The Girls

Today we travelled through to Glasgow as we have to clear Graham's mum's flat by Monday next. Someone is coming to take away the big 'stuff' a matter today of us clearing the rest and sorting it all out. Graham had telephoned his cousins the Bennett Girls earlier in the week and true to form they turned up at 1330h as they had arranged, we thought only Janey and Christine were coming but no Alison turned up as well. Good to see her as she has been and still is very unwell. It was good to see them and J & C helped me with the huge task of getting eveything sorted, we had to decide what to keep what to give to charity and what to throw out, difficult when not your belongings. We managed and now have about 15 black bags to be thrown out, 10 black bags for charity and a small amount to be kept by various people.
Ruaridh loved the girls being there, outside was very windy and everytime I took him for a walk we nearly got blown away. The girls had Graham and me laughing at the tales they were telling us of their life in Glasgow, and of their trips, they can relate their adventures so well. William Christine's son came to take one of the T.V.s.
Alison treat us to fish suppers which tasted delicious the wee fellow thought so to.
Left around 2215h to drive to Edinburgh. A big thank-you to the Girls for their help and entertainment on a cold, rainy, dull day. Goodnight.

Apple Tree.

Today an old colleague Margaret was retiring from work at the WGH, I have known her for about 15 years and she emailed me to let me know her news. There was a buffet lunch today for the staff to say goodbye, as Graham had a business meeting I did not go, but Ruaridh and I walked over to see her and say goodbye. She seemed to be happy that she was leaving. In the grounds of the hospital as we walked over today, I saw all these apples laid on the ground under this tree, I have walked, cycled and driven passed this tree for years and only today realised it was an apple tree!
Up quite early though the wee fellow slept through the night. Wash and breakfast before going out. Back home did some cleaning and ironing, then Bella and Layla arrived, had lunch Bella is such fun and gives much pleasure, she enjoyed her chocolate biscuit.
Left over Christmas pie for dinner with mashed tatties and carrots. Watched Summits Munich on BBC4-interesting.
Been out with Ruaridh for a walk then watched Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary-an interview with Traudl Junge on BBC4 very good. Goodnight.

Bella Afternoon

Up to a telephone call from Layla wondering what we were doing today, as it was raining very hard we knew the allotment was not a runner today. Had a shower and breakfast then left with Ruaridh to visit Layla and Bella, lots of holdups as most of the roads in Edinburgh have road works on them due to the fact they are going to start putting in the tram system, soon.
Lovely to see Layla and Bella, Bella was full of it and ate a big lunch with the help of Grandpa who also read to her. Then we played and she showed us how fast she goes on the wheely-bug, went upstairs to help Layla sort some clothes. Found an old Christmas bib that when pressed played Jingle Bells Bella thought this was great and insisted on having it pressed and played continuously. We also saw her stand by herself for the first time we all cheered and she repeated the performance a couple of times!
Came home pasta and tomato sauce for dinner with salad. Made bread, just waiting for a roll to cool then going to eat it with a cup of tea. Goodnight.
Photograph courtesey of Graham.

Primark

Up early, well quite early this morning as Jen had to go to school, she had two mock exams today, maths and textile design. She came in to say goodbye as I was leaving the Red Rose County today and won't see her until I"m down again. Wished her luck and off she went. Had breakfast with mum, quick wash, a wee blether, met another of mum's chums then time to leave, have had a lovely weekend and hope mum enjoyed her Birthday I'm sure she did.
Got the train, arrived in Preston went to Primark found the linen trousers Layla had spoken about last year, bought us a pair each and a couple of vests each, £1 each for the vest! Tried to buy Bella fleecy sleepsuits, could only find one in her size.
Caught an earlier train, good journey sat next to a woman who was just returning from a cruise, had a nice chat with her as far as Carlisle.
Arrived Edinburgh caught the bus home good to see Graham and Ruaridh. Veggie sausage and mash with green beans for dinner.
Just watching T.V. then probably take the wee fellow a walk. Bye.

