Happy Your Day Joe, Leap Year 2008!

Today is Joe's numero 9 Birthday as he was born on the 29th February 1972 he only gets a real birthday once every four years! Today is that day Happy Birthday Joe.
Also today it was good to meet up with my old buddy Sue and husband Al who 'popped up' to Edinburgh on their way from British Columbia to Tanzania and Zanzibar! We had a lovely lunch with them at the Fruitmarket Gallery, Layla and Bella joined us and they looked lovely, we all enjoyed it and it was lovely to hear my buddy say tonight she could have Layla for a friend, i.e. if she was in Edinburgh and I wasn't there she would feel comfortable to telephone Layla, I was quite touched.
This evening we went out and had a lovely meal and drinks at 'The Creelers' with Al and Sue, ended the evening being blown across Princes Street in a gale straight into the arms of The Cafe Royal a great evening in good company!
Very tired after one or two whiskies and so to bed. Goodnight.

Teeth Day

Up quite early as I had a visit to the dentist and the dental hygienist, new hygienist who told me lots of things about my teeth I hadn't heard before. Like she knew I was right handed as my teeth on the left side are shinier than my teeth to the right! Drove down to Curry's were I met Graham and Ruaridh as we were going to buy a new vacuum cleaner. Bought a run along Hoover which on its first run appears to have done a good job. Then to Stockbridge on a mission, Layla telephoned and we decided to go over and visit, her and Bella, had lunch and coffee there. Bella entertained us no end especially on the wheelie-bug and pushing and pulling her wooden bricks trolley.
Waited to hear from Al and Sue, who are flying in from Canada today, no joy so left my telephone number at the hotel where they are staying. Sue telephoned around 1515h to say they had arrived but were pooped and better to see them tomorrow.
Took Ruaridh for a walk on the way home, in fact we were stuck in a traffic jamb so I jumped out with the dog and went for a walk through the hospital grounds and the cycle path.
Arrived home, Graham made dinner, courgettes in cream sauce with linguine and salad. Lovely.
Listening to George Galloway on Question Time--say no more! Bye.

Outside for coffee and cake!

A busy day work wise but good vibes, the alarm awoke me which was good as I must have had a deep sleep. Shower, hairwash, breakfast then off to work. Met up with some colleagues I have not seen in an age which was good, may be able to see some of them next week. Lovely sunny day today Spring like.
After work set off for Stockbridge to meet up with Graham, Layla, Bella and Ruaridh, Layla had an appointment in Stockbridge so Graham was looking after Bella and the wee fellow till I joined them. Met up with them at Herbie's cafe as here we can sit outside which means Ruaridh can join us! The coffee and panforte was delicious even when the drops of rain fell, Bella and Ruaridh enjoyed a shared breadstick!
Walked back home pushing the pram, good exercise, Bella sang all the way!
Minestrone soup with cream-crackers followed by tinned salmon sandwiches for dinner lovely.
Cleaning to do later. Bye.

Exams

Back at work today to cover exams for the Drs. good day and fun to meet up with all the people again, though one of these days I will quit:) The thought of getting up at 0700h always makes me shudder but once on the walk to work I am fine. Freezing wind this morning biting into my cheeks soon wakens one up! The day appeared to go quite smoothly, the chat was good as was the food.
After work walked down to Waitrose to get the messages there, Graham met me after he had picked up Ruaridh who had been to Doggie Style to have his hair stripped, he looks so handsome!
Telephoned mum a couple of times and she is feeling better though she has a wee way to go. Spoke to Layla who appears to be OK. Bella was still roaring round on her wheelie-bug.
Lovely vegetable risotto for dinner with salad.
Very tired, work tomorrow to bed. Goodnight.

Miss Rally Driver--of the future.

After a quite hectic morning left mother's to drive back to Edinburgh. Mother is feeling somewhat better and is quite obviously at this moment in time wanting to attempt to do somethings for herself! She has got a rota of ladies (friends) coming in morning noon and afternoon to make sure she is OK. Jen is there at night until Thursday when Ann returns, then we will take it from there.
Good journey up though the weather was awful, arrived at the family's at 1900h, lovely to see them all Bella looking cool in her daddy's hat. She now goes on her Wheelie-Bug like the clappers-forwards, backwards, sideways you name it she does it! and laughs all the time. She roared past Ruaridh who looked on with appropriate disdain. Lovely dinner courtesy of Joe, pizzas agogo, with coleslaw. Saw Bella's new bedroom lovely, and she slept all night.
Home very tired, have work tomorrow. Goodnight. Photo tomorrow.

