Old Reekie

To Edinburgh today after spending time in Lancashire with my mum. We had a slow trip down on Bank holiday Monday due to heavy traffic heading south after vacations. Journey up today was great.
Weather was good, down to the shore and ocean everyday with Ruaridh, who enjoyed his big runs on the beach, chasing the few birds that were around.
Mum was in good shape and even with her arm disability is managing slowly with her activities of daily living. Graham took her new computer down courtesy of Joe & Layla, she is delighted with it, unfortunatly Graham could not get it fixed up. We are going down in October when her Broadband package will have arrived. As I did not take my computer (but will when she is on broadband) I really missed doing my Blog and blipfoto. Catching up with both now. Watching an amazing programme about breast feeding and being child centered, what we did in the 70's (in the programme we were refered to as 'Flower Loving Hippies?) is now talked about as though we never existed!!
Just going to make a cuppa then to bed! Glad to be back!

Away

Down at mums till Thursday so maybe no Blogs as explained in an earlier piece, no Broadband at the maters house yet! should appear next month. However Graham is taking his computer so keep in touch hopefully through www.blipfoto.com but as we will have to use dial up who knows!

Graham's Birthday!

Today dawned sunny and warm, and it is Graham's Birthday, I could hardly open my eyes, so poor thing had to make the early morning tea! Ruaridh snuggled down with us and we eventually got up around 1000 hours. Graham appeared to like his
gifts though we hope the 'hoody' from Howies is not too tight!
Took the dog for his constitutional, then Graham biked over to help Joe in the new house. I did some work here, and then as we were going out for a Birthday meal tonight I took Ruaridh to the park for an extra walk, we popped up into the woods and bumped into Cooper and Rosie. Ruaridh was delighted to play with Cooper and it was good to chat to Rosie.
For the Birthday Meal we went to the Ann Purna an Indian vegetarian restaurant, food was delicious, great ambience and we had a good time chatting with Joe and Layla. Many Happy Returns on your day Graham!
Tomorrow we leave for Lancashire to take my 86 years old mum her new computer!

Jenners

Up town today with Layla, desperate for the lavatory, and to look at wool and cotton for knitting baby clothes we dived into Jenners.
First stop the lavatory, I was about to enter a cubicle when the cleaning lady asked me would I mind if she put up new bog rolls first, the poor woman had been attempting to do this for ages, and women just kept brushing past her into the lavie! She was full of the patter, quite a character and holding my hand pulled me into the cubicle with her. She told me she had worked non stop since coming on duty at 0830 hours, not even stopping for a cup of tea, it was now around 1430hours. I told her she should just go and get a cup of tea, then I gave her a wee hug and went to have a pee! She was talking to me all the time through the cubicle door, when Layla and I were leaving she came up to us with the requisite roll and said she had gone through 48 of them today! and wandered off chatting away to herself, an amazing woman.
Then up in the wool department was this woman customer who just kept floating about, putting out her hand but never touching anything. Her hair was truly fantastic, this big bun of hair on top of her head, that looked like it would wobble off any minute but never did. Her clothes looked like they were out of another era!
I said to Layla, there is no need to pay money to go to the Festival or Fringe it is all there on the streets.

The Rolling Stones!

Just about to go into the shower this morning when my buddy Lena telephoned to chat and tell me that her and hubby Jim were away to Hampden this pm to see Keiff and Co. Great felt good for them. Then this am Graham received an email to say a friend was going as her son had got freebies to see the Masters of Rock & Roll.
I love them, but would not go and see them again as the last UK tour they did cost my daughter and moi a bloody fortune and we never got to see them, as Jagger cancelled! these guys owe us money!
Would have loved them to be at my '60' birthday as Mick, Keiff and moi were born in the same year, don't think they turned down the invite, they just weren't invited!
Remember being 21 and my cousin Mike bought me a Stones album, think it was called The Rolling Stones I know it featured Route 66 and maybe Satisfaction, twas a fantastic time to be alive, also saw their gig that year when Brian was still with them.
Seen them a couple of times since the best of all was 'Green's Playhouse' in Glasgow around 1979-1980, Graham's aunt managed to get blackmarket tickets for six of us a fantastic gig they never got better. Took Layla and Nathan a neighbour's son to Hampden, 'spliffs' a plenty but don't like stadium gigs.
Ruaridh and me had a walk through the woods, then Layla came to lunch, Graham back from his mothers.
Can hear the Stones music in my head-dream on!

