Sleep

Had a great sleep last night, hardly read as my eyes were closing when I put my head on the pillow. Up for work at 0700h shower and breakfast then a brisk walk to the hospital. Good day at work met up with Chris again good to see him.
Nothing to exciting to report patients and colleagues in good form.
Supposed to meet Layla and Bella in town but Layla still not feeling too well, she is feeling much better as I write this, poor Joe has also succumbed to the bug but he is also feeling better. Bella had her Halloween lantern this evening, as the children in the street went guising she thought it was fun when the kids came to the door. Bella weighed in at 16ibs 12ozs so that is good she is gaining after her bout of sickness last week.
Spoke to Graham he and Ruaridh are fine though the weather has been pretty awful, he appears to be enjoying it.
Chips, mushroom omelette and peas for dinner tasted good.
Attempting to catch up on my reading for photography, tired now so a drink and off to bed. Goodnight.

Graham & Ruaridh away to the Glen

Graham and Ruaridh left this morning to return to the Glen, they arrived there safe and sound around 1600h. Graham thought it would be better for Ruaridh to be out of the city as November 5th "Bonfire Night" is approaching and there are lots of fireworks, also I am working and he would rather be back in the N/W. Working today and didn't get home until around 1830h, taxi difficulties as per usual, we resolved them when a woman called Rachael worked for the company, but problems are creeping back again as she has left, anyway see how we get on!
Had Lasagne, salad and ciabatta for dinner. Telephoned Graham he is fine, phoned mum she appears to be in good spirits, Layla phoned here so hoping to meet her and Bella in the town after work tomorrow, if she continues to feel better.
Have a good book to read and as I am very tired a short Blog tonight, am going to bed early. Goodnight.

Fanny Hill

Watched the first episode of Fanny Hill BBC4 Monday last, this evening it concluded, enjoyed watching it though last Monday's episode was the better one. Very interesting.
Worked until 1500h, so up early shower and breakfast before 0730h, then a quick walk to work, lovely morning. Quite a busy day but it went by very quickly, and was enjoyable. Graham and Ruaridh met me after work and we went over to see the family. Layla has been poorly with a tummy bug and is still feeling crap, so Joe took the day off and worked from home so he could look after Bella who is full of beans at the moment. Took Bella a wee walk as I had some business in Leith. Left and went to Waitrose as Graham is returning to Moyle tomorrow and needed messages, also I will be here and needed some too!
Veggie sausage and mash with carrots for dinner which was great.
Very tired, having a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Taking Aim

I have been attempting to start using the M (manual) mode on my digital camera-phew sometimes to moi it is like pulling teeth. It is very difficult for me to take all the different information on board, slowly but surely I think I might be winning (hope so.)
Amazing day today we put the clocks back one hour last pm but Ruaridh was awake earlier than usual, so managed to benefit a little. Layla telephoned to say she had been vomiting all night probably same bug as the wee one had, they were managing fine Joe had taken Bella out to the swing park which she enjoyed.
Had a shower then breakfast before taking Ruaridh to the park and woods, he met Daisy a 6month old dark chocolate Labrador and the two of them had a great time playing in the woods, also met Jackson the Spaniel he didn't want to play.
Back home downloaded lots of photographs some garbage some OK. Made Lasagne for dinner which we had with salad and bread.
Telephoned mum she is bright and breezy. Did a pile of ironing. Graham took Ruaridh to the park but he hated it as fireworks were going off. Hoping to stay awake to see "Abigail's Party" on BBC4. Goodnight.

On the Move.

Up quite early for a Saturday morning as Graham was going to help Joe get a shed from Corrina and Stephen's new house. No time for breakfast, shower feed the dog and off.
The family were up and about, Joe and Graham took off and I played with Bella, we had fun crawling along the floor trying to avoid wee Ruaridh, though he did manage one lick for Bella she was not amused, what a look she gave him! Eventually we set off for a walk Bella fell asleep we went to Victoria Park let Ruaridh off and he found a dog to play with. Back on the lead, onto the cycle path, met a woman with a wee Yorkie who thought the wee fellow was lovely, he thought she was great too as he managed to get a treat off her.
Back to the house, Graham and Joe already there, shed no joy floor missing and woodworm present. Brunch of scrambled eggs and rolls with lovely coffee. Left for home we will be back for dinner this evening, then Joe and Layla are out to visit friends for a wee while. Hence me doing the Blog early. Garden looks good maybe start painting the fences tomorrow! Bye.

