One of those Days (No Direction)!

Just one of those days today, when lots of things tumble into ones space unexpectedly! Anyway managed to sort this morning out, had breakfast, then started to get the bread making organised. Had a wash then Graham and moi took Ruaridh down to the shore he had a great run on the beach, and loved chasing the leaves that were blowing in the wind. Had to go to the toilet at the cafe, cost me 20p but the lavatories were very clean, the man running the cafe came from Chicago appeared to be a very pleasant person.
Had to go to the supermarket, needs must, bought bagels and had them for lunch.
Got the bread organised, had veggie toad in the hole for dinner with mashed tatties and carrots-great. Things and events started to slot into place this evening. Just back from taking Ruaridh, going to have a cup of tea and do some knitting then to bed! Goodnight.

Busy Day!

Awoke fairly early as I was going to the dentist with Layla. Had a shower and enjoyed my breakfast, then Layla arrived looking more rested than of late. Had a chat then off to see John Gall, she only has two small fillings to have done, but has to wait 'till
the baby comes, then as young as the babies are they accompany a parent to the dentist to get them used to it Wow! Back to the house quick coffee, then we left to go up town and to the allotment we took Ruaridh, Graham had already had him to the local woods, but had to go to the office to meet a colleague and I was happy to take him.
Did a bit of work at the allotment but must go and spend time there, had a lovely couscous salad at Layla's, then Graham came to pick us up to go and visit his mother in Glasgow.
Took us two hours to get there, traffic horrendous. She is going to her new home on Monday and I'm sure she will settle eventually, she needs now to be safe and comfortable and that means care.
Been blipping, just going to have a cuppa and biscuit, then do some knitting-- to bed. Goodnight!

Late for Work

Awoke at 0700 hours leapt out of bed as I was working today, went down to let Ruaridh upstairs, switched on the shower no hot water, damn! Trotted back downstairs, the combi-boiler was working so patience! Eventually the hot water gushed out I had a super shower, washed my hair and dried it, got all my things ready for work, went downstairs sh-t it was 0745 hours I was late for work! Put the electric kettle on to make my coffee (nothing to eat please note) remembered after 15 minutes that the kettle was kaput, so put a pan of water on. Eventually left for work.
Everything running smoothly when I arrived, apart from the noise made by the foxes under the building! Good day workwise,
now off till Friday that is my last day until end of February-yes!
Graham and Ruaridh came to meet me which was nice. Had pasta and tomato sauce, with salad for dinner lovely then some of my favorite oat-flips Hmmmm. Going to do some knitting then to bed. Goodnight.

Long Lie

Had a long lie today GREAT! fry up for breakfast, chat with Layla, sorted some washing, then off for a walk with Ruaridh. Took him down to the shore wow! was it busy.
A very sunny day, people and dogs everywhere, had to keep the wee fellow on the lead, let him off a couple of times to play with other dogs one a Borders, but he didn' t appear to be that interested. Amazes me how people have more than one dog and many of them big dugs as well! Managed a walk on the sand and he went into the water, to nick a big black labradors stones that the owner was throwing in ah well!
Returned home had a light lunch as we are going to the 'new house' for dinner, looking forward to that!
Just going to do some ironing then we are off. Bye!

Lazy Day

Had a great sleep last night, even Ruaridh slept until 0845 hours! had breakfast porridge and toast, great shower too, being so late the water pressure was high!
Took Ruaridh to the park and Ravelston Woods, we tried asking him "to come back" it worked he remembered! it was our fault as recently we had just taken to shouting his name without the command! Met Arnie the labrador pup, Ruaridh managed to nick his ball a couple of times and did he look smug!
Graham out on business, did some washing buggared around, played with the dog. Very late lunch when Graham returned home.
Looking forward to a relaxed evening, squash rissotto for dinner with salad, chocolate for afters and a bottle of N/Z Sauvignon Blanc to wash it down-well it is weekend!
Going to try and finish the baby blanket tonight, also a Mike Leigh DVD film arrived in the Guardian today so may watch that!
Signing off to all who read have a great night!