Sunny, warm day!

Graham was going through to Glasgow today to see his mother and make sure she is safe and comfortable. We had breakfast together then he left. Ruaridh and moi went along the cycle path and down to the shore, he enjoyed as is his want chasing the various birds lingering on the beach. It was sunny and hot down on the beach but with a slight breeze, which made it comfortable for walking.
Layla came in her 'Figero' car to pick us up at 1230 hours, and we went to the new house to await people coming to give them estimates. We sat on the lawn and ate the sandwiches she had made, delicious! Ruaridh helped us to eat them. He was so well behaved and loved seeing Layla, but joy of joy at 1710 hours his buddy Joe came and he went berserk. We had coffee and some super chocolate ginger biscuits after lunch, then over to Layla's & Joe's, I hung out the washing whilst Layla had a rest.
Arrived home around 1830 hours, made dinner which Ruaridh shared, spoke to Graham, am now watching a documentary about Hermann Goering at the Nuremburg Trials.
Note able to post images again well done Blog people. Twinkle, twinkle little star!

Following my tail!

Left the Glen for 'Old Reekie' today, I always intend to get eveything ready way in advance, and always fail miserably. Today was no exception, intended to leave the Glen this morning, finally left around 1530 hours. Still cleaning to do this morning, also as I stated in the Blog I lost last p.m. we purchased a new watering system for the greenhouse. Turned out to be a bit more involved than we first thought, eventually we made do with the hose pipe and some of the fixtures from the new system, fingers crossed it works!
At last left the house, down to the beach with Ruaridh saw John, Auria and Keith, then met this family from Luton. They asked to meet the dog then told us they had a Border terrier but the dog was on a permanant loan to some chap who had suffered various misfortunes. The kids loved the dog and played with him for about an hour, in between the play he kept going to see Auria who had the biscuit tin out! They wanted to see pinemartins so said we would try and arrange that. Strange talking to people you just meet and how much they are willing to 'let' one into their life. Interesting.
Now in Edinburgh still not able to post an image, must get in touch with the Blog people.

Lost

Have written Blog for Tuesday 22 August 2006 but somehow lost it whilst attempting to see if I could post an image. Down to "Old Reekie" tomorrow so will attempt to continue there. Sorry!

Camper Van

Today started pretty hectic, Graham's mother is unwell and over the past three days we have been attemting to assess the situation from 250miles away. Sometimes a difficult one! one feels that one. is on the telephone all the time. This is what happened when my mother had her fall in February, I popped down to visit, and as reported in a Blog of that time seemed to spend most of my time on her telephone. C'est la vie.
Went down to the village shop, then over to the beach to take Ruaridh for his walk. We saw John and Auria, and said on the way back we would pop in for a coffee. Met this couple on the beach from N/E England, wow what an eye opener, first people I have met who openly say they vote BNP!
Got back to the camper van after a stroll on the beach, they had biscuits and cheese, cake and chocolate biscuits ready for us, Ruaridh was delighted as Auria spoils him. Sat and blethered, they told us they used to cycle at the weekends, then they bought a motorbike, amazing I never imagined them to have done this.
When we got back to the house, started to make the cucumber and courgette relish, Graham made pesto.
Still unable to post a photograph on the Blog, heard from them today to say they know about the problem and are doing their best to rectify it.

