Upside down day!

A somewhat upside down day for no reason whatsoever! Had a shower and breakfast, Graham decided to take the shed down in the garden, as we are planning some changes there and with the house in Edinburgh! As he was busy Ruaridh and moi went to the park and woods by ourselves. Had a good walk he played with Ben, so lovely in the woods at the moment as all the bluebells are out, just looks like one is walking on a blue carpet.
Layla had telephoned me earlier to say she was on her way to a mother and baby group at her old Steiner school, and did I want to meet her up town. Phoned her to say yes I would, and where. Had to pay a motoring fine so would meet in Parliament Square. Damned bus seemed to take ages, eventually arrived Bella was all smiles and held onto my hand as we walked along, (she was in her front baby papoose.)
Going to go out for lunch then Layla said just to come back to ours, the gasman was coming as once again no hot water for Graham's shower! Just making lunch when he arrived! sorted for now.
Had a lovely visit, then walked over to the bus stop with them Ruaridh thought all his holidays had come at once another walk!
Doing this early as I want to get on with-yes you guessed it my knitting. Busy day tomorrow. Bye.

Dig dig dig-dig dig dig-dig the whole day through!

Graham went through to Glasgow this afternoon, to visit his mother, I decide it might be a good idea to start to dig the back garden as tomorrow I will attempt to contact the paving guy again! It was damned hard work lots of debris and old roots made it difficult a times to get the fork or spade into the earth, however I managed to get started and broke quite a bit of the earth up. Ruaridh did not join me but laid on top of the bed waiting for Graham to return.
Took the wee fellow into the woods, he appeared to enjoy his walk.
Made leek quiche, roast potatoes and peas for dinner tasted rather good.
Done some bliping comment, spoke to Layla, mum and Anne on the telephone, just going to do some knitting then to bed. Goodnight!

Evening with Bella!

As Joe had a poker game yesterday evening Layla and Bella invited us over for dinner. Before going we called into Waitrose to pick up some messages for ourselves and Layla. We arrived about 1815h, just in time to see Joe and his mate Dave leaving, gave them a wave and a thumbs up! Had a great time with the wee one she loves to sit in her chair and rock, also she is about the same height as Ruaridh and her eyes follow him everywhere. Layla made us a delicious dinner of spaghetti and chili prawns and salad, I made an apple crumble and we bought lovely ice-cream. Had a good play with Bella and a chat with Layla, left around 0015h hence the late Blog.
Had a good Saturday, took Ruaridh to the park and woods, he met his mate Barney and they had a great play. To the dreaded supermarket, it gets worse. Strimmed the lawn at the front then the strimmer packed in. Graham atarted to demolish the shed, busy, busy.
Going to bed now. Goodnight.

Good Day at the Allotment

Promised Layla that whilst we are in town will do our best to help her to get the allotment going-organised. Today was quite warm and sunny, but with a cool wind at times,- good allotment day. Arrived about 1400h, as we had walked from Joe and Layla's house, with Bella in her pram and me hanging on to Ruaridh! popping into one or two shops on the way, hence we were a little late! Joe had driven there with the sandwiches and was waiting for us. Graham did a lot of digging, I hoed and raked, Layla cleared another patch and Joe looked after the wee one, think she may have started teething?? Enjoyed the sandwiches I had taken and the juice, Ruaridh behaved himself and he is getting used to Bella. A great day enjoyed it immensely.
Home about 1730h popped down to the local shop, and also got some wine. Made veggie risotto for dinner with salad, tasted ok.
Just watched an interesting 'Timewatch' about Jewish children who were hidden in France during the last war. Very sad.
Doing a little knitting then to bed. Goodnight.

The Edge

Left the Glen today to travel to Old Reekie, left in super warm sunny weather that accompanied us all the way! Sometimes the journey can be on the edge but today it was good. Took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods on the way out of the Glen, he had a great run. Stopped for lunch at his favorite spot in Glen Coe, could have stayed there all day it was so mellow and warm.
Down to Glasgow to visit Graham's mum she was ok and appeared more settled!
Over to visit the family Bella is just great and her and Ruaridh are getting on much better! For the most time he just ignores her! Had a lovely meal thanks to Layla, and thanks to Joe for keeping Ruaridh happy and playing with him, after his long journey! Watched Bella swim in the big bath well done!
Home now very tired cup of tea and toast then to bed. Goodnight.

Bella's first chuckle!