Swing

Graham and moi bought Bella an indoor swing for her Birthday, today her daddy put it up for her and she appears to love it. Tonight the wee one is sleeping in her own bedroom for the first time, her daddy and mummy have done it up for her and from photographs it looks lovely, hopefully will see it tomorrow.
Mum appears to be improving, if slowly, so hoping to head back to Edinburgh tomorrow, as I have work Tuesday and Wednesday, then Al and Sue will visit Thursday, Friday. Jen is staying with mum until Thursday when her mum will be back, so that will be company for mother at night. Mother's friends have been excellent and are going to pop in during the morning and afternoon.
Breakfast-fry up tasted delicious, wash then down to the beach Ruaridh had a great time wandering in the wetlands again.
Muriel and Irene visited mum this afternoon nice to see them.
Roasted vegetables and pasta with salad for dinner, mum had some and really enjoyed same.
Dane came for Jen as they were going to the movies thay sat and watched the Ice Skating before going, movie finished early so we were out with the wee fellow when they arrived home, mum let them in!
Just going to bed. Goodnight.

Telephone day.

Happy to say mum appears to be improving, the sickness has stopped and she has managed to eat today. The telephone never stopped most of the day, relatives and friends telephoning to find out how mum was. I must say people have been very concerned and it is great to know that, also lots of offers of help which is much appreciated. Anne flies off to France tomorrow and Jen will be coming to stay with Gran, for four nights.
Late breakfast this morning after seeing to mum and fielding the phone calls. Wash, then down to the shore with Ruaridh for a walk on the beach, the tide was in so we walked towards Fairhaven. This area is mainly wetland and Ruaridh had a great time trawling through the marshes.
Back home Graham away to Blackpool to take photos, Ruaridh and moi went for a walk to post mail and go to the bank. Popped into see Anne on our return kept her up to date with what is happening.
Graham returned after an eventful day doing his photography, did my blip of Harrison's fairy cakes!
Fish and chips with mushy peas for dinner with a bottle of Budwar super!
Jen and Dane popped in to see us before going out to have fun. Mum has had a good day today, same tomorrow fingers crossed and she should start to feel much stronger. Goodnight.

Dash to Red Rose County

Telephoned my mum today and she sounded rather unwell, as she put it 'Done For'. Spoke to Graham and her 'adopted' daughter Anne and the decision was made to come down to the Red Rose County. Anne telephoned the Dr and said she would let us know when he had been and what he said. Set to and tried to put the house in order prior to leaving! phoned Layla to let her know what was happening. Anne telephoned about 1230h to say the Doc had been, given mum a shot for the sickness and when she told him she was 'Done For' had said he didn't think so, not yet anyway!
Left at 1300h, walk for Ruaridh in the woods up the hill then, Hit the Road Jack, travelled south for 8 hours had a couple of stops and arrived at mum's safe and sound she looked better than expected and didn't mind Ruaridh jumping all over her bed! The wee fellow behaved really well on the journey down he is a star.
Anne had got us pizzas in so had them for dinner with a bottle of Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc lovely now to bed exhausted. Goodnight.

Drips

Today we had the drips again from the sitting-room window, lucky for us John H had just arrived with a bracket that was required for the guttering. Big moves, a huge square of plasterboard removed from the wall under the window upstairs, underneath the wall was soaking wet! John decided that the wet was coming in somewhere around the dormer so big decisions. Work on the dormer, a new sash window, see if the damp stops, if it does then do the interior of the room. Phew!
Up early spoke to Layla who is still having to hassle her G.P.'s surgery re a hospital appointment for her back! later in the day a degree of satisfaction, message from the Dr with an apology and to say another letter has been sent and fast tracked. Fingers crossed.
Spoke to mum who is obviously not feeling well, Anne arranged for the Dr to call. Anne called me back to say Dr had been and mum has a urinary infection, started on antibiotics so fingers crossed here as well.
No walk for Ruaridh today as the weather was awful, heavy rain and strong winds. We walked round the big field and nearly got blown away.
Dinner fennel and prawns in tomato sauce, pasta and salad lovely.
Doing some knitting, Christine our neighbour telephoned to ask us over as something was romping in her upstairs. Went over and let Ruaridh loose in the upstairs nothing to report apart from the mouse head left in the trap what happened to the body -Ruaridh did you eat it? Goodnight.
Last night forgot to report Bella now weighs in at 18lbs 12oz well done wee one:)