Jen. to stay at mum's.

Jen. who 'adopted' my mum as her gran nearly sixteen years ago is here to stay with her over the next four nights as her mum is away. I'm only here for one night of the stay, does seem strange having a teeny bopper in the house, after lounging on the sofa this afternoon encouraging me to watch crap T.V. she is now getting ready to go out with her boyfriend, kinda all glammed up:) say no more.
A lazy day spent reading and knitting, out for a stroll with mum, having fish and chips with parsley sauce for dinner.
Very grey day but no rain. Bye.

Eighty-Eight- Happy Birthday!

Today is my mum's eighty eighth Birthday.The day started at 0900h with a phone call from Layla who sang Happy Birthday and wee Bella tinkled on the ivories:) the day was then full of women calling with gifts and cards for mum, telephone calls and making endless cups of tea and coffee.
Went out to do a bit of shopping in the late afternoon, and just managed to book a table at the new Greek restaurant for 1830h. as it was fully booked. Irene mum's friend came with us and we had a lovely meal, and it was nice to sit and chat.
Back home mum and moi had a blether then she went to bed, after a full, long, happy day. I stayed up and watched the Woody Allen movie Hannah and Her Sisters which I enjoyed. Goodnight.

Terrible Train

Down to the Red Rose County today for mum's 88th birthday tomorrow. Travelled down on the Trans Pennine service not a patch on Virgin, very busy and very shaky! Arrived at mums's she had made a Butter Pie with marrowfat peas for dinner a favorite from childhood, just sat down to eat this when the doorbell went, it was Gill with presents for mum. Gill is a neonatal nurse, she and the family are emigrating to Australia in July fed up with the UK, she chatted and we ate our dinner, good to see her and chat.
Up early this morning as I had to get my hair done before travelling south. Haven't seen Iain my hairdresser in an age, hair was just fine.
Back to Layla's to see her and Bella, Graham at a last minute lunch meeting, Bella away with her mummy to get her jags, she was good. Graham arrived and I left, very slow bus at one point thought I would miss my train, caught it with minutes to spare.
Did a little knitting, tired to bed. Goodnight

At the Dentist

Today Layla had an appointment at the dentist, to get Bella used to visiting him John G advised her to be taken along starting today. As Layla had two fillings to be done she asked me to go along to look after the wee one, Bella went in with her mummy John asked her to show him her teeth she obliged and came out waving her smiles Teddy Bear sticker:) Waited for Layla, then we all went to Waitrose to do a small shop, I picked up a parcel of DVD's-Spanish movies at the post office.
Back to ours for lunch, Heiner telephoned from Germany to say he couldn't make it over for mum's birthday on Saturday, I travel down to the Red Rose County tomorrow! Lunch was eggy bread and coffee which we all enjoyed including Bella. We then set off with Ruaridh for a walk along the cycle path, Bella in her new buggy, fine when we left the house heavy rain showers on the way.
Met one or two dogs but no-one to play with the wee fellow.
I had to go up town to get my train ticket, and some books for mum's birthday gift. It was freezing, a very cold wind blowing- that is still howling now.
Graham had made Minestrone Soup for dinner which was lovely, followed by tinned salmon sandwiches.
Just watched a programme on Channel 5 about a couple who have set up a chilli farming business. Graham thinks we have ordered chili seeds from them! Bye.

Bella

Today we travelled south. Layla had a meeting, Graham and Joe had a meeting and I had a meeting with Bella, I was looking after her for an hour or so until her mummy and daddy were home. We were then staying for dinner. We had a good journey down, lots of rain to start then the weather brightened and it was lovely, not much traffic until we got to Edinburgh, then roadworks everywhere.
Bella met me with lots of kisses and Ruaridh with a look of disdain. Her mummy left and we had a great time playing, having our drinks, walking about and peering at Ruaridh to see what he was up too. After about an hour she wanted to be picked up, she cuddled up to me and started to rub her eyes, I sang for a minute or two then saw she was really tired. Popped her into her pram she gave a couple of cry's then quiet when I peeped in she was asleep:)
Bella slept for an hour Joe and Graham arrived home and still she slept, then when Layla came she woke up.
Had a lovely meal of lasagne and foccacia, followed by toffee ice-cream hmm!
Home now quite tired. Goodnight.