Had a second telephone call from Layla this morning to let us listen to Bella's first chuckle! of course we missed the call as we could not find the telephone! heard a wee bit on the message that was left, when Graham phoned Layla back Bella had stopped her morning chuckle debut, as well!
Managed to have a bath this morning, just as I finished Chis the coalman arrived to check out the anthrocite that we have complained about, he took some clinkers away to show to his boss, here's hoping! I was parading around with wet hair and in my dressing gown!
After breakfast made bread, then we went down to the shop to pick up the free range eggs, then on to the beach, some wind, drizzle, and a wee bit of sun. Ruaridh enjoyed the walk, he loves chasing leaves that are blowing about.
Back home finished making the bread, also made some potato scones. Attempted to finish weeding the flower bed in the garden, no joy the rain kept appearing.
Cleaned the front room and bathroom, did the ironing as we go south tomorrow for a week!
Dinner-sweet potato soup with foccacia, mushroom omelette with roast potatoes.
Cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Onions, potatoes, weeding, deadheading=

Gardening-did quite a lot there today. Decided to have a bath when I got up hmm, left our cold water running when I went back it was this amazing orange colour, occasionally now the water seems to hit a seam of iron ore and this comes up via the pump, ah well tomorrow.
Had breakfast then started in the garden, as soon as I went out the drizzle began, carried on. Took Ruaridh for his long walk in the woods he was very quiet today no wildlife to distract him. When we got back planted some red onions, as I said previously, in a bed that does not have such good results here's hoping! Graham was very busy in the greenhouse planting lots of seeds.
Had lunch then back into the garden this time to plant the tatties and finsh off the morning's weeding. We decided to put the tatties in one of the front beds so lets hope they grow too!
John H popped in for his computer, dinner this evening veggie toad in the hole, mashed tatties, peas and Graham's fantastic onion gravy hmmm!
Just done a mammoth look through on blipfoto, now to bed. Goodnight.

Happy daze Happy face!

Went for a walk on the beach today, dismal and grey. We all enjoyed it especially Ruaridh who found a football which we all played with, then a pink ball with a Happy Face on it, not only that it had a squeaker, he was delighted and kept trying to bury it. Took some photographs then headed back home with the pink ball!
Decided even though it was raining that we should make an attempt on starting to make a new 'tattie patch.' We did clear quite a large area, lots of stones but the start was made, have decide to plant some of the potatoes in one of the front raised beds.
Had lunch and then made some soda bread, John H came as he required some help with his Website.
Dinner-Greek butter beans & tomatoes, carrot sticks and foccacia.
Telephoned about the anthrocite hopefully will get it sorted in a week or so.
Done some knitting, watching various TV programmes. Goodnight.

Rain, rain go away!

Very rainy today, slept late had a leisurely bath, then a big fry up for breakfast!
Took Ruaridh into the woods full wet weather gear worn, good walk although we got wet through!
Back home made bread, sorted some issues out, and generally chilled out!
Dinner this evening butternut squash risotto, salad excellent!
Watching The South Bank Show about Isabelle Allende the author interesting. Goodnight.

Breakfast with Bella

Travelled up from the Red Rose County yesterday, left mother feeling somewhat better, with lots of food in the house and people who are willing to pop in and see her! Layla and Bella met me at the station in Edinburgh, Bella was asleep, when she awoke I got a wee scowl then a big smile! Coffee at the Fruitmarket Gallery.
Stayed overnight with the family, went to the Peacock Inn for supper, delicious fish and chips. Had a good evening with Bella she is gorgeous!
Had a great sleep, awoke this morning to Bella's smiles, her new clothes arrived she was fascinated by the red colour!
Lovely breakfast with Bella chatting and smiling, also had scrambled eggs, toast and coffee.
Joe run me up to the station where I got my train to Inverness, good journey Graham and Ruaridh met me, lots of kisses from the wee dog. Did a shop at Tesco, got home about 1730h.
Veggie stew, mashed potatoes and broccoli for dinner.
Watched the movie 'The Queen' quite good, now to bed. Goodnight.

Busy Busy!

No Blog yesterday quite busy, spent the day getting messages at various times during the day, took mum to the hairdressers. One of mums friends came to visit in the afternoon so that was tea and cake and a chat! eventually got out around 1900h to do my blipfoto. Ah well!
Today managed to have my shower, in the middle of this Anne arrived to have a chat about mums 'needs.' Spoke to her whilst getting dry, moisturised and drying my hair. Heather, mums cleaner arrived. During all this mother was getting ready to go to an anniversary lunch for the University of the Third Age, (golden oldies), 1215h Irene arrived to pick mum up! went to get the messages again! Had a late lunch, chatting to Graham and Layla on the phone.
Mum arrived back tired, knee not too bad, had a chat then down to the bank, phew!
Made some veggie soup for dinner, watered the garden, did one or two other little chores.
Ready for bed return North tomorrow, as far as Edinburgh, going to see Bella, Layla and Joe, then up to the N/W on Saturday.
Goodnight.

