Values

Haven't shopped at The Body Shop for years for various reasons, one being can ecological problems be solved by throwing money at them? . However I was rather surprised to hear they had been taken over by L'oreal, even more shocked to hear yesterday that Nestle own 26.4% of L'oreal. According to some statistics Nestle is the most boycotted company in the United Kingdom due largely to "The Baby Food Boycott" which apparently is still ongoing. It seems strange and sad to me that a company that prided itself on sound ethical and ecological values, should have become involved in a company which cares more for gain than pain.

"Loopdeloop'

Layla was over at the house today, it was dull and miserable when we took Ruaridh for his walk in the woods. We were sliding in the mud, laughing and chatting away much to Ruaridh's disgust, he just wanted another dog to play with. She was telling me about some new customers she has got for her products. 'Loopdeloop' is the name of her company. Amongst other things she designs and makes washbags/toilet bags that apart from being well designed and made are fun to have. They are made in various materials and a link to her website is on my Blog.

"Golden Dog Day"

Awoke this morning to find the sun shining and no work to go to, yes! Had a leisurely breakfast with Graham who had to go through to Glasgow today, took some telephone calls, messed about in general and then took Ruaridh for his walk. At the moment in the city he is being trained to sit at the edge of the pavement prior to crossing the road, and to walk to heel when appropriate, must say he is doing well!
We arrived at the park then up into the woods, I let him off the lead and he immediately spied Barney a Lakeland Terrier out with the dog walker, and Fudge a Border Terrier who is nine years old and smaller than Ruaridh. He wanted to play but Barney has to stay on the lead and Fudge is not interested. We left them and continued on our way, Ruaridh having a great time running through the trees that are being cut down in the woods. It was very warm today and the woods looked good, lots of new growth appearing on the trees and ground. Wandered along and the pup took off he had spied a black Labrador pup called Tia who was very sunny natured, and her owner was happy for them to play, the two pups had a great time playing and rolling in old fallen leaves. Once again we were on our way and bumped into three 'lady' Dashunds strolling along, their coats glowing in the sun, also saw a long haired Golden Retriever in the distance.
All the dogs we met today were "Golden' in colour apart from Tia who was 'Golden' natured, all helped of course by it being a sunny day!

"Pinkertons"

Pinkertons outside catering offers delicious food. Over the past month I have had the pleasure of sampling many of their dishes and all were yummy. I also love their "Pink Van" which delivers the goodies, it is a gorgeous shade of pink and somehow when you see it, your spirits are lifted, actually reminds me of a big candy floss. Also the women who deliver the goods are always cheery, and nothing appears to be too much trouble.
The only other Pinkerton's I know of is 'The Detective Agency', last time I bumped into them was at Toronto Airport awaiting a flight from there to Manchester England. At this time a group of French Canadiens wanting independence were kidnapping people to draw attention to their cause, so prior to boarding we were all frisked by people from Pinkerton's. Before this I had only come across the name in movies or novels. Security was much less in those days compared to the present where it appears to be number 1 priority at airports. Changed days.

"The Sands of Time"

Today was the birthday of one of our neighbours. I would say we have known him for about fifteen years, for the first twelve of those years in the passing, he has always mentioned to me the age he was that particular year. However over the past couple of years this has not been so, in fact I said to Graham that Hughie had stopped telling me his age. On the very same day I said this, Hughie saw me in the street and yes you guessed told me he was going to be eighty this year 2006! but refused to tell me his birthdate. He always makes sure the garbage bins are out on a Tuesday evening and returns them on a Wednesday morning, for this and to mark him being eighty years young we bought him a bottle of Malt Whisky. When I took it over this evening he thanked me, and asked how I had found out today was his birthday. Just say a "little bird" told me I said, and left him to enjoy a dram!

The Grand Hotel

Hi sorry there has not been a Blog for two or three days, I was down in St Annes on Sea to visit my mum. Unfortunately she only has a dial up system no Broadband! and for some reason my computer does not work at her house! Anyway good to be back. When in St Annes on Sea, Ruaridh the pup loves to go onto the beach, so we take him every morning. On the way we always pass The Grand Hotel, and of all the hotels on the promenade this one for some reason always reminds me of bygone days. Don't know whether it is the architecture or the ambiance but I always imagine it in its heyday-possibly post first World War, pre second World War with wealthy people coming from the surrounding towns to take advantage of the sea air.
Now they have had a modern extension built that also houses a super swimming pool, Layla and Joe stayed for a couple of nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even Grand Hotels have to move with the times. A big hello to Richie, also Rowan in Aberdeen.

