Karla

Met this amazing woman today who provides a specialist clinic for mums who might require advice or help in the breast feeding arena. She is a star and I do not give praise lightly. Called Karla she exudes calm and confidence nothing appears to be to much trouble for her. What a pity she is only funded to do one afternoon a week when The Scottish Executive is pushing campaigns to get new mums to Breast Feed. It is not easy for some mums either due to problems with the bairn attatching, or pain due to infections, this woman was amazing dealing with about 15 new mums in 5 hours, whatever the difficulty, and starting them on the road to resolving the problems.
Ruaridh is not feeling himself after the cut to his hind paw, poor wee dog he visited the vets today with Graham, vets advice antibiotics for 5 days, let him walk and a plastic bag for walks in the mud!
Vegetable risotto and salad for dinner, watching Newsnight, Levy arrested again! Goodnight.

Surprise visit!

Had a surprise visit from Layla and Bella today. Layla telephoned around 1000 hours to say she was meeting Corrina and Logan at the Cramond shore and would then come up to have lunch, we are always happy to see all the family but Joe was working today, and it was great to see the two lassies! Made celery soup for lunch with homemade rolls and then coffee. Bella is really coming on and was smiling at all.
Took Ruaridh to the woods today and the poor wee dog cut two of the pads on his left hind paw quite badly. He sat on the path and was licking away at the paw, wondered what had happened then I saw the blood! he could not put his paw down and was bleeding heavily. We managed to get him home and bathed the paw with dettol, poor wee chap it must be so sore. He has been very quiet, resting, will probably have to visit the vet tomorrow, see what the morrow brings.
Veggie sausage and mash for dinner yummy, going to do some knitting then to bed. Goodnight.

Visiting Bella

Up late this morning as we sat up into the early hours watching The West Wing-end of series two, enjoyed the viewing don't know if we will carry on with the dvds, maybe try to catch it on More4!
Took Ruaridh up to the park and woods, had a good walk, back home made bread.
Over to visit baby Bella this evening, she is really coming on, starting to interact, look around and is a cute wee sausage, she smiles, and starts to make noises when you ask her to tell you a tale. Had a good visit with Layla and Joe, as Layla said what did we talk about before Bella was born? Had a take away curry for dinner, it tasted really good.
Going to do a little knitting then to bed. Goodnight!

Mum's 87 years Birthday

Down to England on the 24th January to celebrate my mum's birthday. Good run down, Ruaridh had fun in the snow North of Moffat, he just loved running and sniffing in this strange white stuff! took him a walk and he ran and jumped from one tuft of grass to another, great stuff.
Uneventful day on Thursday down to the beach at St Annes lovely sunny day, Ruaridh was pleased to be back as he loves the long run down to the ocean. Celebated the Bard's birthday with a veggie haggis, neeps and mashed tatties. Answered the phone to mum's friends, and entertained a steady stream of callers who arrived with cards and pressies for the birthday on Friday!
Birthday day, the star shot was a flippa blip from great granddaughter Bella www.blipfoto.com/lonely little petunia to see this event unfold. Jenny and Hari mum's 'adopted' grandchildren came in to light the candles on the cake, took the 87 years old three puffs to blow them out, she got lovely cards and pressies from family and friends, and was very tired last pm.
We left today to return to Edinburgh, good journey nothing to report, pasta and tomato sauce with salad for dinner with a bottle of Grenache Shiraz great. Just back from taking the wee dog to the park, now for West Wing. Goodnight.

Another Journey

Hi Today we travel South to see my mum who is going to be 87 years old on Friday. We have our veggie haggis for the Burn's Supper on the 25th January, so will enjoy that as will Ruaridh. Blog off for a few days. should be back on Sunday. Bye for now!

Awakening to Bella

It was lovely having Layla and Bella stay overnight, up bright and early for us this morning as Bella was talking-well crying, so Graham and me held her so that her mummy could have a wee sleep-in. She became quiet as I sang or da de dad "A Slow Boat to China" to her, did not appear to like "Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee" old street folk song from Glasgow!
We had breakfast, Ruaridh was becoming somewhat jealous and everytime Graham or me spoke to Bella he wanted attention, will work on this!
Set off through the woods with Layla, Bella and Ruaridh, the Bugaboo stood up well, walked down to Waitrose with them, then Layla and Bella took off to visit new baby Zac or Oscar!
Waitrose quick shop, then home lazy afternoon, now on sleeve one of the red jumper for the wee one. Ruaridh slept most of the afternoon, which as good for him. Packed, as we go to England tomorrow for my mum's birthday on Friday, she will be 87 years old!
Graham made fried rice with vegetables for dinner eaten with flat breads delicious. Hoping to watch some more of the West Wing then to bed. Bye.