Unable to post Photo's

Hi sorry about this but last night and tonight it appears I cannot post my photographs. Have been in touch with Blogger Support and now await a reply to a second email, could take forever, so at the moment it is just the chat and not much of that either. Was tired again today think I did too much yesterday, however have tried to rest up a little and feel much better this evening.
Took Ruaridh down to the beach met up with John and Auria had a "blether," they had both just washed their hair and they looked great with their white 'halo's'. Also met a woman and her two kids on the beach, she was cooking baked beans and sausage for their lunch and it did smell good. Ruaridh nearly knocked the makeshift stove over, so eager was he to try and wolf down the kids lunch. No chance!
Helped to tidy the greenhouse in preperation for our new watering system, as we will be heading south again in a few days.
Weather was great again methinks we have been able to eat lunch sat on the deck most days.
Have to start the cucumber & courgette relishes tomorrow also the pesto.
Just thought if you want to see my photo's on blipfoto.com there is a link from this Blog I am BB. So Good night and Good Luck!

Pizza & Beer

Very tired tonight had a very busy afternoon one way and another! I think I mentioned earlier I also contribute to a daily photo journal now, and wow trying to find material sometime especially in the N/W of Scotland can be frantic! as I attempt to take and publish the photo on the same day!
Made Pizza for dinner Ruaridh enjoyed a small portion, we glugged ours down with a beer he just did a growl, hope in appreciation. Took him for a walk in the forest, but he stayed with us for most of the time thus shortening our walking time.
Watched the G Clooney Movie "Good Night & Good Luck yesterday evening loved it! Feel Clooney was quite brave to direct this movie in the present climate, especially with the American Administration that is in power at this time. Going to catch up on The Independant now so sweet dreams all.

The Ocean

After the excitment of the 'Bat Intruder' last night today has been somewhat quiet. Weather a mixture of sun and showers, so difficult to start to do the garden-mowing and strimming that is.
Took Ruaridh down to the beach and as the ocean was this amazing colour took some photographs. In summer and winter the sea can be anything from blue to turquoise to dirty brown, depending on the weather. One thing though it is always freezing cold, this gives us empty beaches which being selfish I appreciate!
Waiting for the rosehips to ripen so I can start to make the rosehip syrup, for Layla. Also going to make another batch of cucumber relish and another of courgette relish, busy, busy.

Bat Intruder

Had an uneventful day yesterday, lots of telephone calls in the morning, awaiting postie to see if Graham's computer was going to be delivered after it had been repaired, it was. Took Ruaridh for a walk in the forest, on return did some gardening. Then Christine our neighbour came over so we had tea and biscuits, sat out on the deck as the weather was sunny and warm.
We invited Christine to stay to dinner and all enjoyed pasta and pesto! then as we were having coffee all hell broke loose there was a bat in the living room flying about like crazy. What to do? have no idea how they get into the house but this is the third or fourth we have found. Christine and moi went into the room waving a towel and an apron trying to tire the bat out, good job no-one took a photograph, as we must have looked mad lashing out at this small creature! Ruaridh and Graham retired to the kitchen! Eventually the bat was exhausted and flopped onto the sofa, I quickly picked it up in the towel took it to the door and it flew away into the night. Phew what drama!

Lunch.

The day dawned misty and moisty here in the Glen, not that I was up to greet the dawn! and it has stayed like that for most of the day. Took Ruaridh for an amble along the beach, and then went to pick up John and Auria from their 'camper van' as they were coming for lunch. We met this couple last year they are both in their eighties but are amazing for their age. They
have driven many miles in their 'van' as far north as Lapland and I think they have been in Southern Spain. They come up to the Glen every summer and park on the beach, they are from Edinburgh, he is a retired butcher and is a great raconter and had us laughing over lunch with 'tales' from behind the counter.They appeared to enjoy their visit and brought us grapes and I gave them a loaf of homemade bread. We took them back to the beach around 1700 hours, and they said that people in one of the 'vans' parked further along would be watching our every move through the binoculars, what a laugh, I gave the folk a wave, before we left!
Spoke to Layla her work is fine, all the members were delighted that she is expecting a baby.