Trying--

to do to much. Up early this morning as the men were coming to finish the garden and remove all the rubbish that they had removed from same. Had a wash and cup of tea then one of the guys arrived the other one was on his way?. Had breakfast spoke to guy No1 about taking the rubbish, Monday he said a skip will come, oh no we had been told this before and it did not happen, we were told it was going today in the van. Phone call to the 'man in charge' problem resolved, rubbish into van and guy No 2 arrived to help finish job.
Took Ruaridh for a walk in the park and woods, met Poppy a Border Terrier the wee fellow had a great time playing with her after she nearly bit his ear off- well nearly not quite. Good walk in the woods playing hide-and-seek with the guy with the Norfolk Terrier which is really a nippy wee thing.
Back to the house the guys were just leaving Layla and Bella arrived, she played with her grandpa who was dashing out to meet up with some chums. Made soup for lunch, then up into the loft to find Layla's baby duvet also some af her wooden toys that we saved. The wee one sat on our bed looking fascinated at being surrounded by some of her mummy's toys.
Layla left the dog and me went round to the car to see them off. Telephoned mum she has been invited to a big wedding in December and this has really cheered her up. Tried to catch up with some reading material, then some fireworks started, Ruaridh hates them so I closed all the windows and put on the T.V. and fan extractor really loud.
Graham came home we had a fry-up for dinner tasted delicious. Took the dog to the park, just going to make a cup of tea then attempt more reading. Bye.

Parking

Noticed on my way to work yesterday lots of new parking meters and parking notices in a residential area where houses are priced from £300,000 upwards. The reason for this measure is that cars from the hospital have been parking there anyway, residents have got fed up with the cars outside their door and complained, but is this any better? Cars are still there and the city council coins in the money. Also in the hospital grounds they put in a walkway, cars parked on it, double red lines did not deter them so at some expense they have put up blue railings -- no more parking.
Work was OK finished now for three days, Graham and Ruaridh came to meet me and the walk home was good. Back garden beginning to take shape the patio area looks good.
Pasta with courgette sauce and salad for dinner lovely, made bread. Took Ruaridh for a walk tonight down to the park.
Getting ready for bed. Goodnight.

Misty Morning

Awake early this morning on the road to work again, amazed to see a heavy mist over the city, but seeing it hanging over the rooftops, and creeping along the trees was quite dreamy. Work OK good to see patients and colleagues again, everyone appears to be fine.
Arrived home the guys are doing a good job of the garden, hope it is finished by Thursday evening, we will see.
Frittata, roast potatoes and broad beans for dinner lovely.
Spoke to Layla on the telephone. Mum is OK James and Doreen visiting her.
Took Ruaridh to the park and along Strachan Road, he had a good run on the park and enjoyed his walk. He picked up a 'goodie'
on the park and run off with it, when I caught up with him he knew he had done wrong but I still let him know I was not happy!
Watching a programme about Michael Jackson on Channel 4 OK. Bye

Happy Morning

Up early this morning as I was going to look after Miss B, as daddy was working early and mummy had an appoinment. Frost on the car this morning, soon heated up and away I went, leaving Graham and Ruaridh in bed to await the arrival of the gardeners.
Bella looked lovely, very sleepy as she had to be wakened up, gave her the porridge she likes and some toast and I had my breakfast, then we sang and played at crawling on the floor. Went upstairs to get her clothes and we played peek-a-boo as we put them on, only when she was dressed did Granny B realise she was all in blue but it suits her. Then we played with the shoes on the shoe rack and in no time at all mummy was home. Took photos of the wee one dancing, she is hilarious, climbs up the baby gate, then starts to move to the music her bum goes from side to side and she nods her head. Had a coffee then left as the men had arrived to do the garden.
Went to Waitrose to get the messages then home.
Two Polish guys doing the garden one an enviromental technician, the other a film cameraman, sad that they can't get work in their own fields when they come to the UK.
Couldn't do much as they were in and out of the house. Layla drove over with Bella she had the roof off the Figaro and Bella just gazed at the sky, she had her bunting suit on today that came from Denmark very cosy.
Graham, Layla, Bella and Ruaridh went a walk to visit the horses and Bella fell asleep, poor Ruaridh wonders what has happened to his garden today, will be much improved when finished.
Graham away to the dentist so will await his return to see what he can manage to eat for dinner. Bye.