Bella's overnight stay no 1

Tonight we have Bella and her mummy staying overnight, her daddy had to go to Aberdeen on business so they decided to come to stay! Ruaridh is getting more used to Bella being here so that is good. Only unfortunate thing Joe missed his dinner, when they came into the courtyard Layla and Joe smelt gas, so I telephoned Transco, all appliances had to be switched off and their man would be here in the hour! He did come but it was too late for Joe to be able to eat with us. Poor guy, did think of him as we tucked into chilli, rice and flat breads. He telephoned to say he had arrived safely.
Today we were up and about early, up to the woods with Ruaridh who played with Barney in the park. Met a woman in the woods who I have known for years with her Jack Russell, stopped to have a chat. Then through to Glasgow to visit Graham's mum. Enough. Goodnight!

Missed the Sun

As we have not been wakening until around 1000 hours on the past two mornings, we have only seen the sun for about an hour each day. By the time we have got ourselves together, wash, breakfast etc the storm clouds have started to gather! Also of an evening as we have been glued to the screen watching West Wing, we have not gone to bed till around 0230 hours, hence my Sunday Blog is being done in the early hours of Monday morning! Sorry if this sounds like gobbledegook-tired.
Sunday was a busy day, took Ruaridh to the woods, then over to the dreaded supermarket, it started to rain/sleet!
Back home made bread, cleaned, ironed, made dinner aubergine parmeggiano with salad mmmm! recipe now seen at blipfoto.com/BB
Layla, Joe and Bella came to visit, and had a light lunch, they had visited friends at South Queensferry and had hoped to have a walk, but the weather was too bad! Lovely to see them.
Took Ruaridh for his evening walk, watched two more episodes of you know what, now to bed. Goodnight.

Photoshop

The other day Graham added the photoshop application to my Mac laptop, today was my first day of being shown how to use it! Some of the things it lets you do to photographs are amazing! so will have to get practising now!
Very quiet day took photographs in the woods, Ruaridh had a great run around, then we went to pick up the newspapers.
Wonder if Hiliary Clinton will go for the Democratic nomination, interesting to watch! If they the Democrats get the Presidency will be able to think about going back to the good old U.S.A if they will let me!
Just waiting for the dinner to finish baking and cooking-veggie Toad in the Hole, mashed tatties and green beans.
Take Ruaridh for his constitutional, then settle down to watch more of the West Wing. Bye.

Lunch with Lena

Today I was delighted to be going up to the city to meet my friend Lena for lunch. We met at the West end and decided to go to Indigo Yard for lunch, great place to eat and chat! We both had large salads with grilled tuna steak and flat bread, Lena had a white wine and I had a Corona. We indulged in the dessert department and had hot chocolate pudding and vanilla icecream Hmmm! We caught up on things, photographs of her grandchildren, and I told her about Bella, she had bought a gift for the baby.
Had a great chat, then we were off up the street to do our bits and pieces, was home for 1700hours.
Took Ruaridh to the woods this morning met up with the daschund lady and the three dogs she is a lovely person so enjoy having a chat!
Celery soup for dinner, query what else! Doing the Blog early as I am becoming addicted to The West Wing. Goodnight.

Not too much to report day!

After the excitement of Bella's birth, Christmas holiday and New Year not to much to report day.
Went over to visit Layla and Bella, the baby is really coming on and starting to respond when spoken too, also holding her head up by herself for short periods, wow! Had a lovely visit and lunch Layla's homemade soup carrot, butternut squash and corriander delicious, with chunks of homemade bread! Ruaridh was quite put out today when we spoke to or cuddled Bella, I think it was because he refused his morning meal and was very hungry, anyway enough of his crying, we did make a fuss of him but will make sure his belly is full before we go again.
Quick walk in the woods this morning as the sleet was tippling down. Leek risotto for dinner with salad. Took the dog for his walk this evening, now going to watch the "West Wing" just two episodes as last night we watched four episodes, and it was 0230 hours when we went to bed. Yawn! Bye!

