The Gasman

As I walked to work this morning at 0730 hours, the sun coming up over Calton Hill and sending golden rays through the columns atop it made an amazing picture. It was also so cold, I could see my breath in front of me. Three shifts cancelled today, bit of a "bummer" but there we are.
Got home early to await the arrival of The Gasman who was coming to do our annual service of radiators and boiler. He arrived at about 1615 hours what a character, hopefully he did the work expected of him, because in the meantime yours truly heard all about his plans for his forth coming stag night (May) and his wedding (July).
Stag night is going to be held in Blackpool wonderful place! last time he had a stagnight? he awoke from being drunk to find he had only one eyebrow!! So this time he was going to have to be more careful. This is due to the fact that he gets married in July (whether the previous stag night was followed by a wedding I never found out) in Cyprus and he must have both eyebrows? He refused a cuppa, informed me re carbon monoxide detectors, stated all appeared to be in order and departed.

Today was Joe's birthday HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!! actually he is special and does not have a birthdate this year as he entered the world on 29 February a leap year, and as we all know this date only comes round every four years. Tomorrow we all go out for a celibratory meal, to which I am looking forward.

Work and Post Office.

Today was my first day at work after a break of about three months! Not much to say, good to catch up with some of the patients again. Some colleagues moaning as per usual, change of caterers-food improved. Few hassles, left for home at 1530 hours.
Had to post a parcel, decided to walk down to Post Office at Comely Bank-gone just the post box left standing, premises now house a sports therapist? Walked on to the next Post Office-gone post box and telephone left standing, premises house query what? Ended up at Stockbridge Post Office this one still functioning thank goodness. Very busy inside, it appears some elderly people have a degree of difficulty with their new "PIN" numbers, for receiving their pensions, was this procedure fully thought through? Staff were very helpful though. So to get my parcel away I had a round trip (walking) of about two miles, instead of just down the road.

Allotment

Very tired today. Went over to Joe and Layla's their friend Corrina was there with her wee boy Logan who is fifteen months old. Ruaridh was quite taken by him, the first small person he has met, Logan reciprocated once he had got used to the pup, even holding his finger out to be licked! He was also showing us how clever he is at walking, a super wee fellow.
After they had left we all trundled into the Fiesta and went over to Layla's allotment which is looking good, ready and waiting for seeds and plants to be sown. I cut down some debris in the herb garden, Joe fastened up some broccolli, Graham and Layla dug up the Jerusalem artichokes-a Lidl's bag was filled with them! and Ruaridh ran around introducing himself to everyone there. Work tomorrow and so to bed goodnight.

Hair, Hassle and Hood

One of the good things about being back in Old Reekie is that I get to visit my hairdresser Iain, today was the day for this, colour, cut and blow dry. Left Graham and Ruaridh in bed, and set off for the shore at Leith. I know funny place to have a salon but what the hell! Blowing a gale by the time I got there, and was that a touch of snow in the air? Had to wait past my appointment time is this becoming a regular occurance now? decided to register my annoyance, but does anyone really take notice, I'm sure we all have pockets full of apologies- moan moi! As usual Iain did my hair in a super style, quite wispy and the colour is gorgeous even if I do say it myself. With my purse much lighter, continued on to do a "special errand", then on to the hassle of Sainsbury's, one of my least favorite experiences.
The carpark was very busy ugh! not a good start. Did not have the requisite £1 coin for the trolley. Some of the shelves were minus their product and when I came out of the store yes sleet was coming down. As I was parked at the far end of the carpark I thought it a good idea to utilise the hood on my 'Puffa Jacket', a Christmas present from Graham. I soon realised that with a gale blowing and sleet coming down, this was not the best time to attempt to take the hood from its pocket for a first airing. I hurried into a covered trolley park and tried to find the zip for releasing the hood to no avail. Ended up by taking the 'Puffa' off shivering like mad, but hurrah! found the zip, pulled same and voila the hood appeared like magic. Kept me dry and and cosy all the way to the car.