China

Doing the Blog watching a programme about China, and drinking a beer. This young guy is on a culinary journey through the country, at the moment he is trying various delicacies such as animal penis and buffalo perineum! One of the more edible dishes seen was of all these jasmine type flowers being tossed in cornflour, seasoned and tossed into the wok, looked good.
Just finished our dinner which consisted of Greek beans, (brought back from Greece by Alex) as we cannot purchase the 'Big' ones in the UK anymore. They are cooked slowly in the oven with tomatoes and thyme, we had them served with Syrian flatbreads, and homegrown broccoli tossed in garlic and chilli, swilled down with a beer superb!
Late setting off for our walk this morning as 'postie' Lexi came down and had a cup of tea, it was good to have a chat, and the porridge survived on the back burner. Got down to the beach and saw John and Auria, change of plans they are coming for lunch tomorrow instead of dinner. Had an uneventful walk, the ocean was very blue, going to do a creative featuring a piece of driftwood for my blip today, Ruaridh put paid to that by nicking the wood and running away.
Karen's the Birthday Girl today, Many Happy Returns of the day to her, and a good year ahead!

Courgette relish Batch 2

Sat watching this programme on the television whilst attempting to do my Blog. The programme is about a 'gated community' in California, apologies to anyone who may live in one but rather weird to me! The gates are there to keep outsiders 'out' and insiders 'in'. Most of the kids smoke 'weed' and as one of the guys who grew up there, and directs porn movies said "be bad, look good?" Appears to be a 'man's community,' and hardly a black or Asian face to be seen.
Made my second batch of courgette relish today, it looks kind of good and a wee taste said give it time to mature and it will be delicious. Also made some yoghurt.
Went to the forest with Ruaridh today, no big adventures. Cut the grass with the duff lawnmower, but kept at it and it looks much better.

I Claudius

Sat in the kitchen at the house in the Glen sipping my Dalwhinnie malt whisky, waiting for the bread to finish baking.
At the moment on BBC 4 they are showing I Claudius, I have not watched it this time round, as Graham downloaded it recently and we sat and watched 12 one hour episodes in about 8 evenings, it was fantastic! especially to see it in colour. In the seventies when we first sat glued to the box watching, it was in black and white, or maybe we could only afford a black and white television set! It was strange tonight as I worked in the kitchen to hear Caligula (John Hurt) referred to as being 'Divine,' oh how the mighty can fall! Present leaders should maybe watch this series!
Have had a busy day, went down to the beach with Ruaridh met up with our elderly friends John and Auria, here again with their camper van. We met them last year around this time and they are amazing for their age, they are coming to dinner on Wednesday. They love Ruaridh and he them! Didn't have to go a walk as Ruaridh met this other dog and they had a great play on the beach.
Made bread, brown and white and started the second batch of courgette relish. Phew am tired, so looking forward to hitting the sack!

Hassle

Today was one of those days, yesterday evening we were set to return to the Glen early today. Then Graham got a call late last pm re some business he might have to deal with today, but yes you guessed, it didn't happen, however we never left Edinburgh until 1530 hours! First we took Ruaridh to the woods, where I noticed this tree with fungii growing on it. Then we had to fight our way through the Supermarket, here I was charged £29- 99p for an item I had not purchased, thought the amount I had to pay was a tad to much! Quickly got that lot rectified.
Had a good journey to the N/W, though the wee dog did whine quite a lot! however as soon as we arrived at the house in the Glen he was in his element chasing rabbits or plant pots a gogo!
The garden and greenhouse had worked overtime when we were away produce ++, so it's courgette relish time tomorrow.
Also we have big big tomatoes Brandywine and Paul Robson, can't wait to have them fried with fried bread, hmmm.
Graham made a delicious dinner, and now sitting doing the Blog and watching De Niro and Jerry Lewis in 'The King of Comedy'-funny.

Usual Suspects

Today walked down to the shore with Ruaridh. This is quite a long walk and the wee dog did not look overjoyed as we trotted along, however he appered to forgive me when he was able to run and chase the birds on the beach.
Had to go up to the city centre today to purchase various things, a new shower curtain as ours is 'manky', a jelly bag so that I can get on and make the rosehip syrup, a sugar thermometer to make sure it does not burn.
It is Festival time in Edinburgh a time that I try to ignore! the Fringe is on and the Festival proper! starts on Sunday. The only event that interests me is the Film Festival, but we will miss it!
One event that is always there is the Craft Fair at the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road in the grounds of St John's Church. We have lived in Edinburgh for the past twenty-odd years, and many of the people selling their wares have been coming back for that period of time. It is always full of the Usual Suspects!