No Smoke without Fire

At 0600 on Sunday 26th March the no smoking ban will become operational in Scotland. This will not affect me until Monday morning when I go to work at a hospital in the Lothian region where and this is open to debate not only will patients and staff not be allowed to smoke in a semi or enclosed space but also in the hospital grounds. One poster definitely states semi or enclosed space, whilst a policy document also adds the grounds bit. Not heard much from staff (ones I have been working with don't smoke) patients who smoke have been quite vociferous about this issue and state if they cannot have a fag they might not be able to come and help with the exams! Monday morning will be interesting! Funnily enough colleagues who have never smoked appear to have a sympathy for the ones who do, as one person said today Big Brother gets Bigger!

Tax-Tax-Tax!

More tax to pay for this tomorrow? The jeep my dear Watson not the canoe.

Tired

Paid labour day today, just awoke from falling asleep on the settee! Graham's ukulele arrived today, handmade in Germany, now it will be George Formby all the way. Just watched the Dispatches programme on Channel 4 re Iraq-not "Where have all the Flowers Gone" but "Where have all the billions gone" dollars that is of Iraq money? Unbelievable three years on.

Lazy Day

Today was quite a lazy day. Cleaned the propagator so that tomorrow the first seeds of the year can be sown, think chilli, tomato, aubergine and fennel. Over to Layla and Joe's for dinner where I had a truly senior moment when it was noticed the fork I was using to eat my meal with was huge? On helping myself to the delicious salad had inadvertently swopped forks and ended up eating with the overlarge fork normally used for serving instead of shoveling food into ones mouth! To bed now as tomorrow back to the paid labour and taxis for four days.

"Monkey Puzzle Tree"

Today we travelled out to Gowanbank Village to introduce a friend to the people who live there. They bought the place in 1992 as a part ruin and with the help of various bodies they have renovated the houses, they look amazing. Apparently in years gone by it used to house the head quarryman, and other quarrymen. As the guys were doing business Ruaridh and moi set off to explore, and found lots of garden ground, and woodland and there in the woods were lots of Monkey Puzzle Trees! Immediately took me back to childhood when we used to chant "How would you like to be a Monkey in a Monkey Puzzle Tree?" Happy Days!

Cramond

Up at 0730 hours today as Graham had a business meeting in Newcastle, saw him off then back to bed. Unable to go back to sleep so thought I would finish reading Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx that has recently been made into a movie. Have not seen the movie yet, didn't know we had the novel until browsing through the books up North found this copy. People have had mixed reviews on the movie from dislike and harrowing, to very deep. I found the book quite poignant and sad, but realistic of life in certain areas of America, where feelings are pushed under carpets rather than acknowledged. A worthwhile read.
Layla came over and as the sun was shining we took Ruaridh to Cramond to enjoy a run on the beach. Although sunny the wind was very icy and we hurried along the beach, running at times to keep warm. The tide was coming in quickly at the estuary, Ruaridh didn't stray to far whether because he was in new territory or just tired from being up early who knows! After about an hour returned home and enjoyed our lunch.
Today is St Patricks Day and if he had lived would have been my dad (Doug's) Birthday, mother normally buys Shamrock but didn't manage to do this today.

Doctors

Today awoke in Edinburgh to a dusting of snow, and a cold wind. Up quite early to pay a visit to the Doctors with this sore back I have been experiencing. Arrived at the surgery in good time booked in and took a seat diagonal to where these two men were sitting. They were speaking quite loudly and I could not help over hearing their conversation. As both appeared fairly elderly and conservative I was somewhat surprised by the tone of their conversation. "Could never live in America" said one "never settle there, can't stand that fellow Bush! All those folk who voted for him in the Mid West-fundamentalist! nice enough people but little understanding of what they were doing!" "Hmm" said the other man "have you seen the film Capote a brilliant movie that I think explains a lot about social conditions in the Mid West?" "No'' said the first man "Though I will try to see it." with that the Doctor called him and away to the consulting room he went.
Truman Capote wrote one of the first Docu-novels 'In Cold Blood' about two guys who murdered this family in the Mid West it was made into a film of that name, now a movie has been made about the author, I think this is what they were discussing?
On looking around the surgery I saw a notice on the wall that intrigued me it stated 'For Health and Safety reasons' toys will no longer be provided for children to play with, just how far are we prepared to go on these issues?

