Morning

'Morning has broken--' here in the Glen a sunny start to another peaceful day, however the news soon changed that as we heard that Israel was still continuing with their air raids, so much for the Hope of yesterday. ' Baghdad Burning' posted a good report from an Arab point of view, on the human carnage in the Lebanon, on her Blog of 30/07/06 (see link on my Blog).
Made the first batch of courgette relish today, will have to see how this recipe turns out.
Took Ruaridh to the beach, torrential rain started, got soaked through, it was actually good to walk in the rain, don't think the dog appreciated it!
Had a delicious curry for dinner tonight courtesy of Graham.

Hope

So sad and horrified to hear the news from Lebanon today, human life must count for more than this. At least sixty people killed in Qana after a direct hit during an Israeli air raid in the early hours of this morning, over half were children.
Have just read that Israel are stopping air raids for at least 48 hours. Hopefully in that small space some formula can be started to be worked out for a ceasefire from both sides and eventually Peace.
Prime Minister Blair looked distraught at a press conference in California speaking about the tragedy. Maybe the emails pouring into Downing Street are slowly beginning to count! I hope so.
We had a peaceful day in the Glen, Ruaridh chased a deer in the forest, and we collected wild cherries which Graham is using in ice-cream.
Garry B is back from his trip to Fort William he was over for a visit, lovely to see him, his mum and dad arrive from Lewis tomorrow.

Lazy Day

Today was spent doing nothing in particular. Went into the woods with Ruaridh, who only went off by himself once! Saw the cherry trees in the wood were getting more fruit and it was ripening. Hoping to pick some tomorrow, depending on the weather.
Had a discussion with Graham re the growing of tomatilla, as I like to grow them in the greenhouse, but he thinks they take up too much room. We grew about five plants this year but I would be happy with one or two as the fruits are fantastic.
Got the courgette relish started, so this will be being bottled tomorrow.
Sat and watched a good movie by default tonight, it was called 'Ahead of the Class' and starred amongst others Julie Walters.
She played the headmistress who tried to save a school in North London after the murder of the previous Headteacher.

Cucumber Relish

Awoke to heavy rain this morning, Ruaridh has developed an aversion to the rain, sticks his nose outside and if he feels the rain about turns into the kitchen. We had to go into Kyle to get the messages, the longer we live up here the more we hate having to make these journeys. Ruaridh also does not like the car now! Down to Edinburgh is somewhat different, as we go to see the family and friends, also work and business.
On the way home took Ruaridh to the beach, he was very funny running into the waves, especially when one bowled him over. He also spied a tent and a couple outside it, he set off to suss the situation and was welcomed with open arms by the young woman who shouted to me what a happy dog he was!
Earlier on this week started my second batch of cucumber relish, with the heat outside the first stage of this made the kitchen smell of Greece, delicious. Also going to start my courgette relish hopefully tomorrow.
Layla and Joe got the key to their new house today, may they spend happy times there.

Blackcurrant Juice

Today we took the wee dog down to the beach which was pretty uneventful, ducks have got wise to Ruaridh and set off swimming out to sea as soon as they spy him. This really gets the dog annoyed as he loves to chase them. Actually when this adventure of swimming after our feathered friends started, I'm sure two of the duckling's died of a heart attack!
Back at la maison after lunch, it was time to get stuck into making the blackcurrant juice. Jean had arrived yesterday with about 4 Kilo's of blackcurrants wow! called into the local shop today (see www.blipfoto.com) to buy the sugar required by Joe to make the juice drinkable. About 3 years ago we purchased this amazing juicer/steamer from a company in Finland called (Hackman Designor Oy Ab) and it does produce the most fantastic juice. We have got 5 litres of juice and still to attack Layla's blackcurrants.
Graham and moi have sampled the juice and it is superb! emailed Joe to let him know the sugar content is definately up on last years, so much so it makes your jaws clamp together.