Up the hill.

Today visited an area in the village I haven't previously been to, as the village is very small even I am surprised at myself. John H who is going to do some work for us here and hopefully in Edinburgh, was working in a house at the back of the village up a hill. We had to speak to him today to make a start, as tomorrow we leave for a week in Edinburgh.
Weather very rainy today say no more, enjoyed my bath and hairwash, then breakfast before going to the village and then the beach. Didn't get too far on the beach was freezing cold and raining cats and dogs. Quick sprint down the beach then turned round to head for home.
Saw Christine in the field collecting soil from the molehils in the pishing rain, shouted to her to come up for a cuppa which thankfully she did.
Had the left over chowder for lunch, offered some to C which she refused though managed a spoonful and liked it. Won't see her for a couple of weeks as she is off to Shetland. Cleaned the BR, and front room prior to going south.
Dinner tonight risotto frittata, roast potatoes and peas, lovely.
Going to try and do more knitting and eat some chocolate, maybe.Bye.

Blue Monday

Today is meant to be the most depressing day of the year, can't say early on I felt cock-a- hoop, but a wash, porridge with a splodge of maple syrup for breakfast and the sun rising over the mountains lifted my spirits toute suite.
Had business things to deal with this morning one or two disagreements over the phone but what the hell, this is the 21st C.
Our neighbour Christine arrived she was going to collect some sticks then soil from the mole hills. Quick chat then away to the beach. Lovely walk with Ruaridh who found an old bone much to his delight.
Back home Christine popped up for lunch, then Graham chain sawed some logs and I stacked them in the log store.
Made bread and dog biscuits for Ruaridh which he loves, himself trotted between ourselves and Christine who was getting soil from the mole hills for her garden
Sunshine all day, super. Dinner tonight squash risotto, salad and foccacia delicious.
watching Clash of the Worlds-Palastine on BBC4 interesting. Bye.

A New Trek

Today weatherwise was a mixture of sun and torrential downpour. Up at 0400h with the wee fellow this morning who arrived outside our bedroom door and started to cry. Door to front room not closed properly and he managed to nosy out. Let him out and he chased around the perameter fence but didn't appear to catch anything, he then came up to our bed and as is his want took over. Tonight he is put back downstairs.
Fry up for breakfast, quick wash then off to try out our new forestry key. We pay to saw fallen and dead trees in the forest, as we do this, for the deposit of £10 we now have a key that allows us into our alloted woods. We decide to investigate a trek we had not been along before, apart from the heavens opening it was rather pleasant, needless to say Ruaridh loved it and disappeared on one of his long adventures. Much shouting and whistling and he appeared.
Next stint was over to the tree we have started to saw, in torrential rain we sawed and lopped and got a few logs and lots of small sticks, which are keeping the stove glowing as I write.
Hot chocolate oatcakes and cheese on our return.
Veggie sausage and mashed tatties for dinner, smells delicious.
Just been looking at some trips to Patagonia looks and sounds amazing---Dreams:) Bye.

Too late

Sorry missed my Blog last night, Graham arrived home from the south about 2130h and after talking and eating I looked at the clock and it was 0015h. I don't know after two years if I can back post must attempt to find that out.
Yesterday was very wet and very windy, Ruaridh and me managed a walk round the field and a short trip on the road between storms and torrential downpours. Christine popped in in the afternoon after her trip to Kyle, we had oatcakes and a cup of tea and she brought me the eggs.
Boiled the marmalade again and got the setting point right this time with a thermometer:)
Today up late had a bath, wet in the main some rays of sun, breakfast then down to the village shop no Guardian! To the beach Ruaridh enjoyed the shore, icy cold.
Back home cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. Made dinner corn chowder soup which tasted lovely, followed by tinned salmon on a homemade brown bread sandwich, with a cup of tea. A lazy day! Watching TV Bye.