Bye Glenelg

Today we had to leave the Glen to return to Edinburgh. Pretty uneventful day, took Ruaridh to the beach where he met two lovely old Collie dogs, he wanted to play but they said no way as they were far to old! We collected mussels to have for dinner but they ended up in the fridge as we were to tired to cook them. Lots of snow on the roadside from Spean Bridge to Perth, Ruaridh loved rolling and running through it when we stopped to take him a walk.

Something in the air......?

Today when I awoke the rain was lashing down, however when I eventually arose from my bed sometime later it had stopped, and the sun was appearing over the mountains in the east and we have had a super day. I had a lovely surprise first thing this a.m. on opening my e-mails I had received one from my best buddy Sue who is vacationing with hubby Al in Thailand. They are having an amazing time, enjoying the food and taking in Beijing on the way home to Canada. As they are in Thailand and the main religion there is Buddhism thought it would be good to have Graham's photograph on the Blog today. Travel safely my friends.
We decided to walk through the woods with Ruaridh so garbed in Merino vests and leggings and Puffa jackets we set off, we hadn't gone far when we were sweating like crazy as the weather was mild and Spring like, unlike the past few days when it has been very cold. The burns were bubbling like crazy due to the snow melting, though some still remains on the mountain tops and we saw a couple of deer coming down for food and lots of wee birds trilling away. On the way home we walked through the field at the front of the house and we were amazed to see mole hills everywhere, they seem to happen overnight. I have never seen a live mole but often like to imagine how hard the small creatures are working underground, the disturbed soil is great for gardens.
Cleaned the windows today! made some scones and a quiche for dinner. Went into the garden and photographed some flowers, also did a quick sketch of some-I haven't done this for over a year-must be something in the air?

"The no Crap Cookbook"

Today in the Highlands was a lousy day rain, rain go away-but it didn't! and nothing to exciting happened, so I started to daydream about doing a cookbook called "The no Crap Cookbook." Actually this has been an idea of mine for the past couple of years, but fortunately or unfortunately it has never come to fruition. But who knows this could be me in the right space, so watch the Blog, if this is the year all will be revealed!

Those were the days.........

Today Graham awoke complaining of a sore left eye, looks like he could be developing a stye. I'll have to get some Golden Eye Ointment he said, I laughed thinking that this treatment was last heard of in the early sixties. But no Layla informed me tonight she purchased some recently-ah well.
I have had a sore back for the past week no pain or ache, just a burning sensation, very painful to touch, I thought "shingles"
but no blisters! As we were walking on the beach today I said to Graham maybe I have fibrocitis a condition my father suffered from now known as fibromyagia? Fibrocitis was helped by wearing this piece of flannel called Doll's Flannel, burgandy in colour and cut to fit various parts of the body where it may be required. It used to be advertised on a drawing of the body of a thin man showing where the different pieces could be used. We had a good laugh about this as we haven't seen the advertisement for many a year.
Talking about advertisements Dad once told me a story about himself. They were asked in their art class of the 1930's to do a drawing advertising a product, he drew a streak of lightning. What is this asked the teacher "Veno's Lightening Cough Cure" replied Dad, needless to say he got a cuff round the ear!
Tonight for dinner we had Graham's homemade Minestrone soup followed by 'tinned salmon' open sandwiches with cucumber relish delicious! The tinned salmon took me back to the days when events were held at church halls and 'teas' were served. One sight I remember well was of the old women sitting, mixing tinned salmon with breadcrumbs to make the filling go further in the sandwiches."Those were the days my Friend"

" Double Nipple Day?"