'The Long and Winding Road'

Yesterday's Blog is being done today as I got caught up watching a documentary that shows there could be new evidence in the Stephen Lawrence case. This teenager was murdered 13 years ago and no-one ever convicted of this terrible crime.
Yesterday we went walking in the woods, we found a lot of cherry trees, with lots of cherries ready for picking, we are hoping to go back today and pick them to make a cherry pie?
Ruaridh was so hot every time we came to a burn or puddle of water, in he flopped, and soaked himself as well as drinking it.
This picture is taken from part of the forest where I say I would like to build a house! It would have to be on stilts as the hill falls away sharply, but what a view.
Worked away in the garden clearing the grass from round the raised beds, weeded part of the rockery by 0930 hours.
Luc and Jean popped over later in the day, bringing loads of blackcurrants, still attatched to the twigs! Then Christine and Haley arrived had a chat and a cuppa, they were both a great help in picking the blackcurrants off, must get sugar today to make the juice.
Sent emails to the Prime Minister and our M.P. regarding the humanitarian carnage in the Middle East. Do these people remember, they are only there by the will and grace of the populace? Disgrace, re the killing of the U.N. personnel.

The Rose

Up early this morning as Graham was going fishing, did not go back to bed, opened up the greenhouse and watered, and took the covers off the two raised bed. As I walked round the east side of the house the most fantastic perfume met my nose! It came from the climbing rose that my mother bought for us 6 years ago, we planted it under the rowan tree, over the years the rose tree has climbed up this and is full of roses this year.
Ruaridh and moi drove down to the beach, it was very hot there today, as soon as he could he was in to the ocean to cool off.
We walked along and then he spied the six ducks in the ocean, at once he set off into the water, the ducks became 'jet propelled' going further out to sea, Ruaridh swam after them but must have realised it was a no win situation and before long turned for the shore.
Popped in to have a cuppa with Christine, Garry B away to Fort William for a day or so.
Watered all the plants both in the greenhouse and outside, all are growing so well!
Graham arrived home at 2030 hours with three super brown trout, gave two to neighbour Noonie who was delighted with them, and put the other in the freezer.

Seaweed

Walking along the shore line as we quite often do, I am always fascinated with the seaweed that we find there. Apart from some types eaten by humans, and its use as a fertilizer, it manages to make some amazing shapes as it is left on the shore by the sea. I love to look at these and see what designs they make. Uneventful day, sunny at times and then intermittant drizzle.
Made my second batch of cucumber relish today, also a vegetarian lasagne for dinner.
Am also contributing to www.blipfoto.com now, a daily photo journal so have to keep my wit, wisdom and words together!

The Blue Boat

Today we walked along the shore at Glenelg. The weather is still warm, but there was a hint of rain in the air. As we were walking Ruaridh spied some ducks in the ocean, he made a few tentative steps to follow them but the waves were a bit to big and he decided not to bother! We walked up the riverbank and Ruaridh decided to dash into the water and swim to the other side. Graham called to him and this time he turned and swam back to us.
On the other side of the river sits this old Blue Boat, it is a lovely pastel colour of blue probably due to having been weathered. It is turned upside down and has sat there for years. Everytime I see it I wonder who owns or owned it, was it used for pleasure, to take the family and friends out in past times. Or, used as a work boat to take someone out to sea to drop off pots and creels that hopefully would catch lobster, crab and prawns, then to return to pick up the days catch.
Photograph courtesey of Graham.

Dogday on the Deck

Had a very leisurely day today after the hassles of yesterday, even Ruaridh was happy to lounge on the deck as were we in our Blue and Red deckchairs side by side,(Blog 10/06/06.) Still in my pyjama's at 1300 hours, although I had thrown clothes into the washing machine and made bread! Very quiet without Layla, however as we were settling down to lunch at 1430 Garry B arrived and entertained us for a couple of hours. Popped over with Ruaridh and him to take his auntie the messages we had got for her in Inverness, had chat and a cup of tea.
Today sat in my deckchair in the calm of the N/W Highlands, the only attackers being midges and clegs, got to thinking about the Bush/Blair stance on the worsening situation in the Middle East. Both these guys profess a Faith and Belief in The Almighty yet appear willing to let this carnage go on. The killing of civilians especially children must be condemned and stopped on both sides. This problem has gone on now for nigh on 58 years, action must be taken to resolve it. We live in the 21st Century, surely man is intelligent enough to recognise God for himself without the requirements of a teacher or place of worship being necessary?

