Denmark here we come!

Went into Kyle today to the bank to transfer the remainder of the money we owe for the holiday house in Denmark, in a months time we will be on vacation in a country I have never been to. We sail on the ferry from Rosyth in Fife to Zeebrugge then have a long drive to West Jutland. As the family will be with us for this part of the vacation we are planning to stop overnight on the way up. Ruaridh is coming with us we have a 'pet cabin' on the outward and return journey, and he has got his own passport.
The weather today started sunny and warm, we travelled on to Broadford to get the messages and go to the beach there, but the heavens opened so we drove back home in a torrential downpour. I had no chance to take photographs for my blip managed one back at the house.
Had a very late lunch spoke to Layla and mum-whose internet is now up and running! Finished the cardigan for Bella that mum has knitted, just need to get the buttons now.
Graham made a delicious dinner wild Chanterelles in a saffron brandy cream sauce with pasta and salad!
Fell asleep knitting the cardigan so am away to bed. Goodnight.

Shrooming!

We decided that today we would go to the other Glen to look for mushrooms, what a super day we had. The rain held off and for most of the day the sun shone! It is quite a long walk into the Glen uphill for quite a distance but the walk did us good, it is almost 3 years since I was here. This Glen is lovely, mountains on both sides and a lovely river, deep pools and rocks catch the sunlight as it meanders along. Lots of flora and deciduous trees where the shrooms grow. Got quite a lot of Chanterelles, these are deep yellow in colour and have a distinct smell of apricots, Graham also found an Orange Birch Bolete, looking forward to the meal tomorrow evening. Graham was also attempting to train Ruaridh to find the mushrooms, the wee fellow had a great time, new territory for him he loved it, and he was excellent around the sheep and cattle.
Arrived home had a quick late lunch, John H arrived to see about some work he is going to do for us. Started to make the cucumber relish, got 8lbs this time round. Spoke to Layla and mum on the telephone also Bella through the speaker think she wondered where I was! Did some paper work decided to have a fry up for dinner tasted fine.
Having a cup of tea then to bed, going to settle the account for the holiday home in Denmark tomorrow then on to Broadford and that lovely beach! Goodnight.

Cucumber Relish Batch 2.

As some of the cucumber plants appear to have mosaic virus, this afternoon we chopped up eighteen cucumbers that we had removed from the plants yesterday, tomorrow we will make a second batch of cucumber relish. In the process of chopping the cucumbers I managed to chop a piece out of my thumb! it bled like crazy but has been stopped a while now. Also chopped up peppers, green, red and yellow as well as onions as the recipe stated, leaving this mixture overnight.
Another day of heavy showers and sunny periods, went to the woods did a quick search for mushrooms to no avail, hoping to go to Glen Begg tomorrow to try and find some there. Ruaridh had some good treks in the forest especially whilst we waited for a heavy shower to pass.
Had a shower and washed my hair, porridge followed by toast for breakfast.
Layla and Joe are working hard on their flat so that they can rent it out, Bella has been a wee star whilst they have been working, she really is a cutiepie!
Placed the green netting over the leeks as the rabbits appear to be chomping them every night, hope it works.
Risotto frittata, roast potatoes and broad beans for dinner lovely.
Done a little knitting, watched the movie "Downfall" on DVD now to bed. Goodnight

Hazy lazy morning.

Up early for a Saturday as Ruraidh decided to get up, got up with him then he toddled off back to our bed!! Made our early morning tea, checked blip out went back to bed for a read, got up around 1000h weather rain and sunny spells! Felt very hungry so made porridge for moi, Graham had cornflakes for breakfast with toast of course. Wash, then down to the village shop for messages and on to the beach for the Ruaridh dog walk.
Graham had to return something to Dennis (Camper-van) so the wee fellow and moi went out over the rocks as it was a very low tide. Took what I think are good photographs lots of close ups and also distance ones, enjoyed doing this. Had a good walk Ruaridh went in intermittently for a swim and after the skimmed stones.
Back home did the ironing building up for days, had lunch, made sweet potato soup for dinner. Tinned salmon sandwiches to follow, just about to make some scones.
Watched a DVD last night "Babette's Feast" filmed in West Jutland where we are going on vacation this year. Story of two sisters and the French woman who came to live and housekeep for them. Set in the 18/19 century it is brilliant. Maybe watch another tonight. Bye.