Today we travelled from Edinburgh to Glenelg, and I had thoughts that my Blog tonight would be on how super the snow on the mountains looked as we wound our way N/W but no way! Graham decided on the journey that for dinner this evening we were going to have his delicious Butternut Squash risotto, unfortunately I had forgotten to buy cream. As we were in a somewhat remote part of the country we had to decide where to shop, no Tesco's here Joe (see Blipfoto.com last pm.) It was a choice of two shops the one at Roy Bridge or the other at The Well of the Seven Heads, we chose the first.
On entering the shop I noticed two people a women serving and a man stood chatting to her. We exchanged greetings and I went to the fridge to get the cream, (double at that) and approached the counter. The woman asked me where I had come from so I told her, then the weather next how cold it was, I agreed and told them that we had stopped just outside Dalwhinnie to take the pup for a walk and the wind there was freezing biting into our cheeks, aye a real Double Nipple Day said she laughing. I was gob smacked, even more so when I looked at the women and saw she was drawing circles round her own nipples on her ample bosoms, the man stood there chuckling that will be right he said. Thoughts of The Nipple Tassels being swung in the movie 'The Graduate' sprang to mind. Paid the money and smiling to myself I left the shop, thinking one never knows when one is going to get "A Gem."

Sufism

Sat down for breakfast this morning and suddenly my eye was caught by a book in the book shelves called Sufism. I remembered that some years before, (more than I care to remember) I had been at a meeting with a group of Sufi and found their belief structure fascinating. Never really delved into investigating further but this morning I somehow thought I should. Now I have started to read this book, so watch this space.
Walking in the local park it has been lovely to watch the tiny daffodils and crocus pushing up through the earth. Over the past few days the colours have been amazing. I should always carry my camera (like Joe who does Blip) so I can get an image when the sun is shining. Kept forgetting the camera, so had to take a photograph today when it was dull and raining. Ruaridh stood very still at my side whilst I took my photo's, desperate to be on them! Tomorrow we will be hopefully heading to the N/W for a few days as we have to get seeds et al organized

Bike

Over the weekend walking round Ravelston Park with Ruaridh we noticed on numerous occasions a childs bike left in the park. As it was a brand new bike we wondered who it belonged to, whether it had been abandoned or stolen or what? One does wonder. Anyway today noticed a sign in one of the local shops and also on the park gate that the bike had been found, was now in safe keeping and where to enquire about same. Do hope someone comes forward don't like to think of the bike without its owner or vis versa.
Met the dog walker today out with Barney the Lakeland terrier, remembered to ask his name Willie he said, Beryl said I. We shook hands, let the dogs have a play while Willie finished his fag then both went on our merry way.

'Doggie Style'

Forgot to mention yesterday "The Baghdad Blogger" was on Newsnight on BBC 2 last pm. The article was an interesting one telling us here in the UK how people are attempting to get rich in Baghdad, mind blowing! I always enjoyed reading his Blog in the Guardian, he is well worth reading and watching.
Today was my last day working in the Public arena until 20 March, chaotic to say the least how does one get taxi's to pick up on time and at the right address? pass. The food was delicious much improved since we got outside caterers. Worked with a good group of people, and even through the mayhem we had a laugh.
Ruaridh went to 'Doggie Style' this afternoon, the 'beauty salon' for dogs in Edinburgh. This was his second visit to have his hair stripped, shampooed ? blow dried and claws trimmed. Graham and Layla took him and apparently he was happy to see Craig the owner and his two dogs one who is called Mouse! Not a very happy bunny when we picked him up as he had to sit in a cage to wait for us! a cage for Ruaridh, no way, in a bit of a huff until 2200 hours tonight, ah well and so to bed.

Glasgow

Graham picked me up from work at 1505 hours as we were going to Glasgow to see his mother as it was her birthday today. The weather was atrocious wet and foggy, traffic was not to bad until we got into Glasgow city then as usual it was horrendous. We had to go to Asda in Govan to pick up a birthday cake, this can be quite an experience but did not feel to much pain today. The lady on the express checkout was no spring chicken but was stunning, long dyed blonde hair, a great smile, dripping in gold jewelry and just did the job automatically, nothing appeared to phase her. Paid for my chocolate cake and left. Met up with Aunty Jessie and Aunty May at mother-in-laws flat, they were in good form, I think Betty enjoyed her birthday we had fish and chips for dinner-not to great! but enjoyed the chocolate cake. Ruaridh loved all the attention given to him by the three elderly women but "miffed" he did not get any chocolate cake! Oh by the way apparently we have a "flasher" in Blackhall, (in Blackhall I hear one say) who has upset some women in the area by exposing all? What is the world coming to?