Be Prepared

Tomorrow hopefully the men will come to make over our back garden/yard, we have planned it carefully so fingers crossed the men appear and the work gets done. We are having a patio built, then behind that we are going to plant shrubs that require the minimum of attention.
Awoke early this morning, lots of telephone calls to make some successful others a waste of time. Had a leisurely breakfast which Ruaridh managed to get off the bed for his small piece of toast! Showered then took the wee fellow to the park and woods, met Baxter his fellow Border Terrier who is very nervous and does not like to play. Ruaridh soon noticed another dog with a ball and off he went to play, eventually walked through the woods it was a sunny day so all the autumnal colours looked amazing.
Graham had to go to the office so he took Ruaridh with him, loves sitting in the front seat doesn't even mind the harness.
I stayed home made bread, then started to get rid of lots of garbage in the garden, Layla is going to take the old paving stones for her allotment (recycled.)
Just like to mention Mr Chips here who hails from California and is Ruaridh's Border Terrier friend.
Ruaridh says thanks for the comments about my adventures, those vermin drive me crazy and sit out of my reach under the deck, appreciate your support.
I would like to thank you for your kind comment, we have a lot of fun with the wee one and the dog!
Dinner this evening courtesy of Graham, pasta with tomato and aubergine sauce, salad and foccacia. Aubergines and tomatoes-homegrown. The tin of olive oil was given to us by our friends from Provence it is delicious. Bye

Ruaridh The Wonder Dog

Left the Glen at 1600h today to come down to "Auld Reekie," work for me and business for Graham, plus we are starting to get work done on the house in Edinburgh. Hopefully on Tuesday the men will come to do the back garden.
Had a late breakfast with the family, who were also coming back to the big city today after spending a lovely weekend with us. Miss B is a star, neighbours Christine and Garry B came over to see her and say goodbye to us.
Ruaridh was very busy hunting rabbits or vermin this morning, yes he had to have another hose down, he is really a great wee dog and just loves people, but can get excited at times and jump up and want to lick them, he doesn't realise people don't want this. We stopped on the way up the hill and took him for a walk in the woods, then at his favorite place on the road to Dalwhinnie, where he wolfed down one of Bella's fish cakes delicious. He was very good and slept most of the way but he must get fed up with all the travelling I know we do!
Arrived in the big smoke around 2030h, no owls in the lum here, central heating. Butternut squash risotto for dinner, with salad and focaccia, delicious. Going to have a cup of tea then to bed. Goodnight.

Visit to a Magical Land

Today the weather was better than forecast, more sun than expected. We got up quite late and then had to decide what we were going to do and where we were going to do it! Had breakfast homemade pancakes and Soda bread that was a tad salty but still tasted good. As we had to go to the village store for the Saturday Guardian and to post some mail we decided to go to Arnisdale and Corran.
So happy we did, Joe was taking photographs so Grandpa took the backpack with Bella hoisted high and we set off to walk along the shore at Corran. Wished we had come here before, the shore is amazing as are the woods that we walked through, so lovely to see oak trees, and holly trees with berries on. Dog Pasha had a great run but on returning to us we noticed he had cut the corner of his eye, luckily Layla had wipes and once the blood was wiped away the injury was not as bad as expected.
On arriving home had coffee/tea and scones, phoned Garry B and invited him to come to dinner with us tonight at The Kintail Lodge Hotel.Telephoned mum who had been to a wedding where the outfits of the bridal party were all black!
Went down to the hotel, all enjoyed our fish and chips and mushy peas, Bella loved her strawberries and ice cream, the hotel was hopping with locals and visitors!
Returned home did my blip, having a beer. Bye!

Happy Days!