Early Start

Today Liz and Rosie were leaving us to go to their respective homes, Liz to Aberdeen, Rosie to Glasgow. We had a lovely time during their visit to us and hope they did. Weather was not too good rain and sunny periods, but we managed to get out and about. Had to get up early as their buses were at 0914 to Glasgow, and 1030h to Inverness. had a quick wash and breakfast then left.
Possible problem with one of the front brakes on the Jeep! so that will have to be put right prior to our adventure to Denmark. Will be getting our tickets for the ferry in the next week or so. Graham took Ruaridh for a quick walk in the woods.
Back home more eats, did some washing changed our bed, took the wee fellow into the field where he disappered to chase rabbits! managed to get him back and we had a good walk.
Problem in the greenhouse greenfly++ on the aubergines and mosaic virus on the cucumber leaves bah! now got 18 cucumbers picked which we will turn into relish tomorrow!
Graham making courgette risotto and salad for dinner lovely!
Maybe watch a DVD this evening. Bye.

Webcam Day on blip

Another leisurely day, up about 0900h breakfast and shower. Spoke to Layla on the telephone she sounded bright and cheery as did Miss Sparkey! Decided to go to the beach as the weather was intermittent rain with sunny spells.
Lots of people on the beach, camper vans and tents, summer is here! Ruaridh really enjoyed his romp on the beach, he loves running in the soft sand, also trying to get the skimming stones we throw into the ocean. Had a lovely walk it was very warm and sunny on the beach, lots of heavy rain clouds over The Isle of Skye.
Came back to the house and had lunch on the deck, before the heavens opened.
Made pear marscapone custard for dessert for dinner.
Graham made pasta alforno, salad and foccacia for dinner delicious!
There is a webcam contest on blipfoto at the moment-two teams, Graham and moi have offered to do a double act for each team when we find a webcam!! Graham reckons we should do a moonie watch this space! People are really getting in to it and some viewings have already taken place. Goodnight.

Decisions

Would we go to Broadford today to get the messages, and visit the beach at Lower Breakish or not? Decision time had arrived. The weather was sunny and rainy so we decided to go over the sea to Skye (over the Bridge). Liz had never been over the bridge Rosie had when she went to the Skye Music festival last year.
Wash/shower and breakfast then we were off. Had to go to the bank, also Graham had to go to the Post Office to tax the Jeep, we did this first then to the Co-op to get some messages. Graham took Ruaridh on to the beach he was as good as gold!
Got the shopping bought some rolls and spread cheese, Rosie bought a lovely Dutch apple cake and we were set for the beach at Lower Breakish.
When we arrived the tide was in so we couldn't show Liz and Rosie just how lovely it is. Ruaridh had a great time roaming in the grass and on the beach, we enjoyed our wee picnic.
Back home spoke to Layla, Bella weighs in at 14lbs 8ozs well done wee lassie. Also tonight we got a lovely surprise the wee one pulling herself up and standing by herself in her bath tub! Clever Sparky!
Had a super veggie & prawn curry, Persian rice, nan bread, cucumber and dill salad and rhaita made by Graham, thanks!
Down to the beach with Graham, Rosie and Ruaridh to see if the Jeep was running OK, everything appeared alright. Ruaridh enjoyed playing in the soft sand. Now to bed. Goodnight.

