be the live Semi -Finals.
I have been reading in between - I hate the adverts!
Often , I will record a programme that is on ITV, and then watch it later, purely so that I can skip through the ads!
I am reading my Inspector Morse books again...I unearthed a big pile, when doing all my book sorting.
What book are you reading?