Inverness

Today Layla was returning to Edinburgh and we were driving her to Inverness to catch her train. It was a very misty, moisty, morning here in the Glen when we left, but once 'over the hill' we were in brilliant sunshine. Had an uneventful journey, stopped on the outskirts of the city to take wee Ruaridh for a walk along the Caledonian Canal, where he said 'Hello' to quite a few dogs.
Very busy in Inverness, traffic and people wise. However the weather was sunny, so we looked for a cafe where we could sit outside with Ruaridh, as we wanted to take Layla out for a decent lunch, but could we find a place, NO.
Admittedly we did not arrive until 1500 hours, most places on the Riverside had finished lunch or were not interested in serving us. A good quality sandwich with a drink was all we were asking for but that was deemed impossible, oh! to be in Italy, Belgium, France or Spain, for food glorious food.
Eventually sat outside this hotel, where we ate awful food, and to crown it all my debit card had to go to a referral company to check that funds were available in the account! This took so long I missed taking Layla to the train, Graham and Ruaridh were able to get her there on time thank goodness. I quickly telephoned customer service at The Bank of Scotland and put in a complaint, as we have banked with them for 30 years and never had this problem until today. They of course were quick to say it could be The Merchants Fault (ie.The Crap Hotel) In this world is no-one ever to blame?

'Blipfoto'

'Blipfoto' became available to a wider audience yesterday, produced by "Rocket" this is a daily photographic journal, (a link available on my Blog) that has been done by one guy for over a year. We are all excited that we can now participate and look forward to seeing a daily dose of individual photograph's.
Today dawned sunny, Graham decide top take Ruaridh for a walk in the woods, but Layla and moi chickened out and drove down to the beach at Glenelg, as we arrived the drizzle started! Not to be put off we walked along the beach and paddled in the ocean, this was superb for my feet, never mentioned it but got bitten quite badly by clegs (horseflies) on Tuesday, and my feet swelled like wee puddings. "Sister" Maqueen my neighbour advised a paste of soda bicarbonate and this worked wonders, apart from drying and falling off my feet, Ruaridh thought it was snowing in the house!
Just had a visit from Garry B who is visiting his aunty Christine my friend in the Glen, he arrived with a gift of chocolates for us all.
Tomorrow we go to Inverness to take Layla to the train, she is going home to Joe in Edinburgh. We have loved having her, just sorry Joe couldn't make it due to pressure of work. Layla and Joe are expecting a baby in December, Graham and moi are so happy for them and thrilled for ourselves. They get the keys to their new house a week tomorrow.

Coral Beach

About 28 years ago we were visiting friends at Waternish on the Isle of Skye, Katie a friend of ours had many small Cowrie Shells in the house and Layla who was three at the time asked where she had got them. Not far from here was the reply at Coral Beach along the road from Dunvegan, Layla was determined we should go. Although it was April the weather was quite wintery and armed with raincoats, umbrella, a flask full of soup and plenty of sandwiches off we set. It was quite a long walk to the beach, but when we arrived well worth the journey, the beaches were superb, white and full of all different types of shells. The snow showers started as we sat behind a wall with the umbrella up, sipping our vegetable soup and tucking in to the sandwiches. As we sat there looking at the ocean a seal rose out of the water balancing a fish on the end of his/her nose, a wonderful sight. Even though the weather was bad we managed to collect many shells including the precious 'Cowrie's.'
Over the years we have returned to Coral Beach numerous times, at different times of the year, today as Layla is visiting us we rode the road again, picnic lunch in the rucksack and this time with wee Ruaridh.
What a shock we got on arriving at the parking lot, soooo many cars, no place to park, also people dressed for a day in the town rather than the beach? we did a quick turn round and decided the best time for us to come to this special place is probably New Years Day!

The Woods

Today was 'Woods Day' for our daily walk with Ruaridh, it was hot and humid but we enjoyed the walk. Ruaridh disappeared on one occasion for quite a while, eventually he turned up very hot and panting, he enjoyed flopping into a puddle and drinking the dirty water! Everyone quite busy today, Layla, baked a delicious fruit cake, made more of her amazing 'Wash Bags' for an order she had to finish. Graham made cherry focaccia-superb, and a excellent dinner-linguine, pesto and a lovely salad eaten with his cheese and rocket focaccia. Moi I started to prepare the vegetables for the cucumber relish that we make each year with our own grown produce.
Our wee chum Harrison was 11 years old today Happy Birthday!