Knitting

Knitting a wee red cotton jumper for Bella, am amazed that I can even attempt to follow a pattern, but follow it I do! Almost finished the front, back finished, two sleeves and a border then bingo a new jumper.
Up quite late, cold today some light snow, took Ruaridh to the woods, met Ken with Murphy but the dogs kind of ignored one another!
Cleaned out a drawer in the kitchen, found some small nails, so Bella's photograph is now on the wall so that we can see her!
Made some bread, Graham made dinner- vegetable tagine, couscous and salad lovely and Ruaridh enjoyed it too. Just got back from a walk to the park and around the block. Going to start to watch series two of the "West Wing." Goodnight.

On the road again

Had to travel to Glasgow today as it was review day for Graham' mum in her new home. Arrived at 1330 hours review could not take place fully as they require further assessment! so we have to come back again once this is done. Had a pleasant visit with Graham's mum, aunty May and aunty Jessie were there and Betty's mood was good.
Got up fairly early due to the above visit, shower, hair wash, breakfast take the wee dog to the woods, where he does appear to enjoy running about!
Drive to Glasgow and back was good not too much traffic, managed a trip to Lidls.
Not a lot to report, pasta and three cheese sauce, topped with mushrooms for dinner mmmm!
Just about to go to bed. Goodnight.

More 4

Today we visited Bella and her mum, she is gaining weight 6ibs 13ozs and is a lovely baby (know I'm biased but she is!) we spent a couple of hours with them, and had minestrone soup and oatcakes for lunch which was delicious.
Weather was better today some sunshine! had a walk in the woods with Ruaridh.
On the way home from Layla's went to Waitrose and did a shop, do like that place. Not much news today watched Dispatches on C4, very interesting, just finished watching "The Trial of Tony Blair" on More 4 thought provoking! Goodnight.

Onion Gravy

Left the Glen today to return to Edinburgh. We arrived around 1730 hours, the house looked great and was warm and cozy, Ruaridh as usual made for the back garden, as soon as we entered the house! We decided to have sausages with onion
gravy, mashed potatoes and broad beans, for dinner. Graham normally makes the gravy but tonight I made it, got a good recipe off the internet, and it tasted good in fact delicious.
Had quite a busy morning getting the house in order, heavy rain showers, then periods of sun as we left. Took Ruaridh for a walk in the forest were we had been the other day, as I said he loves it here and runs about all over the place! as we got to the bottom of the Glen saw the Mountain ponies sheltering under the trees.
Good journey down, lots of rain no traffic. Stopped at the canal/river near Loch Laggan for a walk Ruaridh loved jumping in the heather, thought at one point he was going in the water but it was only for a drink, phew.
Going to have a cup of tea then to bed. Goodnight!

Quiet

As I sit down to write this, for the first time in three days the wind does not appear to be howling down the Glen, it may be raining, but the noise and groaning are not present! wow it seems strange.
Got up this morning to the wind and rain, had a lovely deep bath and washed my hair, Ruaridh loves my moisturizer and likes to lick my legs after I have applied it!
After breakfast took the wee dog down to the beach, my goodness was a storm raging, the wind was blowing right into our faces cold and stinging, the river was running so quickly we dare not attempt to cross with the dog! He thought it was fandabby, chasing anything blowing in the wind.
Returned to the house soaked, thank goodness we have great wet weather gear! I did the ironing then caught up some more on Bella's diary. Graham made a super dinner, fried rice with vegetables, prawns and curry sauce. Just catching up on some blipping as well as Blogging then going to watch the last episodes of West Wing-I'm an addict series two here I come! Bye

Storms

Today was another stormy one, the rain was like a curtain blowing down the Glen. We never got out for a walk with the dog uuntil 1500 hours, we went to the beach and on an outgoing tide the waves were about one to two metres high, daunting. The wind was howling and the waves and spray were being blown up the beach, Ruaridh appeared to love it, had to keep him in my sight as I was concerened he would be swept away by a wave. However he ran around like crazy, and thought it was great fun, as was the testing of the dog biscuits Graham made him today!
Made bread, then carried on with my knitting. Made a leek and cheese quiche for dinner, with salad potatoes and homegrown brocolli tasted good! Been watching some T.V. and sleeping, so just making tea, then to bed Goodnight.