Up quite late, Layla had to visit the Doctor this morning so we had half our breakfast then waited for them to come back before having the second half! Bella stayed with us and as usual gives us lots of laughs. Enjoyed our breakfast, then I had a wash whilst Bella slept in her pram in her jammies on the deck!
When she awoke we had lunch before going down to the village shop and beach. Ruaridh and Bella appear to be getting on a wee bit better now he ignores her and she gives him 'looks'. Beach was lovely, only a few other people present, Ruaridh charged around delighted we were all there together!
Back home made scones and soda bread, played with Bella, helped Layla in a small way to get the dinner ready, delicious meal curry, rice, dahl, aubergine dish, yogurt and nanbreads--super!
Tired and so to bed! Goodnight.

On the prowl.

Up around 0900h, once again lots to do as the family are coming this evening for two/three days. Ruaridh, Dog Pasha was on the prowl around and under the deck for rabbits and vermin from 0930h until 1430h, as you can imagine he was black. He didn't even have his breakfast he was so engrossed in trying to catch whatever is under there. Today nothing was caught until 1900h when a wee mouse skipped across the kitchen floor and behind the cooker, as I pulled the the cooker out gently (no mice across the feet thank you) Ruaridh went on the attack and caught it, well done that Dog! After a wash under the hose then in the shower he looked lovely, ate his meal then went to sleep
Very busy day, made bread, did some cleaning, entertained Garry B for a wee while, spoke to mum on the telephone.
Made dinner Pasta al forno, salad and foccacia, followed by fruit salad and yogurt and delicious French Merlot wine from our friends Bernd and Ute. Bella loved the raspberries!
Family arrived safe and sound at around 2030h, lovely to see them again we all enjoyed the meal and as I said above Bella loved the raspberries, the rest Ruaridh enjoyed!
Going to do my blip. Goodnight.

The Mad Dash!

Today I had planned to do lots but as they say the best laid plans of mice and men! Got up late, making breakfast who arrived at the door but Garry B who had just travelled up from Fort William after attending some events at the annual Mod! he stayed for a coffee. Just getting ready to go early (by now I am two hours behind the schedule in my head) to Broadford to get the messages when John H arrives bringing his cold with him. Eventually we leave for the Co-op, Garry B comes with us.
Take the wee fellow for a walk in the woods in the rain which he loved, then whoosh on our way. Got the messages no problem, some snacks to eat at Lower Breakish then away, decided not to visit our favorite beach as running late.
Back home Graham started the hot hot hot chili sauce and I started to get ready for the family coming. Hotties in beds etc!
Had a shower and washed my hair prior to going to the Kintail Lodge to meet Bernd and Ute for dinner at 1900h. Had a super evening with our new friends, good food (fish and chips-sticky toffee pudding)and a good chat. Ruaridh stayed in the car, their three ladies stayed at home!
Just had a cup of tea then to bed. Goodnight.

Clean sweep!

Donald John our chimney sweep came today to clean our two lums. He is an amazing character and his narrative is fantastic, he knows more about the goings on in the Glens than most. Spent time chatting with him whilst he had tea and a scone-- us breakfast, then he got stuck in, and cleaned the two chimneys perfectly. Stayed to have soup for lunch and more chat.
John H telephoned to let us know that the village skip had arrived, and to get down quickly before it got filled up with garbage, we managed to get rid of our rubbish!
Took Ruaridh for a walk on the shore the weather was unbelievable changing by the minute sun, rain, hail ah well.
Home, Aubergine Parmigiano for dinner with salad and foccacia, lovely.
Lots of telephone conversations today, got the septic tank sorted, waiting to hear about the coal! Bye.

Two people, three dogs!

Today we had Bernd, Ute and their three ladies for lunch! They hail from Germany but live in Provence, we met them when coming back from vacation, on the ferry from Zeebrugge to Rosyth. The three ladies are their dogs Flora, Bella and Nellie a great threesome, though Dog Pasha held his own and there was one dead rabbit killed by which one? They arrived early and brought two bottles of Merlot from their village in Provence, also a local Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for which we thank them and look forward to sampling them when the family arrive for the weekend! We had a lengthy lunch due to the good company and food! finished at 1730h, when we decided to take the dogs a walk in the woods, which we all enjoyed even in the downpour!
Have chosen the paving stones for the patio in Edinburgh, fingers crossed we can contact the guy tomorrow who is doing the job.
Donald John the chimney sweep is hopefully coming tomorrow to clean our two lums!
Ruaridh is exhausted, maybe the three ladies were too much!
Poached egg on toast with a big mug of tea for supper lovely. Bye.

