Hospital Visit

Today I had to go to the hospital to have a core blood taken to make sure I do not have hep C. Also organized my work schedule for October/November and saw one or two colleagues I have not seen for quite a while.
Up quite early as Graham had a business meeting in Lanark and was then going to visit his mother. Went back to bed for an hour after he had left, then got up had breakfast and a shower then took Ruaridh to the park and woods. He is still very reluctant to go into the woods, but with a little encouragment he did and had a good walk. Left him whilst I went to the hospital he was fine when I got back.
Graham arrived back and we had lunch, then I got the ironing done before going up town to get Graham some new clothes, and me my books for the Danish holiday-yes we leave tomorrow on the ferry!
Having veggie risotto and salad for dinner, more ironing to do then to pack, starting to get excited now!
Don't know if I will be able to do my Blog whilst on holiday, will attempt a weekly one, failing that will be back the end of September! Bye.
Almost forgot how could I, for all those interested Bella weighed in at 15lbs 7ozs today well done Sparky!

Preston

Today Layla, Bella and moi boarded the 0857 train from Edinburgh to Preston, we were going to meet my mum and spend the day with her. After a bit of a disasterous start regarding our reserved seats in First Class resolved by an excellent train manager, we had a lovely day. Bella was a wee star, this was her first journey by train and she appeared to love it, even getting the sombre faced business men to smile at her.
Met mum at 1130h she looks really well and was delighted to see Bella, we had a good look around the shops and bought one or two things. Had a wander down the street then went to The Olive Press and had a lovely lunch, Bella sat in her new travel chair and she really likes it. Another meander about, then ate ice-creams sat in a lovely park.
Time to come home took mum to her train and made sure she got a seat, then Layla, Bella and moi got on the train to Edinburgh, after a play Bella fell fast asleep and only awoke when we got to Waverley.
Joe, Graham and Ruaridh met us at the station.
Just having a cup of tea then to bed. Goodnight.

Graham's Birthday! 2007!

A Very Happy Your Day Graham, today Graham celebrated his Birthday. We had breakfast and then later in the day went over to visit the family. Spent a couple of hours with Layla and Bella, Joe had a business meeting, but saw him before we left. This evening the family came over for dinner, Bella in her lovely new star dress! I made a Veggie Lasagne, salad and bread, dessert was made by our friend Richie who made and delivered this amazing Tiramisu. Many thanks for that, lovely to see him and his daughter Maddy again though we missed seeing Roz!
Graham got some lovely presents I'm sure he will enjoy them all. Must go, away to visit Bella's Great Granny in Preston tomorrow so got to catch an early train. Goodnight.

Granny K

Bella's other Granny Karen is away in a couple of weeks to Sri Lanka as a volunteer to work on some enviromental programmes with the local people there. Tonight she invited the family and Graham and moi for dinner to say Bon Voyage! Ruaridh came to and wandered around the flat looking for Karen's cat! he can never find her. Had a lovely meal and a good chat then said our goodbyes, it will be Christmas before we see her again!
Over to see the family earlier in the day, then off to the allotment to help Layla try and tidy it a little! It looks good and all the produce she planted is coming on just fine. Bella sat on the ground there for the first time on her Grandpa's fleece, she appeared to enjoy this and entertained us no end difficult to get any work done!
Graham's Birthday tomorrow so lots to do, hope Richie remembers that dessert Tiramisu he is the expert at making it!
Going to have a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight!

Grooming

Up early this morning as Ruaridh was booked into 'Doggie Style' for his grooming prior to going on holiday! had a shower and cup of tea, bought some croissants and the Guardian, before taking him a quick jaunt round the park and then over to the doggie salon! he was delighted to see the guys again and we left him no problem.
We then went to visit the family for breakfast and had a lovely meal of scrambled eggs on rolls, followed by the croissants and a lovely cup of coffee. Bella was great fun, Graham was building bricks for her and she was so tired her eyes kept closing. Layla and Bella were going through to Glasgow for a late lunch with her University friends, and Kirsty and Sally were going in the car with them. Poor Joe was going to work.
Graham and moi went to buy a TOMTOM a satnav that gives you directions on how to get from A-B. Brilliant for Denmark! Picked up Ruaridh who looked great and was very happy to see us. Returned home then I got the bus to the city as I had to get messages. Managed most things, then got the bus home.
Tomato sauce, pasta and salad for dinner.
Going to make a cup of tea very tired. Goodnight.