The Map

As we were travelling South today I had cancelled the newspaper and had telephoned the post office to ask them to hold our mail. Therefore I was very suprised around 1115hrs to hear Ruaridh barking and wondered who could be paying us a visit. I went to the door and who should be walking down the lane but Postie Lexi waving a white paper in the air. Ruaridh and I went to meet her, and she said although our mail was cancelled, she thought she might catch us to give us "The Map." Not one map but three, also a letter that almost had me in tears. The letter was to invite Ruaridh and moi to her house in the spring or summer, the maps were directions on how to get there. I was very touched by the time and care Lexi had taken to do this, she is one of those people in This World you are always happy to have met! So the pup and I are looking forward to our visit later this year.

Logging not Blogging

This morning for the first time in a week the sun did not shine! Today we are going to the woods ( no not for The Teddy Bears Picnic) but to gather a supply of logs. We burn the logs on our multi-fuel stoves which helps to keep the cottage cosy. We have a licence from the forestry that allows us to saw fallen and blown over timber. This we do with a rip saw, which is damned hard work, the smaller branches we can "lop" with this amazing invention known as a "lopper." Ruaridh loved being 'free' in the forest for two hours but was good at returning to us when called. We called it a day around 1330hrs loaded the Jeep with the logs and began the trek home. Only hassle being we have to unload when we get there!
Have to get organised as we are heading South tomorrow me for work and Graham for business. Made bread which I enjoy doing, must be therapeutic for me. Very tired this evening, decided to have a G&T not as strong as our dear friend Captain Bob makes but never the less enjoyable!

Avernish

Today dare I say it, has been another wonderful day weatherwise. We were up early this morning as we were going to Avernish with our chum Bart ( who thought the marmalade was 'fab' by the way). He had heard there was a 'plot' of land for sale and wanted to see it, a croft with a house in situ. We drove along the single track road and eventually arrived. It is a lovely spot facing south, with the waters of Loch Duich on three sides of the area. The garden was very overgrown, huge trees uprooted and blown over, but in the midst of this daffodils were starting to thrust up through the earth.
The house was rather dilapidated from the outside, and when one looked through the windows, the downstairs rooms were in disarray. Placed on one of the uprooted trees I noticed a broken piece of pottery, delicate in appearance white with a pattern of small flowers. Also the path down to the cottage was terribly overgrown as we heard the previous owner had wished to discourage visitors. You start to imagine who had lived there, how they had managed the croft, had there been any children? Vain imaginings! what had been was gone the land was now for sale and hopefully soon would see new life.

Bernera Barracks

Today has been another lovely day, blue skies and sunshine dominating the weather. Graham had to go on an errand to the village so he dropped Ruaridh and me off so that we could go for our walk to the beach. The road to the beach led us past the famous Bernera Barracks now a ruin though still retaining a military air. The barracks were constructed in 1722 after the first Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, to maintain a military presence in an area of the Western Highlands that was seen to be rebellious. The barracks covers quite a large area of ground, and being constructed of stone must have been an impressive and intimidating building. Unfortunately I forgot my camera so no photograph sorry!
As we left that area we walked through fields, with a river running through them, crossed over an old wooden bridge and here stopped to look down into river, the water was so clear and and in the sunshine looked to have hundreds of stars twinkling on the surface, peace perfect peace! Suddenly Ruaridh started to bark I looked up to see why and saw Graham waiting for us on the road. Must remember to bring sketch pad next time I come this way.

Postie

Awoke to another super day-blue skies and sunshine. About 1130 hours Ruaridh started to bark and went to the kitchen door. I looked out of the window and sure enough there was the "Postie car". I put on my wellies opened the door and the pup and moi went up the lane to meet our Postie to get mail and The Guardian. Newspapers in this remote area are brought by the Postie and joy of joy for Ruaridh today it was his favorite Lexi. Lexi is a lovely lady, always bright and cheerful, and she adores the pup who always greets her with lots of kisses. She started to talk about the greenhouse that was glowing in the sun and told me how envious she was of it. As she is somewhat reserved I was pleased that she had started to chat, I invited her to come and see it and she said maybe when she wasn't so busy she would. I told her there would be produce for her later in the year. Lexi lives alone in a wood somewhere past Kyle and likes to keep herself to herself. So imagine my delight when she invited myself and Mctavish otherwise known as Ruaridh to visit her. We await the map she promised us.