Christine's for Dinner

Ruaridh and moi are going to have dinner with Christine our neighbour this evening, and we are looking forward to this. The day dawned bright with still a touch of ground frost but this afternoon the rain came.
Up quite early as Graham had to go south for a meeting and he was taking a fellow blipper who lives on The Isle of Skye down. So breakfast and then Graham was ready to go, waved him off then had a quick wash before taking the wee fellow for a walk. We went through the field and saw some lovely small ice patterns. Ruaridh as usual on this walk had a great time hunting and chasing the rabbits. Popped over to Christine's to say Hi and check on the sheep sadly it had died in the night.
Back home had a long chat with Layla then a late lunch, rice and an aubergine mix from the freezer, delicious. Had a chat with Graham who had arrived at Layla's safe and sound.
Time marched on and it was time to go to Christine's, got Ruaridh on the lead and off we went. Didn't need the torch as it was a lovely moonlit night. Had a lovely dinner veggie lasagne with roast tatties, followed by fresh fruit salad.
Home at 2300h spoke to Graham who is fine, tuned in to This Week. Goodnight.

Poorly Sheep

Went out into the garden this morning in my PJ's as the wee fellow was barking. Saw the two sheep by the back fence, one standing and one laid down, as Ruaridh barked the one standing started to Baa, and then moved away, I saw the one on the ground could not stand and therefore was unable to move. Called my neighbour Christine to see if they belonged to the croft and she said she would be right over. She assessed the situation and went back home to get a bottle (filled with milk and a dram of whisky!) with a teat. Managed to get some into the beast, we then placed her in a large blue bag and pulled her over into the sun as she was frozen. When we came back from the beach she was up on her feet attempting to eat grass which was frozen! Christine gave her more milk, then we placed her in the caravan for the night where she wil hopefully be much warmer.
Hope she survives the night.
Had a nice bath this morning then breakfast, before we took Ruaridh down to the beach, the weather was lovely and we had a great walk.
Back home boiled eggs and homemade brown bread for lunch Hmmm.
Spoke to mum and Layla all appears to be OK.
Minestrone soup for dinner with foccacia bread Hmmm.
Apple Pie and custard for supper Hmmm.
Cup of tea -bed yawn. Goodnight.

New Bin Day

Today was once again cold and sunny up quite early as Graham had some business to attend to before going over to our neighbours to saw some logs for her. Looking out to where we leave the garbage bin I noticed our new one had arrived, dressed in my PJ's and a fleece I hurried up to claim it. It now sits at the gate to the house, tomorrow it gets a dab of paint, for ownership purposes! Washed and breakfast, started to make my bread, then about 1300h Graham went over to chainsaw the logs.
Ruaridh and moi followed through the field, he really enjoys this as he can smell wildlife a go go. Arrived at Christine's no one in, came home then Graham and me and Ruaridh went into the woods to get logs, we had a lot of sawing to do but managed to bring some of the wood home. The wee fellow as per usual enjoyed the woods.
Back home we had lunch, then I made a smoked haddock quiche for dinner as Christine was coming over. Ate this with roast potatoes and peas rather nice. Had a blether to Christine as Graham wanted to watch The Horizon programme. Spoke to Layla and mum both appear to be OK . Walked Christine down the lane Ruaridh thought all his holidays had come at once. Bye

Weeding!