Plums

Short Blog this evening, we travelled south today, as we are going on holiday to Denmark next Thursday, starting to get a wee bit excited now as I have never been there before.
Awoke this morning to The Four Seasons by Vivaldi as the wind rustled The Chimes that hang on the Rowan tree. Mist and sun were ours as we got ready to leave, Graham took all the produce out of the greenhouse that was ready. Noonie and John H are going to look after it for us, so we told them to help themselves to any produce there. The plum tree was heaving with plums unfortunately not ripe enough for us to bring with us, so someone will get a lot of them, watch out John!
Took a long time to get south lots of traffic moving slowly at times! Stopped off at the woods over the hill for Ruaridh to have a run, then at the canal on the Dalwhinnie road for lunch. Arrived Edinburgh around 1700h unpacked then straight over to see the family.
Bella is so big, stands now and attempts to walk, tries to get out of her chair and eats all her dinner. Layla made us a super curry and it was good to see them all again and chat!
Lots of mail to go through so must close. Goodnight.

Getting ready to go South

Today dawned overcast and misty, lovely in its own way but missed the sun of yesterday! Busy day today as we go to Edinburgh tomorrow to get ready to sail to Denmark a week today, we sail from Rosyth to Zeebrugge then a long drive to West Jutland. We are breaking the journey on Friday and staying overnight on the way north, the family are coming with us so we will have a good laugh!
Had a lovely long shower today, then a leisurely breakfast before going on our travels! Popped in to see Jean she appears to be ok. Then off to Kyle and Broadford to do our business and get a few messages, went to the vets to get Ruaridh's passport-got it, thank goodness! Got the Jeep back from John D so we are going in it to Denmark.
Busy cleaning and getting ready for tomorrow.
Pasta and pesto with leftover ratatouille and salad for dinner.
Very tired, cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Amazing Weather!

Today we awoke early to blue skies and the sun, and believe it or not that has been the weather all day hot and sunny! Got breakfast, then as today was going to be a busy one started by cleaning our bedroom. Had a chat with Layla on the phone she was waiting for a tenent to come for the flat. As I was cleaning John H arrived to finish the velux windows, when I'd finished had coffee outside on the deck before going down to the village shop and the beach!
Had a chat with John and Auria they were really enjoying the warm and sun. Took Ruaridh along the beach he swam for sticks, also rushed into the ocean when the skimming stones bounced on the sea! It was lovely walking along the shore today really enjoyed it, took some good photographs too!
Back home and once again had lunch on the deck, it is great to be able to sit outside and eat. When John left made bread for us, and biscuits for Ruaridh, then cleaned the bathroom.
Graham has cut all the fennel so that had to be blanched, frozen on trays then packed in bags and placed in the freezer. Graham made dinner ratatouille and potatoes lovely.
Going to watch John Pilger on TV so must wash the dishes. Bye.

Homegrown Fennel

Tonight for what turned into a late dinner we had the first batch of fennel that we have grown ourselves this year, it tasted delicious. As John H was here and finished late I did most of the clearing up and Graham made the dinner. We had the fennel in a bechemal sauce with parmeggiano and breadcrumbs on top, with pasta and homegrown cucumbers and tomatoes delicious.
John H arrived this am to finish the windows, we hadn't had breakfast so we all sat down to toast and coffee! Had a good chat with Layla, then into the woods with Ruaridh after a lovely shower. The weather was hot and sunny for most of the day, however down the hill from us a cloud rolled down the hill and John said when he drove down there it was very cold and windy! strange weather indeed!
Had a long walk through the woods today the wee fellow had adventures but came back to us all the time. Back home had a late lunch on the deck, then mowed the lawn.
Busy now for the next two days as we get ready to leave for Edinburgh on Friday then Denmark the following Thursday on the ferry. Think we are all looking forward to the holiday!
Just going to do the dishes then to bed. Goodnight. Photograph of fennel grown in 2005!

Late Lunch!