Greenhouse

Yesterday was amazing weather wise. Early morning ground frost was still present when I opened my peepers at 0930hrs! but cleared quickly from the heat of the sun that shone all day in a clear blue sky. We took Ruaridh our Border Terrier pup for a walk in the woods, where he ran and jumped like a spring lamb in the sun.
As the weather was so good we decided to clean and disinfect the greenhouse, a mammoth task not to be approached lightheartedly. This job has to be done to get rid of anything that could cause a problem to the new input of seeds and plants. It was damned hard work and we only got a third of it done.
Today we had a walk on the beach, once again the weather was super. Many of the mountain tops covered in snow, which looked brilliant in the sunlight. Finished the job of cleaning the greenhouse phew! Worth it on reflection, to know we can sit down to a meal of homegrown fennel, or roasted tomato sauce, later in the year.

Rhuaridh

Today did not start off to well, first the stove in the front room had gone out overnight! there goes my long relaxing bath I thought. Got stove going again and went to run bath. Cold water was running in fine, started the hot and as is its want a gush of dark brown water appeared which if bathed in would have given me an amazing tan!
At long last Rhuaridh's 'treats' arrived from Veggie Pets, he was delighted with same. We took him to the woods today, first time since he disappeared on us about 2-3 months ago on the trail of a fox. Graham and moi combed the woods for 2 hours, calling him, to no avail. Sadly we decided to go home, as we approached the house we were still calling his name when we heard this high pitched bark coming from the garden-Rhuaridh was at home, hugs all round! Apparently he made it there himself. He was well behaved today, off into the woods about six times but returning quite quickly when called.
This evening we had to visit the vet as Rhuaridh's PET PASSPORT was ready. Could not quite believe it when I saw it, a proper passport with the dogs own number on the front! No, not for when he gets lost in the woods, for when we decide to go abroad. Only problem at the moment being if we left the U.K. now we would not get back in until 07/07/06. Say no more.

Marmalade

If any one ever tells you how wonderful homemade marmalade tastes beware! Started to prepare for our annual marmalade making event at 1300 hours yesterday-finished at 2300 hours last night! Talk about blood, sweat and tears! However the marathon ended with 22 jars of the stuff being placed on the pantry shelves. Some jars appear to be dark and chunky i.e. too much peel. Others are at the half way stage clear at the bottom, all the peel at the top, and last and least clear with one or two pieces of peel floating about. Needless to say it does taste good, anxiously await a report from our chum Bart who disappeared with a jar this morning.

The Beach

I am sure a bone from St Valentine could have been found in the Gorbals (Comment February 14). Myth and folklore has it that he or parts of him could have ended up in numerous places. Which puts me in mind of John the Baptist whose head is reportedly enshrined in various cities we have visited in the East-confusing or what!!
Walking on the beach today with Ruaridh I noticed how the sand was formed into these amazing furrows. Most were interwoven a few straight, some wide, others narrow, deep and shallow ones, Dreaming along I thought how they reminded me of some aspects and paths of life- Happiness, sadness, health, sickness, and how at times all these run into one another and what a relief when the road starts to become clear and straight. Enough!! Bon voyage to Graeme & Graciela who fly out to The Big Apple today. Big snow storms there. Fur knicks as well as fur coat required.

St Valentines Day

An article thrown up in a Google search states that St Valentine is the Patron Saint of Young People, Love and Happy Marriages ( What about the Golden Oldies)?
Origin of the Saint of Love remains a mystery. However Roman archeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and ancient church dedicated to him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius marked 14 February as a celebration of his martrydom?
On the other hand speaking of love - On 14 February 1929 the most spectacular mob hit in gang land history took place, "The St Valentines Day Massacre". Seven guys in 'Bugs' Moran's gang were gunned down in a Chicago warehouse on the orders of Al Capone. LOVE!!
My Valentine gift later this evening is yes you guessed --- A drink of hot chocolate with a dash of rum and a cuddle from Rhuaridh. Graham's is that I don't refer him to that woman Dr Gillian? Ha Ha!! C'est la vie

Shoes and Runts

The other day I happened to be in a shoe shop, got into conversation with this little old lady. We got talking about dogs and shoes. She told me when she went to buy her dog Sasha, she saw this small dog in a box and felt sorry for him, and ended up taking the two dogs home, she called him Harry. You see he was the runt of the litter, she said just like me I was the runt of the family. I think I grasped what she was saying she was five feet tall and her shoe size was two & half.