Red Rose County

Yesterday I travelled through many towns by road and rail to the Red Rose County, as my mother had some problem with her knee and had been hospitalized over the weekend. Travelled with an Italian woman for part of the journey, she came from Palermo in Sicily and was very interested in telling me about the Mafia! eventually arrived at my mothers and was pleased to see her home.
Mother is managing very well as long as she remembers where her walking stick and walking frame are! Uneventful day sat talking with mum and attempted to sort out one or two problems with the hospital and her G.P. via the telephone! Fish van came bought two pieces of haddock for our dinner. Sunny but cold went out to get the messages and take some photographs.
Came home chatted with Graham and Layla at various points in the day, did some knitting, cup of tea and biscuit!
Dinner was fried haddock and rice with tomato sauce delicious.
Going to watch a programme on BBC4. Goodnight.

Dashing away--

-- well not quite, my mother has a problem with her L) knee causing her mobility problems, she has spent the last two nights in hospital so tomorrow I head by bus and train to The Red Rose County. Hopefully I will be able to help for a day or so and then get some help organised.
Quiet day her in the Glen warm and overcast earlier then quite heavy rain! Had a good walk in the woods with the wee fellow, who really loves going off on his adventures now.
Dashing away with the smoothing iron to get ready for going south. Neighbour Christine popped in had a coffee then away.
Persian rice and tadiq with veggie/prawn curry for dinner rather good!
Don't know if I will be able to Blog tomorrow, as I arrive late and my Ma may be in bed. Will try to get it fixed up for Tuesday.
Just going to pack a few things then to bed. Goodnight.

Swallows are here!

Yesterday we saw our first swallows of the year, wonderful wee birds apparently all born in Scotland , who in winter fly south to the sub Sahara then back up to Scotland for the summer. They appeared to be quite refreshed after their long flight and were busy swooping over the deck and the fields. Someone just commented to me that they do not go south for the winter but turn into fishes, wow like that idea, as long as they are not caught.
Went to the beach today as it was once again warm, sunny and balmy had a great walk as did Ruaridh. Just so quiet and peaceful!
Got back home phone call from mum she was unable to weightbear on her L) leg, and it was very painful. She was away to the hospital to get an xray N.A.D. but they are keeping her in overnight!! I well have to make tracks on Monday!
Pasta and cheese for dinner with salad.
Quite tired so to bed. Goodnight.

Photography

Had a lesson in photography from Graham today, the one thing I remember for definate is the higher the number the smaller the aperture, the lower the number the larger the aperture. Also the you can raise the ISO and this will help to control the speed you are shooting at. Did lots of photographs of blossom and some of bees slowly, hopefully it will all start to sink in?!
Made bread and foccacia, Christine our neighbour came a walk with us today, weather warm and sunny again! Ruaridh decided to take off in the woods, when we arrived at the usual place where he normally meets us nay dog, we shouted his name and whistled to no avail, eventually we turned back and lo and behold one exhausted wee dog, decided not to venture to far, then came across two roe deer in the woods the dog chased off after them! came back almost at once.
Returned home, cup of tea then my lesson.
Had lunch then I made vegetable soup for dinner eaten with the foccacia, followed by foccacia with tuna sandwiches!
Garry B came over to see cheerio he is away back to the Isle of Lewis tomorrow.
Watched Timewatch-Hijack quite interesting. Doing some knitting then to bed. Goodnight.

Gardeners World!

Warm and sunny today. Very busy afternoon starting on the horticultural agenda. Finished tidying the greenhouse, started working on the raised bed at the back of the garden which is quite non-productive. Buried some banana skins in it and gave it a good turn over, breaking up big pieces of soil, will put on some compost in a day or so then plant the red onions and see what happens! Planted the leeks, Graham also got busy and planted various things, basil, courgettes and salad greens! washed some more plant pots, hoping to have that chore finished tomorrow. Will have to plan where to put the tattie bed tomorrow.
Up early loads of blossom on the trees, hopefully good year for the fruit, lots of bumble bees flying around, also saw some red admiral butterflies today. Took Ruaridh into the woods, he gave chase to two hinds with their very white tails but didn't catch them!
Layla sent great photo's of the wee one she is changing by the day.
Chilli tomato sauce and spaghetti and broccoli for dinner lovely.
Watched the drama "The Mark of Cain" on Channel 4 horrific! cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Mist