Liz and Rosie

Today was a sunny and warm day, a good day for our visitors to arrive, we have known Liz for over 30 years and her daughter Rosie for twenty six years.
Had a lot to do this morning, first I had to take a photograph of the cucumber relish veggie, this was for my blipfoto. Then breakfast and a wash, then I had to make the relish that turned out really well! Did some cleaning and got the room finished for our visitors.
Had to go to the village shop no time to go to Broadford today, got the messages then over the hill, stopped to let Ruaridh have a wee walk in the woods. Then down to the bus stop, Liz got in at 1430 hours good to see her haven't seen her in three years. Drove to the Kintail Lodge Hotel for a coffee as Rosie's bus did not get in until 1550h. Sat outside in the garden of the hotel it was lovely, then went for a meander on the beach very hot and sunny. Back to pick up Rosie then home Ruaridh delighted with our visitors.
Sat on the deck and had Aberdeen Butteries courtesy of Liz, they tasted lovely.
Italian Leek Quiche for dinner with roast tatties and peas, melon and chocolate.
Sat putting the world to rights round the kitchen table, a wee dram to bed. Goodnight.

Mushroom Hunting.

Today dawned very warm and sunny here in the North West, Ruaridh had been upstairs with us from about 0430h as we forgot to make him go into the garden last pm and he was desperate! This evening Ruaridh and moi have been round the field, he has chased a few rabbits and done his duty, hopefully will sleep until at least 0800h.
Had a shower and breakfast, then had to deal with some paper work which as always took quite a while, but mission accomplished! We decided to go to the woods and see if we could find some mushrooms! We walked down by the river as there are lots of deciduous trees there, found some fungi but no edible ones. The wee fellow was beside himself and he loved roaming through the woods and in the river.
Had lunch on the deck today as it was so warm, did some knitting, had already done my blip photograph this morning!
Layla telephoned to say they were on their way home and had a good time.
Made dinner tomato sauce and pasta with salad and foccacia lovely.
Layla telephoned to say they were home safe and sound.
Liz an old chum and her daughter Rosie are coming tomorrow for a day or two, lovely to see them again! Bye.

Roaming

Today we awoke to a light rain, by the time we had our morning cup of tea it had stopped, and the deck was drying out, one of my quick ways to see if the rain has stopped! Had a fry up for breakfast that tasted really good, then as Graham was feeling better we decided to go for a walk in the forest.
Ruaridh had a great time running through the field in front of the house, the grass and flowers are long now and he loves jumping and running through it, sometimes we can only tell where he is by his tail sticking up! Had more of a roam through the woods, rain stayed off, Ruaridh disappered a few times but eventually returned to the whistle. He has spent the afternoon 'resting' with occasional bouts of play!
Did some paper work, telephoned my mum, got on with some knitting.
Graham made dinner veggie fried rice and curried vegetables with flat breads, tasted delicious!
Going to carry on with the knitting finishing a cardigan for Bella that my mum has knitted. Bye.

Sketching

Had a lazy day today as Graham is still troubled by a sore chest and cough! late breakfast and wash then down to the village shop and the beach. Delighted that the shop had dry mustard powder and bottles of cider vinegar that I required to do the courgette relish!
Had a lovely walk on the beach and there I spied a 2B pencil, used the photograph I took for my blip-BB/blipfoto.com also got me thinking I should start sketching/drawing again. Started a few years ago at a class in Edinburgh really loved it, on my own in the Highlands as I don't know of any classes. Also if I do start a class it is difficult to continue as we travel back and forwards to Old Reekie, to see the family, business and work. Am going to try and set an hour a day aside for drawing!
Made bread then cheese scones, also finished the courgette relish looks great, got five and a half jars!
Minestrone soup for dinner with crackers, feeling hungry now don't know what to have! Bye.