Up early this morning and on the road before breakfast, the reason for this was that the Jeep had to go to John D's for him to do any work that maybe required for its MOT, as we are hoping to take this vehicle to Denmark. Graham took Ruaridh with him in the Jeep (not a happy dog by the way), as his routine had been disrupted, I followed in the Fiesta. After picking Graham up at the garage we went to Kyle to get some messages.
Arrived home, we were starving so had a big breakfast. Then I got stuck in to blitzing the shed, I was surprised when there were only two bags of rubbish, anyway the shed looks great well worth the effort, at least we can walk in now and find things! Though we decided we do need another space to put larger items like the lawnmower in.
Graham sawed logs and chopped kindling, I stacked the logs in the log store.
As we breakfasted late, had a late lunch, French cheese, homegrown cucumbers and tomatoes with oatcakes, we sat on the deck and it was roasting hot!
Cleaned the sitting room and the family's room. Graham made a lovely curry with Persian rice, flat breads and yoghurt for dinner, yummy.
Going to bed after a cup of tea. Goodnight.

Onion day

Early this afternoon I lifted the white onions, the stems have laid flat for quite a while now so they were ready, and as we go on vacation on Friday we had to take them out of the earth. They lay on top of the pump house to start the drying process, and now they are hanging on the shelves in the greenhouse to slowly finish it. When we come back from holiday they should be ready to string together.
Busy day John H came to put in the other velux window, almost finished now at least we have two windows in situ! Had a fry-up for breakfast that tasted delicious, good job as we didn't get our dinner until 2130h.
Took Ruaridh for a walk Graham stopped off to do a time lapse so the wee fellow and moi had a good walk by ourselves! he had a couple of long aways, would sometimes love to know what he gets up to! When we returned to the place where we had left Graham he was not there, so we came home. Graham followed about ten minutes later he had climbed further up the burn.
Helped clean the Jeep as it goes for MOT tomorrow morning.
Had red pepper soup followed by tinned salmon sandwiches with cucumber for dinner tasted great as I was starving! Bye

Green Bag Day

Got a lovely surprise today through the post a Green cotton shopping bag from my old chum Liz many thanks for that Liz!
I will now have to remember to take it with me when I go for the messages, so as not to accumulate any more poly-bags!
Up quite early had a lovely shower and washed my hair (didn't know whether to or not as in the rain it can go frizzy.) Rain, well yes we had a lot of that today but not to heavy! went down to the village to pick up the newspapers then along to the beach to let the wee fellow have his run! met John and Auria they are fine and appear to be having a good holiday.
Layla telephoned they appear to be having a nice time with John, the kids, Jessie and Daisy who are visiting Edinburgh at the moment.
Back home late lunch, made bread and did the ironing. Graham made delicious pizzas for dinner which we had with coleslaw.
Maybe going to watch " Beckett" the film tonight will see. Bye!

The Hole in the Kitchen Roof!

Today John H arrived to get on with putting the two velux windows into the kitchen roof, lovely weather warm and sunny, perfect day to have a big hole cut in the kitchen roof. He arrived earlier than what I thought, so we had to eat breakfast on the hoof, only toast and coffee! Got organized with everything, spoke to Layla on the telephone and listened to Bella 'chatting' away.
Quick wash then away to the woods with wee Ruaridh, met this couple at the camping site had a chat and invited them over for a cup of tea this afternoon. Great walk, Ruaridh had numerous adventures, which I'm sure he was delighted with.
Back home we all had lunch on the deck, ( John has almost finished one window), then the couple Richard and Jean arrived. Sat on the deck more tea and a good chat, her grandson was born on the same day as Bella last year. They are interested in things that interest us, good to chat with them!
Got mum's internet sorted so she is able to get the photo's that Layla sends!
John left, Graham made dinner veggie risotto with salad delicious! Just finishing my dinner wine.Bye.