Misty

Today dawned wet and misty. Graham had to work so Layla and me set off to do the messages in Kyle of Lochalsh, first we took wee Ruaridh to the beach. Well what a performance, the wind was blowing and lashing the rain onto the beach, within minutes we were soaked, but we had to laugh at the state we were in. The waves were quite high on the incoming tide and they had brought in their share of tragedy. A dead puffin, a dead guillamot and a dead baby seal that had been savaged in the ocean, were all left lying on the shore.
As we were so wet we had to return to Troutmask, a quick change of clothes and two humans and dog set off for Kyle. The mist over the hill was very intense we even had to put our fog light on! Managed to get most of the messages, pay a couple of bills and then set off back home.
Layla made us a super dinner, Arabiatta sauce, pasta and delicious salad. Graham had also made delicious honey and banana bread which we had for supper, Ruaridh loved it
See the Middle East is still erupting, feel so sorry for all the people who are suffering because every faction appears to think they are right.

'The Gang of Eight'

At the close of the meeting in St Petersburg yesterday the statement from the 'Eight Wise Men' regarding the horrific situation in the Middle East said everything and nothing. Are these problems in the world ever going to be resolved or as intelligent beings are we meant to live in this continuous turmoil?
Monday evening of last week showed us the return of Salman Pax the Baghdad Blogger on Newsnight, from what he was saying things in Iraq are certainly not improving. People have now got to be careful what they wear, and the situation for women is definately worsening.
Yesterday we once again went down to the beach, Garry B accompanied us. Ruaridh once again decided that we should or at least he should eat duck for dinner! (We have been vegetarian for years and so is he!) The ducks swam and flew down the river pursued by this little dog swimming like crazy towards the estuary. At one point we thought he was so tired he would go under, moi waded into the river, both Graham and me shouting loudly at the dog. Eventually he started to come towards the shore, thank goodness, so neither Graham nor me got a 'skinny dip!'

Ruaridh and the Ducks

Yesterday was an amazing day here in the N/W awoke at 0800 hours to hot, sunny day. Did some work in the garden, when Layla got up about 0930 hours we had breakfast, strawberries, raspberries and yoghurt, followed by toasted cheese and rocket focaccia (hmm delicious,) Graham had made this whilst I was in Edinburgh.
Garry B came over to visit and after doing more work in the garden we decided to go to the beach for Ruaridh's walk. Garry and his auntie Christine came with us. We had a super time at the beach and all ventured into the ocean for a paddle, we encouraged Ruaridh to have a swim but he was having none of it! However when we got to the river he took off, next thing we saw was this mother duck and her three ducklings skimming the water hell for leather, and who was the cause of this-yes Ruaridh. He had spied them and decided to investigate, needless to say it ended up with the dog having to swim quite a distance, but to no avail the ducks got away. This happened so quickly I was unable to get a photograph of the event, Graham however did, the wee spot is Ruaridh's head!
Had a late leisurely lunch sat on the deck, must try and get the chimenea going today.

Back to the Glen

Today we left Edinburgh in brilliant sunshine. Got delicious sandwiches from Cafe Citron for the journey. This is a cafe that opened up about a year ago, situated on the corner of the road we live on and Queensferry Road. Always feel somewhat sad when I go in the shop as for years this was our local wet fish shop run by Jim. He was a great character, and over the years we got on very well. Unfortunately about three years ago he fell ill, and was diagnosed with asbestosis, apparently he had worked with the deadly stuff as a teenager. He died two years ago, a huge loss to the community.
We had a good drive up and as I stated last night Layla is with us for a week, enjoyed our sandwiches at the side of Loch Laggan especially Ruaridh. He was very pleased to be back in his 'big garden' in the Glen, and raced around like crazy, attempting to find the rabbits. Had a surprise visit from Gary B this evening who is visiting his auntie in the Glen for the summer, he is great company and we look forward to more visits.
As I write this tonight do hope that the situation in The Middle East can be resolved, especially by 'The Gang of Eight' meeting in St. Petersburg, one asks who is fueling what?