Mr Chips

This is a wee story about Mr Chips a Border Terrier who lives in California and is an internet friend of our Border Terrier Ruaridh! We met him through a Website Monarch of Moyle that Graham wrote in the wee fellows name and voice! That is almost a year ago and without fail Mr Chips always looks at my Blog and blipfoto, for that we say a big thank you. Ruaridh had a quiet day today as he did a lot of travelling by car yesterday, also when we arrived home to the Glen he chased rabbits for almost two hours!
Graham had to do the greenhouse as we have been in Edinburgh for a week and the growth of the tomato and cucumber plants was prolific. I made breakfast and then made bread. As Graham had done the greenhouse I mowed the grass, the weather was very warm and sunny, so after work was finished we both enjoyed a beer.
Got the courgette's ready to make the relish tomorrow
Dinner was courgette risotto, cucumber and tomato salad, lovely!
Away to bed now Goodnight.

Blipfoto Numero Uno Birthday!

Today is Blipfoto's first birthday, many congratulations to Joe and all at blipcentral who are involved behind the scenes in keeping the machinary behind this concept well oiled! Joe who had the brilliant idea of starting blipfoto, achieved his 1000 blip recently. Well done!
Lots of people who contribute to downloading a photograph on the day that they take it, have worked really hard at marking the occasion, and sending their good wishes.
Graham and moi have got the Golden Camera Icon as we have both now achieved 365 blips/photographs! Joe has now moved to a Kryptonite Camera Icon which shows up as blue!
Travelled back to the Glen today, we came via Glasgow which was a long journey arriving back home at 2000h. We stopped off at Ruaridh's favorite place in Glen Coe, he loves jumping through the heather and there is lots of it here, had a very late lunch.
Back in the Glen the wee dog chased around the garden for nearly two hours, smelling out all the wild animal life.
Light dinner mushrooms on toast and a cup of tea!
Liz our long time chum is hoping to come to the Glen next week with her younger daughter. Would love that.
Family away to Dudley today to see Sparkey's cousin Daisy, have fun! Goodnight.

Chance

Today travelled back to Edinburgh, up early as I had to do one or two messages. Had a shower and breakfast then James and Doreen arrived at mum's for a cup of tea, left mum's at 1145h to get my train. Had a lovely visit!
Whilst waiting for the train met this lovely woman who was about the same age as me, we got chatting and her tales were amazing, and I'm sure they were true. She had travelled from the south of England to attempt to visit an old army colleague, he was married and she had written to say she was coming and was there any chance to meet him and his family. She heard nothing back from him but still travelled north, this was the second time of doing this? In the week she had been north she also travelled to Wishaw to visit or try to visit some other old aquaintance! She also invited me to stay with her should I be in
London, I thanked her and as we seperated to get our respective trains we both said someday maybe we would meet again!
Uneventful journey, Graham and Ruaridh met me good to see them both, to Lidls and Pets at Home.
The family came for dinner lovely to see them all again, going to be five weeks now and then we go to Denmark.
Veggie sausage and mash with carrots for dinner with a lovely onion gravy, Bella had what we ate apart from the sausage and loved it, kept me amused by blowing big raspberries
Getting ready to go North tomorrow so must go now.Goodnight

Hospital

Today dawned warm and sunny, up early as I had to take mum to the hospital for what hopefully would be her final checkup!
Had a leisurely breakfast and then a shower, Layla telephoned for a chat, then I telephoned to order the taxi. Cousin James popped in to invite us for a Chinese meal tonight, they were going to Morecambe.
Got to the hospital in no time, joined the queue of people, sat there until 1130h mum's appoinment was for 1100h checked if there was a problem --not for mum. she was seen by the Dr and discharged which is good for her. Got in a cab and home to the square in St Annes.
Got a few messages, home and had a nice lunch. Busy on blipfoto, doorbell goes Muriel here for a visit, tea and sticky parkin were the order of the day along with a chat.
In to see Anne and the children, Harrison is 12 years old tomorrow left his pressie. also gave him and Jennifer a treat for their holiday in Austria! They were delighted. Graham telephoned!
James and Doreen arrived, went to Mr Chows delicious meal and we discussed lots of issues!
Home for a cup of coffee, going to do the dishes. Bye.