Web Cam Day

Today Graham moi and Ruaridh made our way to the web cam at The Eilean Donan Castle to get our photograph taken for the blipfoto around the world in 80 blips. It is taken by some one miles away who operates the camera at the site, as you can imagine this can be difficult as other parties unknown to you may also move it! Layla was going to take the photo as we appeared on the computer via the web cam, but we arrived early so Joe took the shot instead. Belgian tourists did give us strange looks, what were these two people and their dog doing waving at nothing! The photo was very blurry, but happy we did it! can be seen at blipfoto.com/JoeBlogs
Then carried on to get the messages at Broadford in the pouring down rain. Onward then to the see the vet at Kyle of Lochalsh to get Ruaridh's passport updated and get his chip checked prior to our trip to Denmark, waited 3/4 hour as the vet was busy to get the chip done then the computer crashed so no update for the passport! Will go to Broadford next week to pick it up!
Back to the Glen, pasta and tomato sauce for dinner with bread and salad.
Finished the third batch of cucmber relish phew! now to bed after a cup of tea. Goodnight.

Logs

Today we decided to go and pick up some hard wood logs that we had noticed in the woods, when we were looking for mushrooms here in the Glen. John H arrived but as it was raining on and off, didn't think he would get much done today with the velux windows, I guessed right.
Not up too early, spoke to Layla and had breakfast, then left to pick up the logs, in the woods found lots of oyster mushrooms growing out of the rotting trees. Found one nestling in a clump of clover so decided to come back and photograph it, Graham also had a project he wanted to do.
Back home no John H, set off back to do the photographs, Graham was teaching me to use a tripod, at this moment I find this quite difficult, any way got a decent composition. Then the rain started Graham had his project set up when the wee fellow went off on an adventure, much shouting and whistling later he came trotting up the road. I took him home and the heavens opened got soaked arrived home no John H. Then Graham arrived soaked and John H drove up to finish for the day.
Late lunch. Graham made veggie sausages with onion gravy, mashed potatoes and carrots for dinner, lovely.
Almost forgot to mention Bella walked today with Layla or Joe holding onto her hands. Well done wee one!
Watching a Swedish movie "My Life as a Dog" -brilliant. Goodnight.

Chanterelles!

Today we were scheduled to visit the vets to get Rhuaridh's chip checked, and his passport updated prior to going on holiday. We were telephoned around 1400h to be told the scanner was kaput so there was no use in going, made a new appoinment for Thursday so hope the scanner is repaired!
As we thought we were going to the vets when we arose, decided to do some work in the garden this morning and early afternoon. Had a shower which I enjoyed, also a good breakfast, then I got stuck into mowing the grass, Graham was doing the strimming outside the garden. The wee fellow wondered what had happened, no walk this morning, just wait and see! we both worked really hard and about 1500h we had lunch.
As the weather was very warm and sunny, we were able to eat sat at the table on the deck. The swallows today were amazing swooping over the deck feeding themselves and their young mid-flight and on the telephone wires, I could sit and watch them all day, hope some stay until we come back from holiday!
After our hard work decided to go and look for Chanterelles to eat for dinner, on the way we stopped off to give Rhuaridh a run in the woods. Got to the 'shroom wood and found lots, also appeared to attract the wee beasties they nipped us all the time we were there, swines!
Back home Graham made a delicious dinner rice with Chanterelles cooked in brandy, cream, parmeggiano and parsley, superb.
Great day, supposed to be warm and sunny tomorrow, John H coming to do the velux. Bye.

Velux Day

Today was the day chosen by John H to come and start the job of putting two new velux windows into the kitchen roof! as you can imagine it has poured down all day! The inside work has been started nuff said, as the BBC weather forecast for the remainder of the week is for rain! C'est la vie.
Set off down to the post-office to post Bella's wee cardigan, that place is a laugh a minute, the woman behind the counter couldn't find what she was looking for ? my postage stamp! ah well.
Went to the beach the rain eased off, met up with John and Auria who are here in their camper van again, they appeared to be in good spirits! Ruaridh rushed into the van searching for food, no we never feed him! he had a great time running on the beach chasing leaves!
Back home John had been busy plasterboard off! had lunch, bummed around this pm as not able to do much! Rhuaridh wonders what has happened, his peace is disturbed!
Probably going to have a curry for dinner, we will see! Bye.