Neighbours

This afternoon we were invited over to Christine's our neighbour to meet her friend Robbie who hails from the Shetland Isles, of interest to Graham and me as we lived and were married there. We had a good visit, cups of tea, cheese and biscuits and a lovely Christmas cake made by an eleven years old girl. We had a chat disagreed on somethings Shetland, but on the music front the vibes were good. Robbie is a musician and has played with names, Billy Connelly, Gerry Rafferty, Aly Bain et al, interesting afternoon!
Up early spoke with Layla on the telephone they appear to be fine, spoke to mum who is still feeling less than 100%. Anne had been in and taken her some ready meals from M&S so when she is feeling more able she can have these, advised her to eat lightly as she had been sick in the night.
Took Ruaridh for a walk in the field he loves running round, and sniffing out the rabbits. We then took him down to the beach and it was freezing probably due to the wind chill, had a good walk then back to Christine's.
Home around 1700h cleaned the bedroom, spoke to mum again, she is just the same.
Dinner left over leek quiche, roast potato wedges and peas.
Going to do some knitting. Bye.

Ferry.

Today we left The Isle of Lewis and Harris by the 1330h ferry for Uig Isle of Skye, after spending a great weekend with the Family Begg. Good journey and the sun shone for most of the trip but it was very cold. After we left the house this morning we went to see the Standing Stones at Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, Graham had seen them many times but this was my first visit, they are truly amazing, standing straight and reaching up to the sky, mystical, magical and three thousand years old!
Arrived safe and sound on Skye, went to the Co-op at Portree to get our messages, then into Skye Baticks to pick up some curry powder for a friend of a friend!
Arrived home emptied the car then got stuck into making the dinner veggie stew, mashed tatties and cabbage on which I put caraway seeds which were sprouting I hadn't noticed:) it tasted OK. Made up the bed and hotties in, spoke to mum this morning said she was feeling somewhat better, however by nightime she wasn't feeling as good, tired and going to bed. Spoke to Layla they all appear to be alright.
Took the new bin out so hope this one doesn't disappear. Ruaridh came with me and we had a walk down the lane, now to bed. Goodnight.
Forgot drainpipes and guttering in place looks great!

Fish Farm

Today we spent the morning at the fish farm that our chum Thomas manages, we had a great time and I was very impressed by the expertise that goes into the smooth running of the operation. The cages were extremely clean and well looked after as were the fish in them. Good to meet two of Thomas's colleagues and have a chat with them. Ruaridh just wanted to jump out of the Rib into the sea, though the jumping salmon had him puzzled?
Woke early had a wash and breakfast, then Thomas telephoned to say he would be over at the pier within the hour to take us on our trip. Really enjoyed the whole morning thanks to Thomas and the guys for everything.
Back to the house lovely soup for lunch, had a chat with Kirsty and Garry. Telephoned mum who is still feeling somewhat grotty.
Graham, Garry and moi with the wee fellow went up to Stornoway as Graham had a business meeting. Garry and me took the dog for a walk then went for a coffee and bun, another walk round the pier then Graham had finished and we drove back home.
The light was amazing over Harris deep pink and purple.
Arrived back tomato sauce and pasta with mushrooms for dinner followed by pineapple upside down pudding with custard delicious, thanks Kirsty.
Just about to take the wee fellow a walk. Goodnight.