Trains!

Travelled down to Red Rose County today to visit my mum, last night the rain was atrocious and poor Graham coughed a lot during the night. I was very tired so decided to get a later train that left Edinburgh at 0857h. Got up went to look for my trainers yep you guessed I had left them on the bedroom window ledge to air, one was still there wet through and the other had fallen into the garden and was soaking ah well! Had a shower and breakfast then left. The train was packed sat next to a nice Sikh guy and gave him two of the blip cards!
Arrived in Preston to warm, sunny weather, never fails to amaze me how busy life is down here! met a nice woman and we travelled on the same train, I got off at St Annes. Lovely to see mum had a good lunch of tinned wild salmon sandwich, and a chat. Cousin James and his wife Doreen arrived so a cup of tea and another chat! They have invited mum and me out for dinner tomorrow.
Spoke to Graham and Layla on the telephone, all is good.
Made pasta and tomato sauce with salad for dinner, lovely.
Cannot do blipfoto for the next couple of days so will download on Wednesday. Just going to have supper then to bed as I'm tired. Goodnight.

Newhaven Harbour.

Quite a lazy morning. Got up had a look in blipland, made breakfast then had a shower. Graham was feeling a little better so he was able to come to the park and woods with Ruaridh and moi. The wee fellow was not as reluctant to come into the woods today, we had a good walk and he chased off a couple of times! Graham had spoken to Joe as we were going to help them get their flat ready to rent out! We were to go and meet them there around 1400h.
Set off, arrived at the flat Bella was there with Aunty Onya who was helping Layla and Joe with some tiling in the kitchen. Graham was going to help Joe move some furniture, I drew the short straw and got to take Sparky out in her pram, Ruaridh had to stay behind as I felt for the first time it would be difficult with the baby and the dog! We had a super walk in the sunshine down to Newhaven Harbour, saw the boats and eventually Bella fell asleep after about half an hour of eating her book, peeping under her cover and throwing her sunhat out of the pram! Was away for about an hour and it was lovely.
Returned to the flat Bella awake, took Ruaridh to the park, played with Bella-left to come home.
Made vegetable risotto for dinner with cucumber and tomato salad lovely.
Going to the Red Rose County tomorrow to visit mum, maybe not able to Blog, if not see you Wednesday. Goodnight.

BBQ.

Had an early start today, Graham awoke with a bad cough, also I had to go down to the Royal Mail to pick up a recorded delivery and decided to do a shop at a Waitrose at the same time. Managed everything and a visit to the bank!
Back home had breakfast Graham still not feeling good, so I took Ruaridh to the park and woods. He is still very reluctant to go into the woods I would love to know what caused this? Eventually he did come and seemed to enjoy his walk, however he did not go away by himself. Down on the park he met a long haired Golden Retriever and they had a romp!
Spoke with Layla on the telephone, did some washing and cleaned the bathroom.
Had a light lunch as we are going over to the family tonight, hopefully for a BBQ if the weather holds, so looking forward to that.
Karen is going too, haven't seen her in an age!
Must go as we have to pick up some things for wee "Sparky." Bye.
Edit -BBQ was great, delicious food, cold beer Bella in great form, Ruaridh eating everything in his path. The sun travelled too quickly to the west and diasppeared as we sat down to eat but the company was great! Thanks Joe, Layla and Bella!