Trains - Saturday 11 February

Great sleep last pm. mum improving. Decided to telephone to check trains for today, glad I did totally different news from Wednesday, have to bus from Carstairs to Edinburgh when will the rail repairs finish or is this like the Forth Railway Bridge never ending! Most of Virgin staff don’t appear to know what is happening with their trains.
Interesting journey saw the Mosque in Blackburn huge building, for a split second thought I was in the lands of the East!! Travelled the scenic route which took 3hours, pouring rain wonderful moorland, one figure walking there in splendid isolation. Good to see Graham and Rhuaridh at the station in Edinburgh. Enjoyed a movie with sixties heartthrob Johnny Halliday.

All the lonely people - Friday 10 February

Back to the Blog!! Relaxing writing this. Never realised what hard work it is to talk to people on the telephone and in person. During the past two days there has been a wealth of callers enquiring after my mother last night I was so exhausted I fell asleep on the settee. This morning on thinking back to the callers realised there are a lot of people out there in the world alone and lonely. Most of the visitors stayed for over 3 hours---- cannot even begin to remember the length of the phone conversations.
Things are moving forward mum improving, we were out for a walk today in cold but very suuny weather. Hoping to head North tomorrow to catch up with hubby Graham and puppy Rhuaridh.

Peace Shattered Day 2-Wednesday 8 February

Awoken this morning early(for us) by the telephone ringing---- my mother had a fall last pm and this was Anne her friend and ‘adopted’ daughter letting me know. A fracture-dislocation -or what ? of arm she was whisked away to A/E. and moi jumped on the train South. Arriving at Preston station I was met by the sight of a very obese lady lying prone on the platform oblviously with a medical problem. A young women was attempting to lift her whilst 3 or 4 hefty railway employees looked on. Eventually the ‘penny’ must have dropped that
help was required and the situation was resolved.
My train arrived and here I was treated to a monologue (actually between two people) for most of my journey. I heard about ageism-- looking after elderly parents when oneself is no spring chicken. House prices here and abroad how ridiculous they were!! Drugs dealers and addicts and how ones sailing boat had been subject to a search for illegal substances in the Mediterranean?
Vacations around the world then------ silence.I realised one of the women had reached her destinaion, the silent one was taking a long swig of water, thirsty work?
Weather sunny and cold, good news re mum strained tendons and muscles. Have answered door and telephone since arrival! Mum tucked up in bed. Goodnight.

Peace shattered

Attempting to live a peaceful life don't come easy!! Our evening meal last pm was interupted by an urgent call from my 86 year old mothers helpline to say there was a bogus caller in her house and could I "pop round". As I live 200 miles away not an easy thing to do. As it turned out my mother had been conned into giving this man £40. and was rightly upset and angry. Family breathed a sigh of relief it was £40 and that no attack or intimidation occured. Is it to be that elderly people can't have a life now after dark?

Monday 6 February

Today is the most popular day of the year for taking a "sickie" in the u.k. according to social scientists. Various reasons are given why this is so!! It has been a grey day weatherwise also windy, so the puppy and moi were more aware of the creaking and movement of the trees, as we took our daily walk in the woods. Puppy had great fun chasing the leaves blowing on the ground these are his 'prey', he is happy when he catches one. Spirit was uplifted last night watching 'Jute, Jam and Islam' a programme about the Muslim community in Dundee. As far as I know only shown on BBC 2 Scotland, pity as this shows how people with different beliefs are attempting to live side by side. Restores faith in humanity.

Peace

Today has been a peaceful day in my neck of the woods. Early morning silence broken only by one police siren and later in the a.m. by a Woodpecker busy in the trees!! Even the puppy quiet not barking at the grey squirrels that normally intrude into his space in the back garden. Also noticed that the crocus were coming into bloom on the park, and a grandpa enjoying a go on the swings on the kids play park, great fun!!