Relish

Today made a second batch of courgette relish, even now it looks and tastes good. Up quite early and managed to delete a lot of photographs from my computer which I have wanted to do for ages, still quite a lot to go! Had breakfast quite late as Layla telphoned and had a chat with her. Off to the woods with Ruaridh.
Graham was taking specific photographs and doing a time-lapse, so as Ruaridh had been off on one long adventure I took him a walk in the woods. We had a great walk got quite wet as the grass and rushes are very long now! Ruaridh disappeared on numerous occasions and on one I heard him barking loud and clear, wonder what he had spied?
Came home had some of Garry B's 'honking' cheese for lunch, which by the way does not honk and tastes delicious! Made the second batch of 2007 courgette relish looks and tastes good! Made bread, Ruaridh spent the whole of the afternoon trying to catch the mice/voles under the deck, today to no avail!
Spoke with mum she appears to be ok. Hung the chimes on the west Rowan tree no sounds yet!
Graham made lovely pizzas for dinner which we had with coleslaw, now I am very full!
The movie last night "All or Nothing" was excellent, very sad, but true and poignant! Bye!

The Wee Cardigan!

Up quite early as we were going to say cherrio to the Beggs as they are sailing away today to the Isle of Lewis, it has been lovely meeting up with them again, and they left us some smelly French cheese which tastes rather good!
Had a shower and breakfast before going down to the village shop and post office, found out the post office was closed! I asked the opening times don't hold your breath- Monday, Tuesday 0930h-1200h, Thursday-all day, whatever that might be! rest of the week closed. The wee cardigan will have to wait to be posted on Monday hope there are no strikes! at least I was able to purchase a 'jiffy' bag to pack it in!
Went on the beach took some good photographs, returned home whilst I was at Noonie's I heard this loud scream, when I got home found Ruaridh had killed a weasel, sad I know but it was brown and moved, that leaves us more rabbits? Had lunch, picked the courgettes that were ready started another batch of relish. Made sweet potato soup for dinner, to be followed by tinned salmon sandwiches!
Mike Leigh film on BBC2 tonight so will be watching that "All or Nothing." Bye.

Monsoon rains

Up early decided we could not go with Justine and co. to Breakish, as Graham had a business call this afternoon and required a landline telephone to make sure it went ok. So telephoned and explained the situation, Justine as is her want was very understanding, invited them to pop in for tea and scones if they were able, they didn't so hopefully will see them in the not to distant future in Aberdeenshire!
John H popped in with materials for the velux windows which are going in the kitchen on Monday, Graham decided he could not take Ruaridh for a walk due to the business call, so after breakfast and a wash the wee fellow and moi set off to the woods.
It was great at first and Ruaridh ran in the trees, then the torrential downpour started we kept going Ruaridh not very happy, think he prefers the sun! Walked on then the dog took off into the woods, I carried on walking and at the top of the hill shouted for him to no avail, whistled and shouted no Ruaridh. As I was on my own I didn't know whether to go back or carry on the walk, shouted and whistled for about 15 minutes suddenly around the bend came roaring Ruaridh I was so pleased to see him! we set off back home.
Unfortunately when we got back the wee fellow kept vomiting, he appears to be ok now.
Layla is fine and getting good enquires re their flat, phoned mum she was ok. Made scones cheese and plain.
Roast potatoes and omelette with broad beans for dinner, Garry B arrived so stayed for a wee bite. Just going to make a cup then bed, up early tomorrow to say au revoir to the Beggs. Goodnight!

Swim day!

Had another great day today. Up early as Justine, Stephen and the bairns were coming over to go to the beach and then for lunch. Awoke to a warm sunny day, showered and had breakfast then waited for our visitors. Garry and Amie popped over to pick up Amie's jacket that she left yesterday, as they are going home to Fort William today.
Justine and Stephen and the children arrived, can't believe it is 4 years since we have seen them. Sat and had a chat with the 'big' people, and the children found lots to do in the garden, Ruaridh thought all his holidays had come at once and loved the attention.
Set off for the beach the children were great fun, swimming in the sea, climbing rocks, jumping off rocks and paddling on their surf boards! As Justine had her wet suit with her Graham and moi had a swim, I think Graham requires a bigger size and moi a smaller one. However it was great and really enjoyed the swim.
Back home had lunch out on the deck, good food, wine, beer and company. Ruaridh once again enjoyed playing with the children, who by the way are fantastic eaters, they ate all that was placed in front of them, a pleasure to have for a meal.
Layla phoned to let us know she had bookings for the flat really pleased about that!
Visitors left may see them tomorrow, did some ironing, then had beans on toast with a good cup of tea for supper. Goodnight.