Day with Bella and Layla

Got up quite early this morning as we were going over to visit Layla and Bella. As the weather was good we were hoping to go to the allotment. That plan failed when Layla informed us that the pest control had still not been to remove the wasps nest in her shed, and it was dangerous to go near as there are hundreds of wasps!
We arrived at their house about 1200h it was lovely to see them again, and the wee one has changed again, she still loves blowing raspberries though. Good to have a chat with Layla and play with Bella, Megan one of Layla's neighbours was cutting down her 'Poison Ivy' and has had an allergic reaction to it, came out in a rash and big blisters poor her.
Had a lovely lunch, then Graham left to go to the office. Layla had to go to B&Q so walked along the water of Leith with Bella asleep in her pram and Ruaridh trotting alongside. Met a chap who was fishing for trout, who was livid with some women whose dog was in the water-the man said an otter lived there and he was waiting to see it! Hmmm. met a couple of nice dogs Ruaridh not interested at all in playing with them, but appeared to enjoy his walk.
Back at Layla's, Graham arrived and I went to have my hair done.
Back from the hairdresser, Graham and Joe to The Peacock Inn to celebrate James's 21st birthday!
Layla made us a delicious prawn curry with rice, nan bread and yoghurt with cucumber delicious.
Played with the wee one and the dog, until Bella fell asleep. Great time was had! Goodnight.

Travel

Today we left the Glen to spend time in Edinburgh and for moi to visit my mum in Lancashire for a couple of nights. The weather was lovely as we left sun and warm, took the wee dog for a walk in the woods on the way out of the Glen which he enjoyed.
The older Ruaridh gets the more he appears to not enjoy travelling and today we had to come via Glasgow to visit Graham's mum. The journey was very long, as we were held up on Loch Lomond side as a motor cyclist had come off the road into the woods, and we had to wait for it all to be cleared! also lots of people on holiday. However we stopped off at Ruaridh's favorite place at the beginning of Glen Coe where we had a lovely walk and had lunch.
Graham's mum was Ok managed to get to her house and sort mail, and get her more clothes!
Arrived in Edinburgh at 2115h, had pesto, linguine, salad and bread for dinner washed down with a bottle of red wine!
Looking forward to seeing our wee "Sparky" tomorrow who spent the day at the beach today with her mummy, and people from her mummys work! Bye.

Getting ready.

Today was a mix of sun and drizzle unfortunately mostly drizzle. Had breakfast and a shower then decided it was to be the beach today, as I think Graham may have hay fever that is exacerbated when we go into the woods. Anyway he appears to be better today. Had a great walk, lots of stone skimming for Ruaridh and he did have a swim.
Back to the house Ruaridh helped (hindered) me in cleaning the inside of the car, ready for the journey south tomorrow. Had lunch, then cleaned the front room and the stairs also the bathroom.
Had left over lasagne, roast tatties and peas for dinner tasted lovely.
Trying to sort my blips out this evening. Looking forward to seeing the family on Friday. Bye.

Photographs.

Yesterday evening we got a lovely surprise in our email, seventeen new photographs of the wee sweetie, and they are in a slideshow. Bella is growing so quickly now and she changes from photo to photo never mind from day to day. Looking forward to seeing the family on Friday.
Graham still unwell taking Benylin and paracetamol, to no avail, to help the cough bought some Werthers sweeties to try and ease it.
New postie today our regular one is on vacation, he is called Gus.
After breakfast we went down to the village shop for the eggs, then along to the beach had a good walk, Ruaridh loves to play in the soft sand and runs in it between Graham and myself.
Back home had lunch, made bread and pancakes. As we had lots of peppers of all colours decided to make lasagne for dinner.
The lasagne was delicious eaten with cucumber and tomato salad and white bread.
Did some ironing, just going to make the pancakes-yummy then to bed. Bye.

Reflections

Ruaridh awake at 0500h hmmm! got up to let the wee fellow out and he barked like crazy, couldn't really understand why? later Graham found dropping's in the garden that could have come from a badger, otter or fox so we guessed this had disturbed the dog as it roamed around the outside of the house. He came up to our bed and settled!
Had breakfast did a few jobs then set off down to the beach, the weather was very warm at times overcast at times sunny. Graham was taking some photographs, so I followed Ruaridh done to the little bay, very dreamy and balmy down there sun shining, the reflection of the two boats moored there was lovely. Sometimes it is good to reflect on things but my reflections somehow fail to be as clearcut as the boats one.
Had a vivid dream after the wee dog came up, most days I do not remember my dreams but reflecting on this one it was very clear! Graham, moi and the wee dog were visiting my good buddy and her husband in Canada. We were in this dark wood couldn't really see my friend but her hubby was very clear, in the dream he was slim, in real life he is not! wearing this rather bright yellow t-shirt-no I am not watching the Tour de France! Couldn't see their house but we were in it? then I awoke as Ruaridh was nudging me to get up!
Dinner tonight is probably going to be veggie sausage in onion gravy, with mashed potatoes and carrots!
Did a little gardening now for a cup of tea. Bye.