Out to Dinner!

Graham had to go through to Glasgow today, so Ruaridh and moi went up to Ravelston Woods we had a great walk but saw no-one. When we got back down to the park the old woman with the wee Scottie was there also the woman with the very timid Collie, let Ruaridh off to play with the Scottie, but of course being Ruaridh he wanted to play with the timid dog!
Back home made bread, and blackcurrant juice.
This evening we went to Karen's for dinner, had a lovely time and delicious food. Lee, Jessie and Daisy are staying with her and are enjoying their holiday, we saw wee Daisy swim in the bath! Joe and Layla were there so it was good all round. Ruaridh enjoyed the fuss made of him, he was trying to find Karen's cat most of the time!

Visitor

Set off this morning along another cycle path with Ruaridh, to walk to Layla's then on to the allotment. Normally the path is used by o.k. people, but today I was confronted by this young man who was verbally abusive. He didn't stop and neither did I but I could hear him shouting the abuse as he walked along away from me. Strange vibes! It was lovely and sunny when we set off, but the heavens opened about half way along the path and we got soaked.
Went to the house and then over to the allotment, took our sandwiches with us they tasted so good. Helped Layla to weed, cut back the comfrey and grass, collect blackcurrants (making juice tomorrow) and water the beds.
Chris a good chum of many years visited us this evening she is always a good crack. She told us it was four years ago today that she had moved to Edinburgh. We celebrated the event by knocking back the cider!

Cycle Path

Today Ruaridh and moi walked down to the shore. We walked along the cycle path meeting other people and dogs on the way, also lots of dumped garbage and Graffitti.
On arriving down at the sea the tide was in once again, lots of children playing on the grass, also small areas of beach were available for the children to make sandcastles on. We set off along the promenade and then went down onto the rocks, all of a sudden Ruaridh dashed away and when I looked he was playing with another dog. I quickly went up to get him but the other dogs owner was happy for 'Jimmy' to play with Ruaridh. I stood and chatted to the man and Ruaridh had a great time chasing and running with the dog. Eventually he had enough and we said bye.
On the way home on the cycle path we bumped into two wee girls out with their Grandpa looking for raspberries or blackberries, not too hopeful, the first all gone the second not ready yet.
We then got the car and drove over to Layla and Joe's new house, took sandwiches and coffee for lunch. Later when the electricians had finished we got into the dining-room to strip off the wall paper. Joe and Layla were here for dinner this evening, good they could come over.

Gym

In 'Old Reekie' to visit Layla and Joe and see their new house. Wow! what a lot of work they have done, taking all the old out to put in the new! It is an old house full of nooks and crannies and will be a super home for them when finished.
Went down to the shore with Ruaridh today but the tide was in, anyway we walked on the promenade and the grass, eventually finding a small beach. Here Ruaridh met Tara the dog with his elderly owner, a lovely lady, the two dogs played rushing in and out of the ocean and burrowing in the sand.
Then over to Layla and Joe's great to see them both again, and Layla looks really well. Went to my hairdresser which is situated at The Next Generation Gym at Newhaven, I am always amazed at the amount of cars there belonging to the 'keepfitters' ah! well maybe it would be better just to walk places.
Met up with Lee, Jessie and baby Daisy May, great to see them all especially the baby for the first time.

Anticipation

Left the Glen today for Edinburgh, don't think Ruaridh likes this trip now as his space in Edinburgh both house and garden is somewhat reduced compared to the N/W. As I write this he is settled down to sleep for the night.
Nothing much to report this day, journey down was o.k. just two caravans off the road in accidents!
Weather when we left the Glen was drizzle but very sunny and hot in 'Old Reekie'. Spoke with Layla and we are going to see the new house tomorrow, looking forward to that. Tired so to bed early, as I have early appointments tomorrow including getting my hair done.

Celebration!