Garry Visit!

This afternoon our chum Garry from the Isle of Lewis visited us, as I write this he is still here! in fact he stayed for dinner and made it, with the help of Graham. We had prawn curry, Persian rice, yoghurt and flatbreads it was delicious! only problem being we didn't eat until 2230h ah well.
Up late, fry up for breakfast followed by a lovely shower. Graham finished painting the ceiling for the time being, will probably do it again when we do the walls.
Took Ruaridh a good long walk in the woods, he enjoyed it and chased the rabbits, the wind was warm great to feel it on your face, does blow the cobwebs away! Came home just had a cup of tea then I did the onions, we had lifted them from the ground before going on holiday, left them to dry in the greenhouse. The yield this year was less and some of them were somewhat damp, so bagged them in the net bags we broght home from N/W Jutland, instead of stringing them.
Spoke to Layla they had a good day, also mum and she appeared to be fine!
Made scones and got the pancake mix ready, as the couple we met on the ferry are coming tomorrow for lunch. Bye.

Painting!

Before we went on vacation to N/W Jutland John H put two velux windows into the kitchen roof, today was the the day to paint the ceiling and the space where the windows fit, hard work but is beginning to look good now.
Up quite late to say we had all this work to do but the wee dog had a bit of an up and down night! Anyway had breakfast, got the kitchen organised, washed myself and then commenced the work, Ruaridh was great as most of the morning he had spent chasing the wildlife under the deck!
Went down to the village store then onto the beach, had a good walk which blew my cobwebs away, and Ruaridh the chance to chase leaves and run into the sea to retrieve stones!
Back home had a late lunch, spoke to Layla, then carried on painting!
Pasta, tomato sauce, salad and bread for dinner delicious.
Tired!! going to do the dishes then read the paper, a little more painting tomorrow! Bye.

All is safely gathered in--!

The painting of the kitchen ceiling is still on hold! Will have to be done this weekend as a German couple who we met on the ferry a couple of weeks ago coming from Zeebrugge are coming to visit Monday--Tomorrow!
Ruaridh slept well last night so we all had a good sleep, though up quite late this morning! Breakfast and wash, nice card from Liz my chum in the post. Spoke to Layla she thinks she has a tummy bug? Bella is fine!
Took Ruaridh for a long walk in the woods, which I think he enjoyed as he disappeared on numerous occasions! we enjoyed the walk as well!
Back home light lunch, then into the greenhouse to blitz the aubergines, chilies and peppers, we have a glut! so Brinjal Pickle, Baba Ganoush and hot, hot, hot chili sauce here we come.
Oh almost forgot today is Graham's and moi's Wedding Anniversary, so we had Leek and Spinich Quiche, roast potatoes and carrots for dinner with Sancerre white wine, followed by chocolate marzipan-delicious.
Lots to do so will say Bye.

Disruption!

Got up late after being wakened in the night by a wee dog! Big decisions taken this morning to paint the ceiling in the kitchen after taking Ruaridh for a walk!
Spoke to Layla on the telephone they are all OK, breakfast, shower then got ready to go down to the beach! Just as we were setting out who came cycling up the track but our neighbour Christine, now back from working in Shetland. We asked her to come to the beach and she said yes.
First we had to go to the village store, then on to the beach. Christine used to pick "the winkles" when she lived here and is keen to start again £80 per cwt, maybe we will join her in November! Had a good walk and Ruaridh had a wee meander into the ocean! Christine came back for lunch and a blether.
Plans to paint the kitchen ceiling on hold for a day or two! Made bread, managed to start sewing Sparkey's jumper together.
Graham made dinner pasta with aubergine, parmegiano, mozerella cheese and tomato sauce, delicious good job not calorie counting tonight!
Also today the original intent was to go into the woods for logs, however we have to wait till the authorisation letter arrives, so that was also put on hold.
One good thing that hopefully will go ahead next week is that Christine telephoned Donald John our "retired" chimney sweep, he is coming Tueday next to do our two lums! Bye.