Tall Trees

Today we awoke to storms and rain sweeping down the Glen. John ex postie arrived around 1100 hours to continue to work with Graham re his computer, we had just finished breakfast! Managed out onto the deck to photograph some of the large blue and turquoise plant holders as the light although dark was somehow illuminating--pass. I used one for my blip today see blipfoto.com/BB.
I continued knitting Bella's wee red jumper now on the front! At 1315 hours had to stop the computer lesson as we were due over the hill at Luc and Jean's for lunch. Had not time to take Ruaridh to the beach, so we stopped on the way over the hill and went down into the forest. We had never taken this route before, Ruaridh was impressed and run around like crazy, the wind was roaring down the path and through the trees the wee dog loves this especially when it blows him. At times it was quite awesome the trees there were very tall and were bending over, we decided to leave quickly as we were concerned that branches could break off. On this route we discovered an old quarry, and a bird hide-interesting!
Had a lovely lunch and a good chat, Ruaridh loved playing with Mara who was his first doggie chum!
Back over the hill for 1700 hours snack dinner as we had a big lunch. Made pancakes for supper mmmm! Just watching an old Joni Mitchell concert, staying up to watch the Sean Langan programme on C4 re Afghanistan! Bye

Unexpected Sunny Day

Today the sun shone what a lovely surprise! had a leisurely bath and used the exfoliating soap sent to us by my buddy Sue in Canada, which I think she bought in Thailand last year, it worked really well very refreshing! Had breakfast then set off for the woods with Ruaridh, he was very excited to be back in "his" woods and run around like crazy!
We had a great walk as the sun was shining, it was exhilarating, we managed the walk in about a hour and a half, which we were pleased with after only having done city walks for the past two months. Ruaridh loved investigating the woods again.
Got back to the house and John the ex postie came to find out things about his mac laptop.
I disappeared and carried on doing some more knitting for baby Bella, this time a wee jumper!
Graham made dinner, butternut squash risotto, with salad lovely!
Going to watch a programme on the N.H.S. then hopefully the last episodes of the first series of the West Wing. Bye.

Visitors

Today we woke to rain showers, the wind had been very strong overnight whistling down the Glen most of the night. Today we had two visitors which was really good.
Just getting breakfast ready when there was a knock on the kitchen door, it was our ex postie John who had seen the car and decided to pop in and see us. Good to see him in fact it must be almost a year since we saw him. Anyway he is going to make a couple of new gates for us which we do need. Late afternoon our neighbour Christine came over, with loads of clothes for baby Bella and a nice bottle of wine for us. She stayed for dinner made by Graham, linguine and pesto with a salad, lovely. She filled us in with all the hot gossip and we walked her home. She leaves for the Shetland Isles tomorrow until the end of March.
Went down to the beach with Ruaridh he had two great runs, the weather was changing quickly, from sun to rain and a cold wind. Went to the village shop and managed to get some of Lizzies free range eggs hmmm!
Going to do the dishes and have a cup of tea then to bed. Goodnight!

Bugs

Last night doing my Blog suddenly I felt terrible, light headed, nauseous and rather unwell. Did not know what the cause was, the alcohol I had consumed, the prawns in the kedgerree, bugs-- what the hell I felt ghastly.
Had felt good on the way up to the glen, and on arrival here. Then wham had I picked up a BUG.
Went to bed very early, for moi anyway, with my peppermint tea, slept well. Poor Graham had to get up twice with the wee dog.
Still felt rotten this morning so stayed in bed until 1600 hours. Do feel better after my lovely potato and leek soup ( made by Graham) homegrown leeks and onions, unfortunately the potatoes were bought. This year we must try to grow our own.
Still very tired so signing off. Goodnight.

Back to rain in the Glen.

Back to the glen today, as usual we were at the last minute. Always have the good intentions of leaving either way so that we don't have to drive in the dark, rarely manage this. Today we arrived at 1730hours and it was raining, the house looked great, when we are away we forget how lovely it is up here even in the rain!
Had a bit of a rush round in Edinburgh, to pack, take the wee dog to the woods and of course visit the supermarket, but eventually we were away. Good journey to the N/W.
Ruaridh appeared happy to be back and raced round the garden, he is now sleeping in his day bed!
Made kedgeree for dinner which was lovely. Rather tired so going to finish now. Goodnight.

Bella's First Visit.

Yesterday was baby Bella's first visit to our home, it seemed strange having a baby in the house, but lovely as well. The family came for dinner and it was a good evening. Her daddy and grandpa were playing the ukulele, and her grandpa and moi were singing, she appeared not to like this too much! More interested in her breast milk!
Took Ruaridh to the woods he met a lot of dogs today and had a great time playing with them. Had a quick visit to the supermarket.
Did my ironing as today we are heading back to the N/W of Scotland for a week looking forward to this!
Made vegetable pie for dinner with puff pastry, mashed potatoes and broad beans, followed by apple crumble and ice-cream it was delicious.
Bella is a wee sweetie and putting weight on, she was so good whilst she was here, and Layla and Joe are super parents.
Goodnight.