Today my Blog is six months old can't believe I have been doing this almost everyday for six months. The weather here in the N/W has been miserable today it has rained most of the time. I was supposed to go to a coffee morning today with my neighbour Christine, however I did not get up in time to get ready, so Ruaridh and moi scurried over to her house with a loaf of bread to sell and a donation. The event was held to raise funds for a hospital in Kenya, when I spoke to Christine she said they had done well.
Later we took Ruaridh to the beach, lots more tents in the area where we park, which at times can become waterlogged, hopefully that won't happen.
Graham made two delicious curries for the dinner, they get better all the time.
Tomorrow we leave the Glen for "Old Reekie" looking forward to seeing Layla and Joe, and of course the new house. Will be able to help there if needed, also at the allotment.
Photograph is of my elecampane herb this is the flower it produces every year.
I Claudius just started on BBC 4 amazing series.

Rabbits

Had an exciting start to the day Ruaridh caught a rabbit, that must be about four down, thousands to go. They are a real pest here in the Glen and eat just about eveything in the garden, we have had to take allsorts of precautions this year, but in the main it appears to have worked. We have a good crop of cabbage, lettuce, brassica, all eaten in previous years by our furry foe.
Down to the beach today, Ruaridh decided to get to know two sheep, but they were not interested, then he found a bone on the beach, and decided he would play with this, took us ages to get him into the jeep.
It drizzled most of today so had a baking afternoon. Went over to Christine's with the dog this evening to pick up the beer, however she had not managed to get it yesterday in Inverness! Met up with Kirsty, Garry's mum, good to see her again, of course they all love Ruaridh, and made a great fuss of him. Thomas came up trumps with six cans of Tennant's lager.

Visitors

Today Garry B was coming to visit us as the rest of the party were going North, the men to the Black Isle Agricultural Show, and the women to Inverness to shop till they drop! I was up at 0830 to open the door in case Garry came over early, no such luck. The first we heard from him was at 1130 hours by telephone, I invited him to the beach to take a walk with Ruaridh, he declined, methinks he was still in bed! quite right for a teenage boy. He said he would be over around 1330 hours.
We arrived home after a walk on the shore, to the phone ringing, Garry to say he had lost his trainers! (I thought he was watching crap T.V.) and he would be over in about an hour.
Eventually he arrived and we spent a pleasant afternoon chatting and he played non-stop with Ruaridh. Garry is such a character and a super person.
Around 1730 his dad Thomas and brother Andrew arrived home from the show. Thomas had seen my Cucumber Relish on Blipfoto.com and asked if I had a spare jar as he loved this stuff. I obliged, said not to eat it for at least 3 months, and he went over to his sister Christine's with his jar. Enjoy Thomas.

'When I'm cleaning Windows-'

The weather here in the Glen today was very mixed, one minute very cloudy, the next bright sunlight. We took Ruaridh down to the beach, and he chased leaves blowing in the wind.
When we got back to the house I decided to clean the windows in the kitchen, armed with water in the bucket and old cloth's I started. First I did them on the outside, then on the inside the difference was unbelievable, I even took the photograph of Ruaridh through the window in the west door! so clean is it. Tomorrow I hope to tackle the other windows.
As mentioned on my Blipfoto today, Layla asked me to make some Rosehip Syrup, as we have wild roses growing in the garden. I did not have a recipe so I googled and the first recipe there was the one given by The Ministry of Food during the Second World War. Watch this space for results

Cherry Focaccia

When Layla was here a couple of weeks ago, we purchased lots of cherries, Graham made cherry focaccia, we ate one and placed one in the freezer. Today we took it out and as the weather was pretty miserable ate a large amount of it, sat in front of the stove where we had a log fire burning, as it turned quite chilly this evening, it was delicious. Ruaridh enjoyed it to.
Earlier in the day we got our wet weather gear on, as the rain was torrential, and took Ruaridh to the beach, would you believe when we arrived at the beach the sun came out! Saw a couple of guys fly fishing but as we passed they had not caught anything.
Started to tidy and clean the greenhouse, also had the first homegrown tomato, they always taste so amazing.