Today in the cold and sun I started to weed the beds ready for planting vegetables in the spring. We have six fishboxes that were washed up on the shore, and we have collected over the past two years, in these as well as the raised beds we grow the vegetables. Today I managed to weed all six, any leftover vegetables where placed in trhe compost!
We were up early today as Bob and Bets were leaving to go south, had a good breakfast with them, scrambled eggs on toast, a quick chat then they were on their way.
Had a quick wash put some washing in, then off to the beach with Ruaridh good walk suddenly the weather started to get really cold so we came home, had soup and bread followed by apple pie.
Did some knitting, as we were not very hungry decided to have beans on toast for our evening meal.
Christine arrived with a bag of goodies she stayed for a cup of tea and a chat, maybe she will come for dinner tomorrow?
Layla telephoned and after one or two hiccups her work went OK, and Bella was happy to spend the day with her daddy!
Tonight BBC4 are doing a night regarding The War and Reconstruction in Iraq-excellent viewing.

G&T Day

Today it rained and rained we went out for a walk down to the beach couldn't go to far as one of our chums Bob had a bad back.
Ruaridh enjoyed the walk and loves having Bob and Bets here. Arrived home and decided to get stuck into the G&T's had two they tasted delicious especially with the slice of lime!
Made an apple pie for dessert which didn't get eaten due to the huge Thai curry, fried rice and vegetables and flatbreads cooked by Graham. This was a delicious dinner enjoyed by all.
Up quite early, nice to chat with our friends over breakfast, fairly lazy day not much else to say only it has been good seeing our friends again.
Good luck to our daughter Layla who is returning to work tomorrow for a day and a half, after having given birth to wee Bella over thirteen months ago. How time flies:)

B&B Arrive

Our chums Bob & Bets arrived today much earlier than expected. It was great to see them both, as we have not seen them in over a year and it is almost two years since they were up at the Glen. Had tea and oatcakes then settled down to a good chat catching up on family and friends and of course any "hotgos". Drinks before dinner then we sat down to a Graham special, pasta with smoked haddock in saffron cream sauce with seared scallops on the top, delicious. Had a singalong to the ukelele tonight which was a good laugh as we all sang in a different key.
Up quite early this morning ironed, had a bath and hairwash, then breakfast prior to taking the wee fellow to the village and the beach, had a good walk, the day was sunny and bright with a deep ground frost.
Just having a cup of tea before bed. Goodnight .

Momentous adventure

Today dawned for us at 0940h sunny and cold. After breakfast and a wash we decided to take the wee dog for a long walk in the woods. The scenery was lovely as we still have snow on the mountain tops, walked up the hill Ruaridh was way ahead of us when suddenly I saw him take off. We got to the top of the hill and started our descent, we walked on without calling Ruaridh but after a while as he had not appeared we started shouting and whistling. No dog, eventually after much of the same Graham and moi decided to split up, I went back the way and Graham carried on. I hadn't walked far when who should come racing around the corner but a wet, bedraggled, wee dog who run right past me and onto Graham! Oh well at least we got back home before the dark came down and the frost set in. I think Ruaridh is pleased as well, at this moment he is resting on the sofa!
When we got home had a sandwhich and a cup of tea, before I got stuck into the cleaning as we are expecting our chums B&B up tomorrow.
Graham has just made a lovely pot of soup for dinner with fried bread and parmesan cheese! hmm just going to eat it! Well we didn't get the parmesan, too rich!
Ruaridh has just been on the deck which is covered in ice and rubbed himself on it he had a great time! Bye

A do nothing day!

This was not intentional it just happened, up quite early but somehow didn't manage to get things moving too quickly. Eventually had breakfast then a wash, sorted some washing just about to set off with Ruaridh to take the eggs to Christine's when she appeared at the house. So we had a cup of tea, eventually as the day was crap persuaded her not to go to the river and get the logs she had sawed, as due to the intermittent heavy rain the river level was rising.
We then took Ruaridh for a walk up the road to the old steading took some good photo's, and had a good look round, lots of photo calls here. Ruaridh had a great time and disappeared into the woods. Back to the house for a late lunch and a chat, then Christine left.
Dinner was left over tomato sauce, pasta, salad and bread, lovely.
Making bread just done the foccacia about to go into the oven.
Must try to do more knitting. Bye.