Autumn

Today was very Autumnal, a thick mist hid most of the Glen until about mid-day, when the sun came out, the colours, smells brought Autumn to my mind. Up quite early started to organise the wee ones jumper, finished knitting the neck, rolling on after I have done my Blog. Washed and had breakfast then started a blitz on the garden, whilst Graham did the stove and inglenook!
Took Ruaridh a walk in the woods, it was lovely to see the trees that are changing colour and the leaves falling to the ground.
Back home had a light lunch, then back into the garden got a lot done and the compost bins are filling up!
Spoke to Layla and mum on the telephone, everybody seems OK. Emailed some chums, took lots of photographs, spoke to my chum Lena when she phoned.
Had a delicious Paella for dinner with baby carrots found in the garden, made by Graham. Just going to do the dishes then some more knitting. Bye.

Rescue

Today started out ok, weather pretty dreich but what the hell we have had six weeks of great weather! Mail arrived, electricity going to be cut off as due to our prolonged sourjourn in the south and Europe we have not had our bill-sorted. Had breakfast then decided to see if we could get a chimney sweep to sort the lum problem out, no joy! To do ourselves!
Grabbed the torch and shone it where the stove joins the flue, something fairly big was jammed there. Graham got on his rubber gloves and with moi holding the torch and Ruaridh, Graham began to pull on the object, oh my gosh the wing that appeared was large and filled the stove! Graham thought it was a hawk but I had a feeling it could be an owl! as at times I have seen them on the dormer and chimney! Difficult to get the bird out, eventually executing great care an owl was pulled out. A lovely Tawny Owl it was dead, we gave it back to nature!
Had a super peaceful walk on the beach, Ruaridh appears to be very happy to be back, weather now lovely warm and sunny.
Did some gardening when I came home, Graham dug up the tatties, also started to work on the fireplace in the front room.
Veggie stew, homegrown tatties and peas for dinner. Started to finish Sparkey's wee jumper. Finished the birthday brownies with a cup of tea. Goodnight.

In the Jeep again!

Today we returned to the Glen. Supposed to make an early start but I grabbed an extra half-hour in bed and Bingo! running late. Packed quickly, washed and breakfast then away to buy paint to no avail. We then went to The Builders Supplies to look for the paving stones for the patio we are having done at the Edinburgh house, got brochures and a price list which we will pore over tomorrow! To Glasgow then to visit Graham's mum, spoke to Sharon who said Betty appears to be more settled and somewhat happier now, then on the road to the Glen.
Weather warm and sunny, stopped in Glen Coe to have a bite to eat and give the wee dog a walk which he really enjoyed, loves stopping here!
Arrived at the house around 2000hrs, busy putting the messages away, Graham started to do the stove in the front room smoke everywhere, then a scrambling heard in the lum "Wild Thing," something obviously blocking the lum! will have to get the chimney sweep!
Baked beans on toast for dinner followed by a large piece of Joe's Brownies with a cup of tea! Bye

When I'm sixty-four!

Never thought when we were living it up in the sixties, that day would arrive, today was that day wow!
Don't know what it should feel like to be that age but "I Feel Good"
Super day email from my mum, and a telephone call plus money from her to buy something I want.
A lovely toadstool from wee gnomie Sparky and a small photo album so I can show my friends her photographs!
Layla made me a lovely knitting bag it is fantastic from her and Joe.
Graham gave me a course in photography which is great and a big surprise a magnifying light to do my knitting by!
Family came for dinner Ruaridh delighted, Graham did the cooking and Joe made his famous chocolate brownies see blipfoto.com/Joe Blogs for recipe!
Wee Bella had her party dress on and also gave me a card with a badge with a big smiley face on, now pinned to my jumper!
As always she was the star and loved the lit candles on the brownies.
A Perfect Day. Goodnight!

Bah! cleaning again!