Today when we awoke the there was a thick mist creeping down the Glen, bringing with it the rain. Thomas arrived over about 0930 to fix some lights, one down two to go. I was having a bath in the middle of all this and was hoping the electrics would stay on to have a shower and dry my hair, they did phew. Late having breakfast, decided as the weather was pretty grim to go and get the messages. Took the dog into the woods going up the hill, and lo and behold Graham slipped and twisted his ankle! don't think there are any fractures as he can weight bear well! I took the wee fellow into the woods kept turning round wondering where Graham was! Carried on to Broadford.
Got the messages at the Co-op took Ruaridh down to the beach desperate to chase the ducks! Stopped off in Kyle to get batteries for my weighing machine, also some insulating tape!
Back home had lunch, then I made dinner leek quiche, roast tatties and peas, dessert apple crumble and cream!
Tired so cup of tea then to bed! Goodnight.

Late Again

Late again due to an unexpected visit by our neighbour Christine and her brother Thomas who is on a visit to the Glen from the Isle of Lewis. They arrived abouut 2100h last pm and we blethered, turns out their mother was best friends with Katie Mcmahon the mother of one of Graham's and my best friends Drew who died of a brain tumour 30 years ago. They knew all about him, small world!
Went to the shop yesterday to pick up the eggs and paper, then to the beach with Ruaridh, he enjoyed the wind, as did we but the rain was a bit much!
Had lunch on our return, John H arrived to finish his website, I started to clean the plant pots so that they will be ready for the seeds to go in.
Rice and vegetables with curry sauce for dinner lovely.
Just had tea and toast now to bed. Goodnight.

Family back to "Old Reekie."

Had a great long weekend with the family, even though Joe was full of a cold, and Layla was sick one night, did not put a damper on things! Miss Bella entertained us with her sunny smiles, backchat (gurgling) and even her "windies" at times, she was as good as gold and appeared to settle well in her surroundings. Weather was quite good to us, we had lovely walks, in the woods, on a country lane and on the beach! delicious food and good company what more can one ask for! The house is now very quiet as noted by Graham on his blipfoto.com/A Dogs Dinner even Ruaridh wonders what has happened!
The family left for Edinburgh this afternoon, Bella wearing her new red jumper I have knitted she looked lovely in it.
We then went down to the beach, still windy but not as cold as yesterday, as per usual the wee dog enjoyed chasing things in the wind.
Doing my Blog early as tonight I will catch up with some reading and maybe do some more knitting. Graham is hopefully making minestrone soup for dinner! Bye.

Windy day!

Went down to the beach today, could have been a mistake as it was very cold and windy. Layla carried Bella in the papoose, but even so we only managed to walk on the east beach. Ruaridh loved it and chased eveything that was blowing in the wind.
Did not stay too long as we didn't want the wee one to catch the cold.
Back home had hot chilli drinking chocolate and scones. Poor Layla had a tummy upset and has not felt well all day, Bella too has been very 'windy' poor wee sausage, also think she may be starting to teeth! Garry B came to visit this afternoon always good to see him.
Will have to telephone about the anthracite as it is total crap on the stove!
Graham made veggie risotto and salad for dinner, dessert was apple pie, cherries and cream.
Bella had her bath in the kitchen sink and appeared to settle.
Just chatting then to bed. Goodnight.

Sallachy

Lovely weather today warm and sunny. Up early had breakfast, sat and chatted over the breakfast table, and Bella entertained us no end. Ruaridh is getting a little more used to her but is still ready to go into a huff at the drop of a hat.
Had to go shopping into Kyle, then went to Sallachy to show the family the scallop designs on the beach. Met oor man Willie Grant who informed us the shells were a natural phenomena, they had been dumped over the past ten to fifteen years, as the loch is tidal the waves had made the designs!
Carried on and had a lovely walk down the Glen, Ruaridh enjoyed himself and Bella slept in the pram all the way! Saw tiny calves, frogs and a holly tree full of berries!
Veggie Toad in the Hole, mashed potatoes and peas for dinner. Very tired after our 3 mile hike. Goodnight.

Bugaboo trial

Graham, Layla, Ruaridh and moi took Bella for a walk in the woods today in her Bugaboo pram, it stood up to test well, and bumped along the forestry tracks no problem! Joe stayed at the house as he is full of a cold. Ruaridh did not know what to make of the trip with the pram, but bopped along with us. At one point he chased a deer out of the forest, and we stood and admired the hind and her white tail. Lost him on the way home he decided to play with the rabbits for thirty minutes bah!
Had a good breakfast, chatted to Bella who responded in kind and "chatted" back! Doreen the postie popped in to tell us she is leaving going to France for the summer.
Back home had lunch, then I made scones.
Graham made dinner Persian rice, veggie curry, sweet and sour aubergine, mushrooms and prawns, flat breads superb!
Bella had a bath in the kitchen sink, she appeared to enjoy same! Goodnight!