Isle of Skye Smokehouse

Today with severe weather warnings in place we set off to get the messages, as is our want we set off for The Misty Isle. Lucky for us the wind and rain slowed down and at times the sun came out so it turned out to be a pleasant trip. First stop was a woodland one so that Ruaridh could have a walk, we walked for a wee way then back to the car to carry on to the Co-op in Broadford. Managed to get most of our messages, but no undyed smoked haddock, however we were directed to the Isle of Skye Smokehouse and here we were able to buy it, along with some lovely looking scallops. We will return! Took Ruaridh for a run on the beach. Then set off to Kyle.
Got what we required here then on to Balmacara to get the free range eggs.
Home cup of tea and an eccles cake, then I got stuck in and made pizza's and coleslaw for dinner, it tasted good.
Just watching Hugh's Chicken Run regarding free range chickens-interesting. Bye

Different Shore.

For our daily walk today we took a new route, we drove through the village, stopping at the wee shop on the way, then up the hill towards Sandaig. Graham wanted to take some Panorama photos and this is a great place to do that, Ruaridh was delighted to say the least new ground to cover. After this photo call we then decided to take a new trek into the forest, took photos of a discarded tractor and various items around it, followed the trek and descended a big hill down to a bay and a new shore to crunch over! Ruaridh loved it and on the way back to the Jeep he did one of his disappearing acts! Eventually after much shouting and whistling he appeared only to try and start climbing a tree! What lurked there who knows, I could see nothing but had to pull the wee Terrier out of the branches.
Had a leisurely bath and washed my hair, breakfast and a chat to Layla.
Back from our walk had lunch, made a soda bread which is delicious. Did some business calls and spoke to some friends on the telephone.
Just about to have dinner veggie stew, mashed tatties and cabbage.
Been watching the Channel 4 news re American Presidential Race, hoping to watch The Boys From Baghdad High- This World on BBC2 at 2100h. Bye.

Blanket

Layla asked me to knit two blankets when she knew wee Bella was on the way, the wool one I finished just after Bella arrived, the cotton one has been ongoing for a year, now I am pleased to say it is almost finished, only one more inch to go and the edging to do then voila! Also hoping to start a couple of jumpers to keep the wee one warm:)
Up and about around 1000h this morning, breakfast, wash and then off to the beach in cold but sunny weather. Had a lovely walk with the dog, who loves to bark when I pick up a stone to throw into the sea but never goes in to retrieve same! We left the beach in a torrential downpour.
Back home light lunch, then I did some ironing, sewed on some buttons that have been waiting to have that done for ages.
Spoke to mum and Layla things appear to be OK.
Graham just making dinner, mushrooms in red wine sauce with pasta hmmm.
Getting on to finish the above blanket. Bye.

Woodland Adventures

We took Ruaridh to the woods today, it seems a long time since we took this particular route and we enjoyed the walk in sun, rain and snow. Ruaridh in particular had a great time running in and out of the woods and having his adventures. Managed to get one or two good photo's.
Didn't waken up until 0930h today, hot leisurely bath, fry up for breakfast, before the walk.
Back home cup of tea and cake then took the Christmas Tree down and the decorations.
Made a leek and veggie bacon quiche for dinner, Graham did the roast tatties and we had fine green beans from Waitrose! Christine was meant to come to dinner but it didn't happen as she was very tired!
Holidays over now, John H in touch today and he is going to come and start work on the house--good.
Saw a brilliant Japenese movie The Hidden Blade on BBC 4 last night superb.
Waiting to watch Kevin Spacey in The South Bank Show. Goodnight.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Late last night in bed amid much sneezing, blowing nose and coughing I finished reading my Christmas read by Khaled Hosseini, this is his second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns. It is about life in Afghanistan, particularly about life for the women of that country, and is an excellent read. Of the two books he has written I prefer his first The Kite Runner which almost had me in tears when I read it. I like his style of writing and hope he produces more novels.
Awoke to a dark rainy day, though feeling much better. Listened to the radio, had my early morning cuppa got washed then made eggy bread for breakfast. The rain still came down in torrents accompanied by hail at times.
Had to go to the village shop to get messages and The Guardian, weather appeared to be a little brighter so we went to the beach and yes got caught in a downpour.
Back home in a hurry, light lunch spoke to Heiner in Germany, Mum and Layla on the phone all appear OK, though Layla has the cold and Bella is cutting another tooth!
Did some clearing out today-a start anyway.
Going to have pumpkin soup for dinner followed by a sandwich, then get our feet up and watch TV. Bye.