An almost Perfect Day

Late up this am as Ruaridh didn't waken until 0900h, got a surprise with the weather warm and sunny-lovely! Spoke to Layla on the telephone she appears to be fine, Bella has rosy cheeks so Layla is wondering if her teeth are coming? Had breakfast and a good wash, when the telephone went again thought it was Layla, but no it was Justine an old friend of ours. Great to hear from her, she is camping with her family at Morvich and is coming to see us, unfortunately today we had to go to Skye and Plockton to get the messages and an errand, so they are coming tomorrow, looking forward to seeing them all.
Left to go to Broadford, got the messages then went down to our favorite beach for lunch. Met a couple with their grandchildren and a long haired retriever, Ruaridh had a great play with the dog then we had lunch it was super, love to have lunch on the shore, reminds me of childhood. The man of the couple was the local Church of Scotland minister 'called' by the congregation of that area to serve?
Did our errand then on the way home from Plockton stopped by some woods and found lots of shrooms -chanterelles! Arrived home, Garry B arrived with young Garry and Amie Ruaridh loved playing with them!
Pasta and chanterelles in cream and brandy sauce for dinner with cucumber salad delicious!
Lots to do so will say Goodnight.

Ladybird Buttons

Today the Ladybird Buttons I had ordered for Bella's wee cardigan arrive, my mother who is 87 years old has knitted the cardigan I just finished the borders off, and tonight hopefully I will sew on the buttons. Tomorrow it should be in the post on its the way to the wee sausage.
Heavy rain and strong winds this morning quite cold too, got up had breakfast and a wash then set off for the beach. We all got soaked but Ruaridh loved it as he gets to chase anything that moves when it is windy.
Layla phoned a couple of times she appears to be ok, had lunch then telephoned mum as my aunt and uncle were visiting and it is a long time since I have spoken to them. Made bread. Garry B telephoned to let us know his standard grade results he has done very well! He was supposed to come to dinner but is too excited to eat!!
We are having pasta alforno for dinner with cucumber salad.
The sun came out this afternoon hurrah. Bye.

Little "Sparky"

Our wee star is eight months old today, she is sparkling as usual especially on the photograph taken by her daddy for his blipfoto today which I have pinched! blipfoto.com/Joe Blogs We will be seeing the family in just over two weeks and we are looking forward to that! When we are on the telephone to Layla now she puts the speaker on so that the wee one can hear us, sometimes she responds othertimes I'm sure she is mesmerised!
Today we had a severe weather warning for the area as yet it has not happened! although we have had rain all day. Chaotic today, going an errand, on the way up the hill, set off into the woods with the wee fellow decided for various reasons not to continue on the errand, went to the beach. Had a super walk with Ruaridh whilst Graham got the local gossip off Dennis, on the way off the beach met a nice woman with her collie puppy, she has just moved here.
Home late lunch. Spoke to Layla again, ordered the tickets for our trip to Preston, spoke to mum about various things.
Veggie risotto for dinner with cucumber salad must go Garry B just posted his first blip. Bye

Blip365

Today Layla attained her 365th blip congratulations, she would have been one day ahead of me but when wee Sparky came into the world she had blipless days! In the past year she has moved house given birth to a wee star Bella, got a flat ready for rental well done!
Got up quite early as John H was coming with a tin of Nitromors on his way back from taking his daughter to work, missed him but it got me up out of bed. He left the tin on the back door step! Had breakfast and a wash, then up to the woods for a long walk.
Did my blip assignment, then started to do more gardening. Graham carried on with the Nitromors on the fireplace. Had a late lunch, then down to the beach so that Graham could take a photograph for his blip assignment. Ruaridh thought all his holidays had come at once two walks, he chased stones that I threw into the sea, I'm getting good at the skimming!
Carried on with the gardening, then Garry B arrived, he is very good company so he stayed for dinner, we had veggie prawn curry with Persian rice, yoghurt and flat breads.
Walked down the road with Garry took Ruaridh, three walks today! now to bed. Goodnight.

Warm and windy.