Walking the Dog

Super day today Ruaridh and moi decided on a long walk to the beach at Cramond. We set off along the cycle path meeting cyclists, walkers and one or two canines, mostly all on leads. Met one dog who was free, so let Ruaridh off the lead, think the dog was too old and didn't want to play as after a second or so Ruaridh was attempting to get 'treats' off the dog's owner! It was super walking down to the beach passed lovely green fields, with cows and sheep grazing away.
Arrived at the beach and let the dog off the lead, he happily chased numerous crows who unfortunately always get away. Went down to the sea for a paddle Ruaridh enjoyed rolling in the water, saw a huge jellyfish which Ruaridh enjoyed sniffing at! Put my sandels down to give the dog some water and saw them being swept out to sea! Panic, but thank goodness the sea was shallow and I managed to retrieve them. As we returned to the road met a lovely Polish woman and her small daughter they thought Ruaridh was the 'cats pyjamas.' Sorry no photographs once again forgot my camera! however on searching found an old photograph of Cramond Island. Heading back to the Glen tomorrow after an absence of nearly 3 weeks, Layla is coming back with us for a week so looking forward to that.

Cow Parade

'Who is on my Patch,' the cow appears to be saying, photograph taken Friday morning of last week, as I hurried down Market Street in Edinburgh to catch my train South. Edinburgh is host to Cow Parade this year, and I believe we have 94 of our bovine chums in and around the city centre. Artists from far and wide are encouraged to come and and make a cow! they are all well designed and the colours are amazing. Various cities world-wide have hosted this happening over the years, and later all the cows are put up for auction.
Graham was to Hartlepool today on business, Ruaridh and moi took to the woods. Later Layla came to pick myself and Ruaridh up in the car, then whoosh away to the allotment. It looks good and her produce is starting to appear. Lots of blackcurrents and gooseberries will soon be ready for picking.

Photographs from trip South!

Below top 'Flowers from mother's garden?' Below bottom 'Who is sleeping on my patch?' ' Right 'Scene from Baghdad Blogger'

Back Online!

Hi back on line again. Good to be back in Edinburgh, and Graham and Ruaridh are now here. Had a good time in St Annes on Sea, Lancashire, weather in the main sun, sun, sun and much, much warmer. Had a good time with my mother managed to enjoy the garden and do some jobs for her. The hospital visit went well and her arm has improved enormously. Saw our old family friend Elizabeth and she is keeping quite well. Am going to devote this Blog to photographs taken on my trip, bear with me. Good to be back!

Changes!

Tomorrow I go by train to visit my mother at St. Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire. To the people who read my Blog sorry I am off-line from tonight until Tuesday 11 July. This is due to the fact my mum (86 years of age) only has dial up at the moment, and this is not compatible with my Mac. She is getting a new computer at the end of August, and will then get broadband. She is delighted with this and cannot wait to get using it.
Last day at work today for a while, have enjoyed seeing my family, friends and colleagues again but now eager to return to the N/W next week to see the vegetables and flowers. Graham and Ruaridh are heading South, I have missed them a lot especially the wee dog as I can speak to Graham on ichat, and the telephone, but not talking to the dog for two weeks is a long one !!
Tidied the back and front gardens here in Edinburgh, just about to attack the porch and the kitchen floor, the ironing, then to bed.

Layla and me

Yesterday Layla and me went through to Glasgow to visit Graham's mum, my second visit in 5 days! We got the bus through which is great because yours truly travels free. The weather was scorching when we arrived, we were quite hungry so went down to The Willow Tearooms on Buchanan Street, these were designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh in 1904. We had a scone with jam and cream and a raspberry milkshake (not as good as the price suggested.)
Had a good visit with Graham's mum, left about 1815 hours as Layla wanted to go to the Mother India cafe for dinner. Got off the underground at Kelvinhall years since I had been in that area, walked down Argyle Street weather so hot most of the cafe's had tables and chairs outside, (this is also due to the ban on smoking in public places!) good to see people enjoying themselves. Food at Mother India superb and the staff were excellent.
Walking down Sauchiehall Street to get our bus home, saw fire engines roaring to the Pavilion Theatre all the audience outside on the pavement and road, an almighty cheer from the crowd greeted the poor firemen as they arrived to check the venue for fire. We felt sorry for the guys working in the heat in all their protective gear.