The cold

Have had a stinking cold the last two days, eating paracetamols and drinking fluids ++ is holding it at bay for most of the time. Awoke to snow on the mountain tops, up at 0900h today early morning tea then a lovely leisurely bath and hairwash. Breakfast porridge and fried egg sandwich with a good cup of coffee.
Took the wee dog down to the beach he enjoyed running about, and chasing the oyster catchers and leaves, the weather was dull but fine.
Came back made bread, had tea and cake, carried on reading my Christmas book 'A Thousand Splendid Sons' by Khaled Hosseini excellent, nearly finished it. Did my blip.
Lovely Paella for dinner made by Graham, starting to feel rotten again so a drink and paracetamol x2 then to bed. Goodnight

Family leave for Winter Wonderland.

This afternoon Joe, Layla and Bella packed the car to travel back to Edinburgh after spending New Year here in the Glen. We had a super time whilst they were here, lots of good food, some drink! lots of sleep and some good walks. Bella is a wee star and as usual she kept us entertained, Ruaridh is wondering what has happened it is so quiet. The family met the snow that had been forecast last night, but arrived home safe and sound.
We awoke to a cold but sunny day, I had a quick wash and early cup of tea before walking with the dog to say bye to the Beggs who returned to Lewis today. Had a chat and another cup of tea, then said goodbye.
Walked back home and Miss T was up and about, she always gives you a lovely smile when she sees you in the morning:)
Had breakfast Grandpa insisting on a chopped up egg with butter and bread for Bella she did eat some 'nuff said.
After they had left did a quick tidy then down to the beach, it was very warm in the sun and the light was good. Enjoyed the walk.
Back home light lunch, then laid on the sofa and read my Christmas book, did my blip and now the Blog.
Graham made lovely pumpkin soup for dinner. Just going to do the dishes. Bye.

The Beggs

This evening Layla and myself took Bella in her pram and Ruaridh to visit the family Begg, they are visiting my neighbour Christine here in the Glen. Thomas is the brother of Christine and he and the family live on The Isle of Lewis, they have been visiting for New Year. It was lovely to see them all, they wanted to see Bella awake, but half way down the road she fell asleep and only awoke when we were ready to leave! We had a good visit and I mentioned to them that Graham and me were hoping to visit them in Lewis either February or March.
Had a lovely afternoon on the beach at Lower Breakish, Bella paddled in her wellies and appeared to love it. Stopped at Balmacarra Shop and I think it must be under new ownership as things are changing and they had a good supply of different foods. Back home ate big portions of "eggie bread" and big mugs of coffee.
Graham made delicious curries and pilau rice and Layla made dahl, eaten with nan bread and yoghurt lovely.
Finishing this on The 3rd January as the internet went down last night. Bye.

Happy New Year 2008!

Love and Peace to all for 2008.
Hope everyone had as good a day as we did with the family. Walk along the shore to a small bay, bonfire, barbeque, seal/otter swimming in the bay. Bella walking with help on the shore and paddling, Ruaridh disappearing on endless adventures, on the walk home seeing bats? at this time of the year.
This evening a delicious pasta meal and salad cooked by Graham, and a bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc super! Goodnight.