Aubergine Parmegianno

Up quite late this morning, got things done at a leisurely pace, two parcels arrived for Bella today, she will get them tomorrow as the family are coming for dinner. Telephoned Chris and left a message that I would not be going down to the shore, as it was too late. She phoned back and I said for her to pop in this afternoon if she had time, as Graham's work schedule was changed to this afternoon.
Took Ruaridh to the woods got some good photo's of trees, and had a nice walk.
Came home had lunch, Graham left , then Chris arrived. I had found the book for Rose who is on her way to India in 2 weeks time it is called India by Rail and we found it very useful when we were travelling on the sub continent. Had a good chat and cup of tea with Chris, it was good to have her visit.
When she left phoned mum, made bread, the aubergine parmegianno for dinner, and cleaned the lounge phew!
Enjoyed our dinner which we had with tagiatelle and a side salad. Going to continue to watch The West Wing tonight. Bye.

Out for dinner.

Our old chum Chris invited us for dinner this evening. Today has not been one of the better days in my life, but as sleep time comes things are definately on the up & up!
Had to go through to Glasgow today to visit Graham's mum. Did not sleep too well during the night, so caught up this morning when I should have been leaping out of bed. Wee Ruaridh was sick this morning, but he recovered quickly and we took him to the woods, had a good run around, then we had to leave as we were heading out to Glasgow. He was soon back to his old self, and managed to scoff oatcakes on the way to Glasgow.
Had a good run through and Graham's mum appeared to be brighter.
Arrived back home and over to Chris's for dinner, Rose her daughter was there, and it was interesting to hear that she leaves for the sub-continent in two weeks time. Graham and moi offered advise from our travels there! She seemed quite interested!
Had a good evening, lovely curry and rice, pineapples and soya milk ice cream! a first! Also some delicious almonds roasted in sugar, brought back for Rose by her dad Peter who was treking in The Atlas Mountains in Morocco. she did not like them, however Ruaridh and moi did justice to them! Home now and to bed. Goodnight.

Smile buttons

Finished a cardigan for Bella today and put on "Smile" buttons! I love these buttons. Remember my mum knitting two coats for Layla when she was wee, one red with ladybird buttons, the other brown with dolphin buttons she loved them to bits. Think Bella is maybe still to young to notice the Smile but as she grows I can recycle the buttons! The baby weighed in today at just under 6lbs well done Layla and Bella, not forgetting dad Joe! great news!
This morning took Ruaridh to the woods, met Ken with his spaniel Murphy but Ruaridh decided not to play!
Popped over to see the family for a couple of hours this afternoon.
Home, I made squash rissotto for dinner, which was very good with a small side salad.
Took Ruaridh to the park, away to Glasgow tomorrow to visit Graham's mum. Goodnight.

A quiet day

Another quiet day, up quite late had breakfast, bebopped about. Took wee Ruaridh for a walk in the park and woods, met up with Cressie another Borders, and two small Yorkshire terriers, Ruaridh decided not to play as Cressie was a wee tad to growlie! Carried on and walked up Ravelston Road, saw Ron and Anne two friends drive by in their car, they stopped and somehow a mini jam did not happen, wished them a happy New Year!
Home-food, finished wee Bella's cardigan washed it, when dry will sew the buttons on, hopefully tomorrow. Wrote up the daily diary I have started for the baby, due to the holiday period I am somewhat behind will have to catch up! Spoke to my mother she is fine, my cousin James and his wife are visiting St Annes so she will enjoy that!
Had a lovely dinner made by Graham, couscous with vegetables, chili tomato sauce with king size prawns and flatbreads, swilled down with beer. Now just eating hazlenut chocolate mmmm!
Going to watch the "West Wing" third night running. Bye.

Happy New Year

Had a great Hogmany spent the evening with Layla, Joe, Bella, Karen, Lee, Jessie and Daisy May. Had a super Mexican meal courtesy of the chef Joe which was delicious, Ruaridh loved being fed by Daisy who is eight months old! Bella let us all know she was there! and is a wee sweetie.
Just going to watch episode 4 of The West Wing (first series) did the other 3 episodes the night before, then to bed. Love, Peace and Health to all throughout 2007. Good Luck and Goodnight.