Gullane

Today was another sunny day and we decided to go to the beach at Gullane, as we all miss the ocean and the walk sur la plage when we are in Edinburgh. It took us quite a while to get there as the traffic was very heavy, but once there we all relaxed to some degree. The sky was blue, with lovely white fluffy clouds floating around. The wind was very cold and made our cheeks tingle. The beach here is super, a lovely golden colour and sweeps from the small dunes at the back down to the ocean where the waves were rolling in today. Ruaridh loved running in an out of the ocean, and digging on the beach. We walked out to the east and then a walk to the west over sand and rocks. On the way back two men were trying to launch a big kite ? used for surfing, Ruaridh not at all sure what this object was barked us off the beach!

Tired-- try Blipfoto

Sorry folks to tired to Blog. Though just heard from my dear friends Heiner and Marion in Germany that they are receiving my Blogs. For entertainment tonight go to blipfoto-fun and games there.

Lidl

Returned Layla and Joe's washing to them. Layla wanted to go to Lidl's to do her weekly shop decided to go with her. I love shopping at Lidl's and find their produce in most cases to be of great value. We went to the one at the bottom of Leith walk, never again on a Saturday afternoon, normally it is quite busy but today it was heaving with people. So many different nationalities and languages is amazing, but the mass of bodies is overpowering especially when one is more used to the remote Highlands. Eventually we made our way along the checkout, paid for our purchases and left glad to be out in the fresh air again!

Snow

Woke this morning to a sunny day, by 1200 hours almost 3 inches of snow had fallen. Layla had telphoned early this morning to say her washing machine was kaput, I told her to bring the washing over and do it here, little did I realise what chaos and hold up the snow was causing. She phoned to say she was on her way but that there were big tailbacks on Ferry road due to the weather and she would be late. Eventually she arrived and after a quick chat and coffee Graham, Layla and me took Ruaridh into the woods. He loves the snow he had already been into the garden and had great fun snuffling around in it. The woods were amazing, sunlight breaking through the trees the rays letting on the snow. Pristine snow on the ground being disturbed by our foot steps, holly trees with snow covering their leaves, bracken bending over under the weight of snow, giving us a Winter Wonderland! Ruaridh had a great time roaming through the trees, running and jumping all over the place, he met a huge chocolate coloured Labrador called Cooper and they played for quite a while, before we had to return home. NOTE:- we now know the dogs names instead of their owners. Funny old world!

Cars

Weather was once again very cold and sunny as I walked to work this morning. I entered the hospital grounds trying to dodge all the cars that are now parked in increasing numbers anywhere there is a vacant spot. To reach the clinical area where I work I had to walk on the grass past this row of cars, I was about half way along when suddenly as if from nowhere I heard this small voice 'Hello' it said 'Can you help me.' I looked around and seeing no-one, thought strange, do I start to believe in fairies and goblins again! I decided to continue on to work, then I heard the voice again 'Excuse me can you help me'. I stopped and walked back a little 'Can you help' said this voice close to my leg, looking down I saw it was this women sat in a low slung sports car who was asking for help. Her central locking system had jammed and she could not get out of the car, or the car window. She gave me her car keys which I inserted into the lock, lifted the door handle and voila she was free, she thanked me and we both continued on our way.

Dentist

Today at work we had a problem with the taxis that are supposed to come to take the patients home when the exams are finished, they did not arrive! Needless to say this is not the first time this has happened, we blame the taxi company and they blame us. Due to this problem I did not finish my shift until 1610 hours, and I was due at the dentists at 1640 hours or so I thought. Methinks hop onto a bus and you will be there in no time, first hassle finding out the bus I thought did a certain route doesn't anymore. Second getting on a bus that I thought went straight past my dentists and finding out this is also re-routed, and goes all round the houses. Time was now marching on so I phoned the dentist to say what time my appointment was and I would be late. Oh no Beryl said the receptionist your appointment was for 1630 hours, so I'm afraid you have missed the hygienest as we close in ten minutes. Damn! I was so angry after all my running about, I cancelled my appointment for tomorrow. Will start on Friday to try and rectify the situation.
Went out for Joe's birthday, super meals at David Bann's Vegetarian Restuarant where a pleasant evening was enjoyed by all.