Finished

Today we finished one set of exams, all appears to have gone really well, now have two days off, and then only two days to work. Very tired tonight so this will be a small Blog.
On the road at 0730 hours, working with a good crowd, finished work at 1530 hours, went to the supermarket to get a few messages, then Graham and Ruaridh picked me up. They had been to the beach at Gullane with Layla and had a good day.
Some of Layla's equipment arrived today for her homebirth, three weeks to go to her expected date of delivery. Wow!
Made pasta and cheese for dinner, with salad and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc delicious.
Took Ruaridh down to the park this evening, back to watch the new comedy "Jam and Jerusalem" looks good!
Just going to have a cup of tea, do some knitting, then to bed. Goodnight.

Exhibition

Back to work today, up at 0700 hours just three more days of this, tomorrow Monday and Friday next. Though I must admit I do enjoy the work and meeting up with friends/colleagues, will be glad to have this weekend off!
On my blip I have mentioned an art exhibition that is on show at a hospital in Edinburgh, called Remember to Breathe it is by a woman called Jenny Pope. She has studied the human form, medications and instruments that are part of the our
breathing mechanism, and this is the theme she has used in her project. Different, funky and way out, but quite amazing.
Sent flowers to my Aunt Betty today she has had major surgery done, but is recovering well.
Ruaridh was down at the shore today with Graham, and is sat on my knee as I write this! We are going to go for a walk shortly, Graham has just sneezed so the wee dog has gone to comfort him!
Hope to do a bit of knitting and then to bed. Goodnight.

Day Off

Today was a day off work. Rolled out of bed at 0830 hours showered, had a quick breakfast then dashed out to get the bus as I was meeting Layla at 0945 hours to go and suss out baby clothes! We had a super morning and bought a super coloured fleecy blanket and a little babygro! Layla also had to purchase somethings. Went to the Cornerstone Cafe at the corner of Lothian Road and had a scone and latte each, tasted delicious. Layla also took me to a new German cafe to look at the amazing cakes, wow they look superb, didn't purchase any today but will be back. Also went into this lovely wool shop owned and run by a super women, bought wool and buttons.
Back to the house quick lunch, then through to Glasgow to visit Graham's mum, also to have a look at Davieslea the home where hopefully she will go next week. It is truly fantastic and we hope she will settle there. She was in fair spirits and happy a decision has been made. Ruaridh as usual was as good as gold, as I said before he is a star!
We came back to Edinburgh, took Layla home, then home ourselves. Made Veggie Toad in the Hole with mashed tatties and peas for dinner, just as we sat down to have it wham! a power cut found the torch first so had dinner by torchlight-great! Made bread just waiting for it to bake, then to bed. Goodnight. By the way just watched an amazing programme on Channel 4 called Young @ Heart a choir of 'elderly people' who have aquired a global cult. Rock on!

Denise

Back to work today, great day working with good colleagues. Had to be up at 0700 hours which is difficult for me especially as the mornings are quite dark! had my shower, breakfast then hit the road!
Graham and Ruaridh went to the shore, he worked out it is about 5 miles round trip!
Patients were great and know what is happening now, which makes our job easier.
Working with Denise who is a friend as well as a colleague, she has been following my blipfoto and my Blog so this one is to say a big HI to her. She is amazing as she helps look after her mum who suffers from ill health, is a student-nurse, works with disadvantaged kids, and works as a care assistant! and still is very bright and cheery!
Not much to report after that, left the hospital at 1700 hours, went to the dreaded supermarket as Layla wanted some things.
Graham had made delicious minestrone soup for dinner had three platefuls hmmm! Graciela telephoned so had a good chat with her. Took the wee dog down to the park he ran round twice!
Going to do some knitting then to bed, as I have to meet Layla in town tomorrow to do some shopping. Goodnight!