Clean bath

Yesterday as reported in my Blog Graham and moi scrubbed our badly stained super big bath with wet and dry sandpaper, we then left it coated overnight in washing powder. This morning when I had washed all the powder away it did look 'sparky.' Tomorrow I am going to scrub the floor and try and get the paint off that has been spilt on it over the years. Had breakfast then a shower, lovely to stand in a 'sparky' bath.
Took Ruaridh into the woods, he was very well behaved today and stayed with us most of the walk. Walked past the croft on the way to the woods some good blip photograph opportunities there! Had a meander through the woods, slight rain at times but nothing to much, only problem being when it has rained hard overnight the ground is wet through and the trouser bottoms get soaked.
Came home had some lunch, phoned mum she appears to be fine. Into the garden attempted to do some tidying up, before a big rain shower came.
Having homemade pesto and linguine for dinner, with salad and foccacia delicious. Going to catch up with the newspapers and some reading. Bye.

Mellow Yellow

Graham had an assignment today from a fellow blipper he had to photograph something Yellow for his blip and I think there had to be no Green on it! Challenge!
We were scheduled to go down to the beach today anyway, as we had to go to pick up the newspapers from the village shop, and we awoke to a torrential downpour. By the time we got to the shore the rain had gone and the weather was good. Had a lovely walk along the beach the tide was in and brought lots of rubbish mainly plastic in with it! But it brought in The Yellow Bucket, Graham threw it back into the ocean and blipped it-blipfoto.com/A Dog's Dinner
Came home made bread two big white loaves, two foccacia's-one sage and the other rosemary.
Started to clean the bath, we have a lovely old enamal one that is very big and deep, unfortunately over the years it has got badly stained, laterly as our water from the bore hole contains iron oxide. Graham read in the Guardian that wet & dry sandpaper could remove it, along with lots of elbow grease. Well needless to say we got stuck in and now have a much whiter bath. Watch this Blog for further news on the bathroom.
Vegetable soup with rosemary foccacia, sandwiches of tinned salmon with homegrown cucumber and a cup of tea for dinner luverly! Bye.

Disappearing Act!

We took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods today, as it had been raining quite heavily overnight we decided to go up the forest track and retrace our steps down the way! On the way back the wee fellow went into the woods, he loves to do this and have his own adventures, and he normally comes after we whistle and call him. Today no joy, it took him between 15/20 minutes to come back and he was tired, don't have a clue where he ran from, possibly he had started to do the circle route we normally take and when he heard us shout and whistle set off on the road to us. It was good to see the wee man!
Felt very tired today so did very little, back home had lunch made some phone calls did some knitting. Then made two batches of scones!
Today our Bella is 7 months old, and she ia a real sweetie!
Graham made dinner fried rice, curried vegetables and prawns and flat breads, delicious! Bye.