Work

Today was my first day back at work this week, one down and just one more to go. The area I now work in is The Clinical Skills Assessment Area, here exams are carried out on behalf of The College of Physicians, The College of Surgeons and Edinburgh University medical students. A good team of people work there, the administrator , the College people and the nurses.
Tonight myself and two friends/colleagues from The College of Physicians went out for a drink. We went to All Bar One which is at the top of Hanover Street on George Street, bit pricey, but we enjoyed ourselves as the company was great. Two pints of cider later and I managed to get home by 2030 hours. did my ichat with Graham-interesting! saw Ruaridh miss him and his licks, will soon be seeing them both.

Eskbank

Today I went to visit my chum Lena who lives out at Eskbank. The day was damp and humid, as I travelled out from the city centre by bus. I knew by the changes made on the road out that it had been a long time since I had driven to this area, the roundabout at Cameron Toll had gone, to be replaced by traffic lights. Lena met me at the bus stop, and we went back to the house, her sister Kitty and brother-in-law Charlie arrived it was good to meet with them as I could now put faces to names. The two women were having their hair done by a young woman called Rosalind, and it turned out we had mutual friends.
The deck at the back of the house was a mass of colour from all the plants and flowers, and their brightness was not diminished by the dreary weather. Had a good time chatting with Lena and her hubby Jim when he returned from work, stayed for dinner then they drove me home, work tomorrow.

Filmhouse

Woke up to a sunny day, decided to try and get on top of some housework here in Edinburgh! Made bread, did a wash and decided to clean the windows. As you can guess had just finished when the sky darkened and the heavens opened, and we had the most spectacular thunder and lightening show.
Had arranged to meet Karen Joe's mum for a bite to eat and a movie. We arranged to go to The Filmhouse and see 'The Ballad of Jack and Rosie' quite a multi layered movie, main theme about trying to change the world.- Been there done that, still trying too no avail! Enjoyed it nonetheless, though do find it somewhat difficult to watch Daniel Day-Lewis in a movie. Spoke to Graham who tried to convince me it was a crap movie, without even seeing it!

Party Time.

Invited by Chris to come along to Glasgow University Union last night to help celebrate Peter's 60th and Rose's 18th birthdays. Went through on the City Link bus earlier in the day, as it was a good chance for me to visit Graham's mum. Dithered about what to wear for the occasion as there was going to be a lot of tango dancing, not that I tango but thought maybe I should try and look the part! Peter something of an expert these days. I decided on cords and t-shirt, but on arriving in Glasgow dashed into Gap to buy a £14 skirt I had seen in Edinburgh. However came away with a slinky red linen number knew this would make me feel the part, but left my purse lighter of £40 c'est la vie.
Had a good visit to Graham's mum, we both enjoyed the Sainsbury's ready to eat Indian food I had taken through.
The party was good, met some of Chris's old chums from Gartmore, sat and chatted about self-sufficiency, and wind power and did not tango at all! Wonder if Graham and me should take this up now I have part of my outfit????

Night Out!

This I think was Grace's last event for trying to raise funds for her trip to Peru for The Multiple Sclerosis Trust. It was held at the Heriot Rugby Club on Friday evening, and I had asked my good chum Graciela if she would like to come. She picked me up in her lovely new van and away we went. The venue was very pleasant, looking out over the rugby field. Paid our way in, bought raffle tickets and had a drink of coca cola very adventureous!
The quiz was the first thing on the agenda, Graciela and me called ourselves the Troutmask Team, we had a good laugh and managed to come bottom. Some of the questions we had not a clue about, some we should have known but we got brain freeze with, others from crap television went right over our heads. One we did manage was what are the boats called on the canals in Venice? The guy behind the bar must have felt sorry for us he gave us a free drink, of ginger beer!
Next the raffle we had ten lots of tickets with five tickets in each lot, would you believe we couldn't even win at that. Jackie from work popped in with her partner Neal good to see them. We left, then Graciela drove me home came in for a coffee and a long chat, now going to bed no work today.