Moving Day

Today was a big day for Joe and Layla, after weeks of preperation their new "Old Colonies House" was ready for them to move into! Layla telephoned and said to come over when we were ready, Joe's mum Karen was at the new house helping there, for the morning.
Graham and moi had our breakfast and did our abulutions, then we went to the woods with Ruaridh met the lovely women with the three dashhunds, stopped for a chat then on our way. Had a good walk, and on the way back met Jackson the springer spaniel, Ruaridh had a great time playing with him.
Over then to the old flat, helped Layla finish her packing, then the removal men arrived. They did the job in no time, we all went over to the new house the men were just finishing. Graham and Joe had a tinkle on the piano, sounds great to say it was found! had lunch and then home.
Did a pile of ironing that had built up, pasta and tomato sauce for dinner, going to do some knitting then to bed as I am working tomorrow. Goodnight.

Going the wrong way!

Graham left after breakfast to go and help at the new house i.e. finishing the stairs to the upper floor! Great they look, to view www.blipfoto.co.uk/A Dogs Dinner.
Ruaridh and moi were left to pick up the pieces and the newspapers! eventually set off on our walk to the shore where we were hoping Layla would join us for our walk. Had to dispose of a "poop" from the wee dog so went down to the litter bin just off the cycle path, took a right turning and about halfway along the track realised I was on the wrong one! About turn and got on the one to the shore! bah! Phoned Layla from the roundabout and she was coming for a walk. Good. Saw friend Chris in her car driving up from the shore, big waves but no stopping. Had a good walk Ruaridh had a play with a couple of dogs, back to the car and to the allotment. Pulled out plants that were finished, Layla did a quick hoeing then these beds were covered for the winter.
Over to pick up some ready made food at the supermarket, as Graham was now in Glasgow visiting his mother who is not too well, and I didn't know what he intended to do on his return. We had lunch, bagels and cheese with Joe at the new house, then back to more packing. Graham returned had some food then we went over to the house to do a "sweep through" as the kids move there tomorrow!
Ruaridh has been a star all day, he takes all in his stride pretty cool dog. We had rice with prawn bhuna and prawn masala, nan and yogurt, swilled down with a beer for dinner, superb!
Just listening to Paul Simon on a BBC1 special, still sounds good!

Cold Day

Had a long lie today, well the wee dog didn't waken until 0900 hours, had breakfast and a wash, then started to plan our day. Graham was going to help Joe at the new house so he set off in the car, then I left with Ruaridh to walk down to the shore.
We walked along the cycle path and the weather was sunny but quite cold, so we hurried along. Telephoned Layla from the roundabout so that she could meet us at the shore, didn't have to wait long before she arrived. We walked along the promanade and met quite a few dogs, Ruaridh played with some and ignored others.
Decided to go to the Polish deli to get bread and something for a sandwich, great wee shops selling a variety of things. Went back to Layla's and she made up the sandwiches, armed with these coffee and Polish yum yums we went over to the new house for lunch, which was delicious.
After lunch back to the old house to continue with the packing, got more done so hopefully will be ready for Monday at 1300 hours, when the removal men arrive.
Home, had a leek rissotto for dinner, washed down with a Sauvignon Blanc-great, now ready for bed Goodnight!

Trains

Yesterday I was heading back up North to Edinburgh. Have had a super two days in St Annes with my mum regardless of the hiccoughs with the trains. On the way down I got the 0720 hours train to get to my destination early, however due to problems on the line the train terminated at Lancaster! we continued our journey by bus. The bonus for me was that unknown to me my dear friend Graciela was on the same train, but in a different carriage so having to get the bus meant we met up and travelled to Preston together, lots of chit chat.
Had a super time with mum we did lots, had good walks and just enjoyed each others company.
Yesterday got the train back to the North, well almost missed my connection as the train from St Annes to Preston was 20 minutes late ! bah.
Met an interesting young woman on the train we talked and the time flew by. Arrived Edinburgh, jumped on the bus to Layla's, Graham and Ruaridh met me at the bus stop the wee dog was delighted to see me. Up to Layla's helped to pack, for the big move on Monday. Had Pizza's from Pizza Express for dinner with a coke at the new house great! tired so to bed. Goodnight.

Busy Day!