Last night the wind roared down the Glen first from the west then from the east, occasionally bringing heavy rain with it. When I got up this morning it was windy warm and sunny, love the wind always imagine lying on top of it and being carried along with it!
Spoke to Layla when we could find the telephone, it had slipped down behind the cushions on the settee, they were off to Glasgow to pick up a fridge-freezer for the flat, and popping in to see Graham's mum. Had a wash and breakfast then off to the beach.
First to the village shop to pick up our newspapers, then off for the walk, it was very stormy at the beach the waves were crashing onto the rocks and shore like crazy. The wee fellow loved it and ran about chasing everything that moved, then I noticed he was sat down licking his paw, he kept on doing this periodically so we curtailed our walk and came home. Still licking his paw as I write this, can't see anything on or in the paw, vet on Monday if no improvement!
Back home made scones in case the Beggs pop over this evening, soup for a late lunch. Made aubergine parmeggiano for dinner it smells delicious.
The warm wind is still blowing and the plums are coming off the tree going to put them into the greenhouse to see if they will ripen! Bye!

Internet

Tonight I fell hard and fast asleep after drinking two glasses of red wine! came through to do my blog and the internet is incredibly slow, so short Blog today. The weather has been wet and windy though still warm. Woke up at 0900h, Ruaridh decided to have along lie, had a lovely shower and breakfast then down to the beach.
Had a great walk, once again Ruaridh chasing leaves in the strong wind, very little swimming today, had a chat to Val and Adrian in their caravanette. Graham started to strip the paint off the fireplace surround!
Back home made some scones in case the family Begg come over this evening, just going to have lunch when Christine our next door neighbour in the west arrived with a huge box of Thornton' s caramel toffee! she is home from Shetland where she has been working for a while. Caught up with the gossip had a cup of tea pancakes and scones, then proceeded to eat the caramel sweets, the Beggs are thinking to come on Saturday now!
Spoke with Layla on the telephone she sent us a video and still photographs of the wee sausage she ia amazing! Phoned mum to have a chat and tell her the video etc were on their way!
Had haddock quiche, roast potatoes and peas for dinner delicious. Ruaridh fast asleep on the settee. Goodnight. Howling gale hitting us at the moment from the east!

Cardigan!

My mum of 87 years has knit a cardigan for her great grandaughter Bella, due to some difficulty with her hands she was unable to pick up and knit the stitches for the neckband and the border, I offered to do it. Today I finished the knitting and sewed the wee cardigan up and then washed it, it looks lovely. Also ordered some ladybird buttons from a firm in Chester, once they arrive you may be treat to a photograph.
Messed about a wee tad this morning, spoke with Layla she is going out for lunch for Corrina's birthday today. Had breakfast and a wash then got ready to take the wee fellow into the woods. Had a long walk on a different route today once again keeping our eyes open for shrooms! Ruaridh really enjoyed it and disappeared for short periods on numerous occasions!
Back home had lunch, then started to try and do some gardening, did half of one of the beds and cut back lots of dead flowers.
Did some weeding and tried to get more light for the busch beans, by cutting back some of the courgette leaves.
Garry B visited had a good chat with him, phoned mum she appears to be fine!
Red pepper soup with crackers for dinner, followed by sardines in tomato sauce with raw onion rings on toast. Lovely.
Took Ruaridh for a gamble round the field. Goodnight.

New Gates!

John H telephoned today and said he would be over later to fix the new gates, they look great and I am sure they will serve us well! Also brought us a jar of delicious looking marmalade from France, as a thank you for when I did the change over at the lodge for them!
Breakfast then down to the beach, had a lovely walk as the weather varied from rain and wind, to lovely blue skies and sun. Ruaridh loves it when the wind blows and he chases after leaves and anything that blows about! He also got two surprises today, a big bone almost the same size as himself from John H and Garry B is back in the Glen the wee fellow adores his hair gel!
Driving home from the beach we bumped into Garry who was on his bike great to see him again, here with his mum and dad visiting his aunty.
Back home had lunch made bread. Garry came to visit us this afternoon and surprise, surprise he stayed for dinner which was pizza and salad and was delicious.
Spoke to Layla the woman came to photograph their flat which they are hoping to rent out on a business/ holiday let basis, looks great.
Finished Bella's wee cardigan it looks lovely, will order buttons tomorrow. Goodnight.