Quick one!

Quick blog awaiting the arrival of the family anytime now!
Had a good day weather not too bright, down to the beach with Ruaridh had a good walk.
Back home finished the preperations, only blot on the horizon the washing machine started to play up! sorted it for now fingers crossed.
Made foccacia and apple pie for dinner Graham has made pasta al fourno hmm!
Will sign off now. Goodnight.

Getting ready, hot work!

We have been very busy this week getting ready for the family coming for the long weekend, it is the wee ones first trip up to the N/W so I hope she enjoys it! Forgot to mention that my dance with the devil re the ordering on t'internet turned out fine, the cot for the Bella arrived safe and sound on Friday of last week, only took two days! one in the eye for moi! Graham and me built the cot today and it looks fine. Graham still busy on his project, looks great.
Up fairly early, started the bread, then took Ruaridh his walk on the 'wild side' I know but he loves chasing all that moves! Had to tell him off today, I was returning my neighbours carpet cleaner, and he wanted to come with me. I saw all the slices of bread outside her house as did Ruaridh! he didn't touch them till he saw me chatting to her, then quick as a flash grabbed one and run away down to our gate. He gobbled it down quickly but he knew I was angry, and kept out of my way for most of the afternoon!
Finished the bread, made the dog some biscuits. Dusted the front room and cleaned the 'guest' room! Also made Easter cards for the two mums!
Graham made a lovely dinner butternut squash risotto and salad, tasted the best yet!
Just had a super bath, cup of tea and to bed. Goodnight.

Car Back

Robin from the garage in Portree telephoned yesterday to tell us the car would be ready for collection today, arranged to rendevous at Broadford Co-op at 1100h. Up quite early, lovely warm sunny day, arrived at Broadford on the dot changed the cars over quickly, and took Ruaridh down to the beach. He had a great time chasing the ducks, poor wee fellow he gets within a foot of them then they take off and fly, although he did go in and swim after them.
To the Co-op to do a big shop as the family are coming on Friday for the weekend, another walk on the beach with Ruaridh then back to Kyle, to get more messages.
Passed John H doing his new job driving the pensioners bus gave us a wave or was that two fingers?
Back home had lunch, did some knitting, have started a cotton blanket for the wee sausage! Then started on the rockery hell!
Made dinner aubergine parmegianno, pasta and salad delicious!
Cleaned our bedroom and the stairs. Now to bed. Goodnight.

Anthracite is crap!

Having some problems with the new anthracite that we need for the multi fuel stoves. It is difficult to keep the fire burning in the stove, fine when we bank it up at night, and set the controls, problamatic during the day when we open up the draughts the fire keeps burning low, and almost going out, also getting lots of "clinkers" which points to crap coke! Will have to phone the coal merchant if we cannot resolve this!
Good day again, warm and sunny, up quite early off to the woods with Ruaridh, went a different walk today and enjoyed it.
Made bread, brown for a change, had lunch sat on the deck.
Cleaned the kitchen windows, and dusted the sitting room.
Car ready for pickup tomorrow so going to Broadford, will do a big shop as the family are coming up on Thursday for the weekend, looking forward to that, seeing how Bella has changed. A young neighbour Eve gave Bella her pink two wheeler today as she has outgrown it, cool!
Chili, Persian rice, yogurt and flatbreads for dinner lovely! Now to bed Goodnight.

Up Late!

As you will see from the title our plans were somewhat thwarted today as we didn't waken until 1030h. Ah well enjoyed the lie in! Got up had breakfast, then took Ruaridh into the woods, lovely warm, sunny day great for a walk, good walk had to wait for the dog, he appears to keep having his adventures again, ie does not come almost straight away when called, spends about 15 minutes messing about!
Back home finished the leggings, sat out on the deck to have tea and a scone! Washed leggings and wee red jumper, they look great! Managed to get my onions in today, so pleased, the raised bed looks great so hope we reap like last year! Later we had soup and crispbreads.
Graham busy on his project, I finished cleaning the carpets.
Dinner tonight linguine, pesto and salad.
Just watched Louis Theroux visiting " The Most Hated Family in America" the mind boggles at their beliefs! Goodnight.