Graham was away early today as he and Joe had business in Kent, fly there fly back, business and driving in between all in a days work.
I have been busy at home as I am going by train to visit my mum tomorrow, so maybe no Blog for 2-3 days. Had a shower and breakfast, took Ruaridh for his walk in the woods which he enjoyed as I did, he is an expert at getting those grey squirrels to run up trees! Then we did the supermarket adventure, it was not too bad today, we managed a quiet time, Ruaridh sits in the back of the car and waits for me.
Came home and did some cleaning, made dinner which awaits the arrival of Graham so we can eat it! Had a light lunch which the wee dog helped me with. Took Ruaridh out again he had a play with a 'Staffie'which he enjoyed, just doing this then going to attack my ironing! Bye.

Birthday Girl

Today is our daughter Layla's birthday just seems like yesterday since she was born, and in about a month Layla and Joe are expecting a new arrival into the family.
Awoke at 0700 hours as I was working, sent Layla a text to wish her Happy Birthday and lost it, so had to sit and send another one!
Work has been better! nursing staff were great, but some mistakes made by others led to difficulties, eventually got things resolved and the show on the road. Finished around 1700 hours walked home. As we were going out for dinner had to get the present and card ready, used this as my blipfoto of the day! Also had a card for Lee, Layla and Joe's brother-in-law whose birthday is tomorrow. Took Ruaridh down to the park, and for his usual walk as he is staying in this evening!
Went to this amazing Italian restaurant called Domenico's for dinner, there were eight of us including Daisy May, Lee and Jessie's six month old daughter, she is a star and loved being out, this was her first taste of a late night in a restaurant, and she loved it!
The food was superb and we all had a super evening, Layla got lovely gifts but must admit didn't really get to see them all properly.
Just going to do some knitting then to bed. Goodnight!

Buying Birthday Gift!

Awoke quite late Sunday morning, finished the book I have been reading, then got up and had a "fry up" for breakfast. Had a shower, then got ready to take Ruaridh for his walk in the woods. Had a good walk, did not appear to be as many squirrels in the woods, however the dog still managed to roam! Met a nice couple who had only recently discovered the woods, had a chat and then moved on. Also met another woman with her son and guess what they had a Border Terrier puppy called Baxter! don't know what Ruaridh thought, as the puppy was very playful and only four months old!
Graham was going through to Glasgow and I was going up town to meet Layla to buy her birthday gift as it is her Birthday on Monday 13 November. We had a super time, got the gift, then went into other shops to have a "Look," had coffee and cakes at the Fruitmarket Gallery.
Managed to get the 1700 hours bus home, Ruaridh was delighted to see me. Graham arrived just after me. Made bread, also made a veggie stew for dinner, eaten with mashed potatoes and cabbage.
Took Ruaridh for an evening walk which he appeared to enjoy, tired now so going to bed after I have wrapped up the present.
Goodnight.

Cleaning at the New House.

We had promised Joe and Layla that we would help them at the "New House" today. Awoke quite early and had breakfast, telephoned the kids, Graham was needed at the house straight away to help, so he took the car and Ruaridh and moi were walking to the shore and getting a lift from there.
Set off in fine weather, about five minutes into the walk the heavens opened and the wee dog and me got soaked, the wind was blowing the rain and it was very cold!. Graham telephoned to see if I wanted a lift, however I could see blue skies ahead so we said no. The tide was out so we had a good run on the sands, apart from a horse and rider who seemed determined to keep going the same way as us! Ah well c'est la vie! Layla came to pick us up and take us to the house.
Cleaned the floors upstairs, Graham made up the bed which looks fandabby, Karen, Lee, Jessie and baby Daisy May arrived it was good to see them all and the wee one is a sweetie-pie!
They left, we will see them all tomorrow as we are all going to Karen's for dinner. We were all starving so Layla and me drove over to Ocean Terminal, went to O'Briens got big sandwiches and coffee, they didn't arf taste good!
Called into Waitrose on the way home, to get some messages, Graham made a delicious butternut squash rissotto for dinner.Tired and so to bed. Goodnight!

Back to work!!