Lower Breakish

Last week whilst on the way to Broadford to get our weekly messages we noticed some wooden houses on a road that runs parallel to the 'main' road, this is Lower Breakish. We decided to have a meander down and I am so pleased we did as we found this amazing beach, and next to it this graveyard. We did not have time last week to have a look round it but this week we did. The graveyard at first glance did not appear to be very old, however on closer scrutiny, I could see humps in the grass and old gravestones half lying in the earth, over time the names had disappeared.
Ruaridh had a great time trying to get under some of the gravestones hmmm I don't think so! We had a lovely time on the beach Ruaridh really loves it and runs about all over. No stones for skimming, so shells thrown in to the water at least made a splash and the dog ran into the ocean. Got lots of photographs.
Got our messages, stopped in Kyle to get supplies at the Marine Stores.
Back home had lunch, then did my blipfoto.
Cream courgette pasta, with cucumber and tomato salad, for dinner delicious. Bye

Italian Leek Quiche

Bought a leek at the village shop today as I had decided to make an Italian Leek Quiche for dinner, got this recipe off Jean and it is lovely. The real reason for making it was when the family were coming up over two weeks ago, we bought two bags of Jersey Royal potatoes to eat when they were here. They were reduced in price good deal, the only thing was we did not eat them! We had some last week but I wanted to eat the others hence the decision. The whole meal tasted great quiche, the tatties and brocolli.
Had a good walk on the beach with Ruaridh today, even thoughit rained a little it was good to walk in. Saw some mother ducks and baby ducklings they are getting bigger now. The wee fellow was not as keen to go in for a swim today, but he had a paddle.
Got back home and had lunch, the day has gone by do not appear to have done very much!
Maybe going to do the pancakes which I made earlier will see. Bye.

Forest

Today Graham was feeling a little better, so we decided to take Ruaridh for a longer walk than we have been doing over the last week. We decided to go on a forest walk I'm sure the wee fellow was pleased. The day dawned at 1000h for us, got up at 0800h for a pee, and Ruaridh came up to bed! closed my eyes and the next minute it was 1000h! Mist surrounded the house when we got up, we could not see the mountains, after a wash and breakfast we set off. Ruaridh spied a rabbit in the field and gave chase-took a few minutes to get him back!
As we were walking the mist lifted and the sun came through suddenly became very hot, had a good walk. At one point a hind deer dashed in front of us Ruaridh gave chase no joy. He met us up the track panting like mad.
Back home had lunch, then I managed to do some more strimming.
Three cucumbers from the greenhouse this morning, they taste delicious.
Tomato sauce with fried courgettes and pasta for dinner, cucumber and tomato salad!
Done some knitting. Bye.

Pampering Pets!

Had a surprise visit today from Jean & Luc with their friends from Italy Sandro & Franka, they brought us some mackeral. Had a nice visit, cut short as we had to take Ruaridh down to Pam at Pampering Pets where he was going to have his coat 'stripped' and claws cut, however we managed to have a good chat and they had a cup of coffee. Ruaridh enjoyed an unexpected play with Mara his doggie friend!
Down to Pam Ruaridh stayed no problem, it is always so quiet when he is not with the two of us! Went round to the Brochs as Graham is doing something in The Woodland Trust and needed to measure some large trees in that area. Apparently you take the circumference of the tree and this could give you an idea of the age of the tree. I got to hug a tree for the first time ever it was warm and cosy!
Back home stripped the floor of the bathroom, had lunch then went to pick up the wee fellow, he looked good but will have to lose some weight!
Made bread, Graham made pizza's for dinner delicious with green salad!
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Skimming!

Since the family were here with us the other week for a vacation, Ruaridh has really taken to wanting to go into the ocean! I think this is because one day he stayed with Joe on the beach, and Joe skimmed stones onto the water for the wee fellow to go after. Joe is very good at getting the stones to skim three/four times and Ruaridh loved chasing them, Graham is not too bad at the skimming, however he is not well at the moment so it is down to moi! say no more! In about fifty attempts I think three/four of my stones have skimmed the surface the remainder just PLOP! Today one skimmed on the river and Ruaridh swam to the other side and back maybe a little to far! Well done wee dog.
Had a good walk, back home to a light lunch. Going to strim, the rain came down after a beautiful morning.
Made scones. Red chilli pepper soup for dinner followed by sandwiches of tinned salmon-delicious!
Done some knitting, blipfoto, now yes Chris cup of tea and then to bed.Goodnight.