Today the house in Edinburgh had to endure the start of a long overdue clean. Got up quite late knowing a blitz had to commence.
Had breakfast then got the bread started. Took Ruaridh to the park and wood by myself as Graham had to go to the office! On the way back the wee dog and moi were shouted at by this woman who had a big black labrador on a lead, she said Ruaridh had frightened her dog!
Back to the house, had a chat with neighbours Robert and Karen. Started to clean the windows, Graham came back, break for lunch then finished the job. Started to clean the bathroom running out of time as we were going to have dinner with Layla and Bella as Joe has a poker night!
Called at Waitrose to get some messages, then over to the family. Bella appears to be teething as she is dribbling quite a lot and has a runny nose, however she is still a wee Sparky and 10 months old today! Layla made us a lovely prawn curry with rice for dinner really was delicious. Then she popped out to a neighbours party for half an hour whilst Bella entertained and played with us. She never stops now crawling and walking holding your hand, on the go all the time!
Having the usual cup of tea then to bed. Goodnight.

Baby Sitting

Exciting evening for Graham and moi, Joe and Layla asked if we would baby-sit for Bella, whilst they went out to the cinema/for dinner. We were delighted and had a great evening with wee Sparky, she is so good and lots of fun. She ate her dinner (or most of it) that her mum had left for her-pasta, tomato sauce followed by rice pudding, though I noticed her having a good look at our veggie sausage, mashed tatties and peas. We played and then got her ready for bed, she was fast asleep in no time, waited for her mummy and daddy, then her dad took her to bed and her mum fed her.
Had a man come this morning to give us an estimate for the back garden, so fingers crossed the work starts 23rd October.
Took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods which he appeared to enjoy not as concerned about going into the woods as he was before we went on holiday!
Going to have tea and toast then bed. Goodnight.

Another 380 miles clocked up!

Back home to Edinburgh today after a brief but good visit to my mum. She is in good health though quite a few of her friends are not, which sometimes weighs heavily on her, however she was in good spirits when I left. Anne had taken her last week to get a new fire that was fitted on Monday last, and she is very pleased with this.
Had a good train journey and arrived home safe and sound. Good to see Graham and Ruaridh who always gives one a wet welcome!
Not much to say and I have started a course that requires me to spend time on it this evening. Graham making a suprise meal for dinner. Bye

Walk along the Prom, Prom, Prom!

Slept long and late, lovely breakfast, after a good! wash down to the prom for a brisk walk with mum. Not too brisk went into the cafe and had a cherry scone and coffee.
Had a lazy afternoon as mum went to the first Ladies Fellowship of the year at her church. Did some blipping attempted to get some info on a course I'm doing-no joy ah well. When I looked out of the window it was tippling down, got ready as I had to get some messages at the Square, managed without getting too wet!
Didn't go out for dinner raining, I made a lovely meal of pasta, tomato sauce and salad, with mum's home made bread, finished off eating uncle Harold's raspberries with ice cream!
May go out for lunch tomorrow before I head off back to "Old Reekie."
Going to have a read then to bed. Goodnight.

On the rails!

Today travelled by train down to the Red Rose County to visit mum!
In the moning met up with Layla and Bella, looked after the wee one as Layla had an appointment. We went to John Lewis and had a coffee then I went to get my train, in luck managed to get an earlier one that had been delayed! Good journey down, sunshine all the way.
Good to see mum who is looking well, saw Anne and Jen and met the new boyfriend Dane who I thought was Dave ah well!
Cullen skink for dinner which was delicious, showed mum the photographs on blipfoto fom the holidays which I think she enjoyed.
Graham, Layla, Bella and Ruaridh at the allotment getting more work done.
To bed early. Goodnight.

Allotment Day

Yesterday we went over to Layla's allotment to help get it organised, had a great day and it was fun being with Bella. As there was a lot to do, we were there today as well, weather was warm and sunny so we took our lunch with us! Got a lot of work done and the allotment is starting to look good. Graham and Layla dumped a lot of wood in the skip, then took bags of organic matter to the garbage dump. Ruaridh was well behaved even when annoyed by this cat that kept walking on the wall in front of him, Bella and the dog got on fine today she even gave him some bread! Moi weeded and placed all the organic waste in garbage bags whilst the wee one slept. When she awoke had great fun playing with her, she was climbing all over me, dancing and blowing big raspberries. She had lots of fun playing with her mum's new basket, I put in three articles and she kept taking them out then putting them back-kept her occupied for ages.
Butternut squash risotto for dinner with salad, courtesy of Graham lovely.
Going to pack as now I head off to the Red Rose county tomorrow to see mum! Hopefully will be able to Blog there. Goodnight.