Had to drag myself out of bed this morning, knackered after all the hard work up North! However after a shower and breakfast set off to meet the morning traffic. It was fine on my walk to work, met my wee chum the paper boy, who managed to break off from a conversation on his mobile to say Hi!
Good staff in today, also trying to see Grace for a quick coffee. Huge problem in that the unit was freezing, so cold that patients were going to go home! Managed to get an engineer who quickly resolved the problem, super to put ones bum upto the radiator and feel warmth!
Met Grace and had a quick chat about her trip to Machu Picchu, sounds to have been fantastic if hard work!
Walked home in the rain, Graham made a super dinner mushroom, homegrown leeks, onion and garlic pie! mashed potatoes and peas and a lovely glass of Merlot.
Just going to continue with the blanket then to bed. Goodnight.

Southwards

Out of bed quite early this morning as we still had some things to see to at the house prior to heading South. Had breakfast and finished our work and left the Glen around 1100 hours, as we were going via Glasgow to see Graham's mother we were going the Fort William way. Uneventful journey in fact very little traffic on the road, stopped just before going into Glen Coe to let Ruaridh have a walk, and to have our lunch. This spot is just off the road but is very peaceful, the wee dog loves it, we walk down to the river, over the bridge then into some woods, as we are always short of time we cannot go too far-someday!
Layla was coming to meet us, so we met up and then went down to the hospital, Graham's mum was in good spirits and it was a good visit.
Got to Edinburgh about 1730 hours, took Layla over to the new house and met up with Joe. Jimmy was there finishing the painting, the house looks amazing.
Home sweet home, had dinner, Grace telephoned moi hope to catch her for a quick coffee tomorrow and hear about her trip.
Very tired and work tomorrow, Goodnight.

Did not want to do anything Day!

Awoke early this morning and felt good, the sun was creeping in over the mountains to the East and the sky was blue. Unfortunately went back to bed and crashed out until 0915 hours and felt shit when I awoke. Had breakfast and felt like curling up with a book and doing nothing! however lots of jobs to be done, before we go back to 'Old Reekie' tomorrow.
Had to go down to the shop, so took Ruaridh onto the beach, we had a good walk and missed most of the rain. The weather had changed and was now overcast with rain coming in from the South. Back to the cottage got most of the work done, had dinner did a little knitting and now to bed as I am very tired. Goodnight.

Cleaning the greenhouse.

Got off to a somewhat early start today cleaning the inside of the greenhouse. Graham had a problem with his computer so I started the cleaning by myself with intermittent help from Ruaridh! Did not take as long as expected and Graham came into help half way through my adventure. Only a small amount to do tomorrow then we can close it down for the winter, as we are going to be in Edinburgh.
Had a super shower after all the work, lunch, then down to the beach with the wee dog, had a great walk only got slightly wet in a heavy rain shower. We then set off for Kyle of Lochalsh as we had to get some medication ( worm tablet) for Ruaridh. Called into see Luc and Jean for about half an hour, Ruaridh had a good run round with Mara, then on with our journey.
Bought a bottle of Merlot to have with the veggie bangers and mash we were having for dinner. Home by 1800 hours, did some cleaning whilst Graham made our dinner. Did some knitting going to have a coffee then to bed. Goodnight.

Blipping a blipper!

As most people who read this Blog are aware, Graham and moi along with many other do Joe's www.blipfoto.com this is a daily photo journal, the unique character of it being the photograph posted must have been taken on the day it is posted. You can do 365 photographs in the year or as few as you like.
Another dark and dismal day, Autumn arrives in the N/W with a vengence. To the beach for our walk, this time we went over to where the ferry goes over to The Isle of Skye during the summer months, to see if there were any otters. No joy but we did find two deer skins, strange, at first we thought they had been discarded. Then Graham had the bright idea that they had been placed there to be cleaned by the ocean and all that lives in the sea, as they were weighted down. I said we found them, yes you have guessed right it was Ruaridh who sniffed them out. He had a great time running up and down the rocks in pastures new.
Came back made bread and had lunch, then set to, to clean the greenhouse and weed the fish boxes which we will cover until next year. We managed a large part of the cleaning, but still a lot to do tomorrow.
Graham used some of my bread dough and made delicious pizza's for dinner. Have done more knitting, now a cup of tea and to bed Goodnight

Ruaridh and Mara

Another damp dark day, had a super bath as we had a huge amount of hot water bubbling away. Fry up for breakfast which tasted really good.
Decided to go down to the beach again for our walk with the dog. Arrived at the beach and I saw another car coming down onto the shore, "Bet they have a dog," I said to Graham, they did it turned out to be our friends from over the hill Luc and Jean with their dog Mara. It was good to see them and Ruaridh was delighted to see Mara! they were collecting pebbles for their new pond, so the two dog's came a walk with us. Great walk, very breezy blew the cobwebs away! Asked Luc and Jean back for a cup of tea.
When they had left we got stuck into clearing the greenhouse and some of the raised beds. Hard work but at least we have started. Have to wash all the windows in the greenhouse, hope to get up early and do this tomorrow.
Graham is making butternut squash rissotto for dinner yummy! I am cracking on with my knitting. Bye

Dark Day

Very damp and dark in the N/W when we woke this morning, had a leisurely morn, porridge for breakfast that tasted just great. Set off for the beach in wet weather gear, just in case, had to go to the village store to get our provisions, and Guardian.
Managed to miss the rain on the beach, had a great walk though the wind was cold, collected mussels for dinner tonight, took lots of photographs for blipfoto and this Blog. Ruaridh had a super time chasing leaves he ran and ran after them, he was in his element.
Tonight they are hoping to have the bonfire down at the beach, the rain is lashing down at the moment, so hope it stops in the next hour or so, so the kids can enjoy this event. Used to love bonfire night when I was a kid, roast potatoes, treacle toffee, pie and peas, Mmm. The fun of collecting the wood, not three piece suites, see www.blipfoto.com/JoeBlogs the awe as the fireworks were set off.
Having a lazy day today, getting on with my knitting and hoping to read the afore said paper. Graham making dinner smells delicious.Bye

Northwards

Today was my last day at work for a week, it has all gone really well, and it has been good to meet up with colleagues and friends again. At 1500 hours Graham picked me up and the three of us headed North.
It was a cold frosty morning again, as I walked to work, I notice that people have started to say 'morning! even got a wave from the paper delivery boy.
Graham had Ruaridh to the beach, then they met me as arranged.
Good journey up to the Glen, plenty of rain after Dalwhinnie, arrived at 1915 hours.
Just having a wee dram then to bed. Goodnight.

Frost

This morning we had our first showing of ground frost and the temperatures were low! Good though after all the warm, balmy weather the sky was amazing, On the walk to work saw a "V" formation of geese flying over the city. The sun was breaking through and casting shadows.
Work was fine, working with a good team again what a difference it makes. Left work, did the dreaded supermarket trip again, had to as tomorrow we return to the Glen.
Graham and Ruaridh had a good walk in the woods and met a lady with a twelve years old Border terrier, needless to say the dog wasn't interested in playing with Ruaridh!
Graham through to Glasgow to visit his mother, I'm just about to do the ironing then get packed ready to leave after work tomorrow.
Not had dinner yet, hoping to do a little knitting. Bye.

Curry for Dinner

Up early this morning, back to work, quite a good morning weatherwise very cold but sunny, most people I met mentioned the change from the warm weather we have been having.
O.k. day at work some ups and downs, but quickly resolved.
Did not get a chance to check my mobile phone until about 1330 hours to find a text and message from Layla, stating she was feeling ill and was full of the cold. Managed to have a chat with her for a little while and she seemed a wee bit better.
Got in touch with Graham and told him Layla was not well, he got in touch with her and we said we would go over and get something from the Indian take away for dinner, as I was going to have my hair done later in the evening.
Ruaridh and Graham had been down to the shore and had a good walk, they picked me up at 1530 hours and we went to Layla's.
I went to the hairdressers Iain was in good form and as usual cut my hair well. Back to Layla and Joe's for the various Indian dishes, which were delicious, then home. Very tired to bed. Good night.