Memory Lane

Today took a trip down this lane. Thirty-seven years ago I visited The Isle of Lewis and Harris, it was on this occasion I first met Graham and also saw the beach at Luskintyre. For all the intervening years I have dreamt and thought of this beach as being one of the most perfect I have ever seen, and the ocean is blue/green. Today I made the return trip to the beach along with Graham, our friends Thomas and Garry not forgetting wee Ruaridh, who appeared to love the beach almost as much as I do. It was magical and held the same charm for me that it had all those years ago. We had a lovely walk in the cold but sunny weather it was Nirvana.
Thomas took us to various spots on the islands and it was very interesting, big stark rocks coming down to these amazing beaches.
Up quite early wash, breakfast and chat before we set off, had a lovely day many thanks to Thomas, Kirsty and the lads.
Came home cup of coffee then a delicious dinner prepared by Kirsty organic salmon, potatoes, cauliflower & brocolli with cheese sauce, apple strudel and fresh cream. Going to knit. Bye.

Over the Sea

Left the Glen today to travel to the Isle of Lewis and Harris, we left at around 1230h and arrived at Uig on the Isle of Skye at aound 1430h. checked in to the Ferry Terminal and got our tickets and boarding passes. On the way we stopped off at the
Co-op in Portree to get goodies to take with us. Met up with Thomas B who we are staying with in Lewis he had been to the mainland to pick up his son's new car! We had a good crossing and arrived safe and sound in Tarbet on time. Good journey over to the house good to see Kirsty, Gary and Andrew again and to meet Susie the dog, don't know what she thought of Ruaridh?
Up early because of said trip, breakfast phoned mum who is still feeling a bit off, a walk in the woods on the way over the hill.
Had a lovely plate of soup and garlic bread, followed by pear flan for dinner. Delicious. Relaxing in front of a warm/hot fire with a glass of white wine. Cheers. Goodnight.

Drainpipes

Drainpipes and guttering were the order of the day, still a heavy ground frost in the morning, which gave way to sunny and warm weather around 0930h and John H arrived to replace ours. Up early as Graham had promised to pick up Thomas B over the hill who was making a surprise visit to his sister our neighbour Christine as he was picking up a new car for his son. He will be on the same ferry as us to The Isle of Lewis tomorrow afternoon, and we will be staying with them during our visit there.
Started the bread, then took the wee fellow down to the beach had a great walk, Ruaridh has taken to paddling in the sea in the warm sunny weather.
Back home knocked the bread back and had lunch.
Spoke to Layla, her and Bella had breakfast with Louise.
Spoke to mum some difficulties but she is feeling better this evening.
Started to paint the pump house, almost finished when I saw this car coming in the gate, Graham had taken the Jeep for a run as it had a flat battery and met the car which belonged to our good chums Pete and Sheena. Great to see them, they came in had coffee and oatcakes and a good chat. They now live at The Muir of Ord, so no excuse we must vist them.
They didn't stay for dinner as they had this booked at the hotel where they were staying overnight.
Leek quiche, roast tatties and broad beans for dinner lovely, bread finished smells great.
Very tired having a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Intent-- didn't happen.

Got up this morning full of good intent to continue the painting of the wood outside the house, for some reason it didn't happen. Guess I just didn't get into gear. Awoke early had a lovely bath and hair wash, breakfast, spoke to Layla and Bella who were going swimming, spoke to my mother who wasn't feeling too good and had called the Dr. Christine arrived!
Had a quick chat then she set off to saw more logs, Ruaridh and moi followed her down the field he had a great run, and I took photographs. Back home got ready to take Miss B's knitted cotton blanket to the post office, and get messages for the neighbours!
Had a super walk on the beach the weather was once again amazing, sunny and warm after an early morning ground frost. Then to the shop. Parcel posted.
Back at the house spoke to mum Dr had been she has inflammation ? where and is on antibiotics. She appeared to be somewhat better.
Did a pile of ironing as we are heading off for a few days on The Isle of Lewis this weekend.
Had a lovely paella for dinner made by Graham.
Don't know what I have done this evening it has flown by. Hot chocolate for supper. Goodnight.

Pear Mascarpone Custard

The other week I purchased some mascarpone, put it into the fridge and forgot it! Found it today and the use by date was yep 13/02/08. so decided to make pear mascarpone custard for today's dessert. I did and it was delicious, enough left for another helping tomorrow. Before this for dinner I made pizzas they also were rather good (patting myself on the back) and Christine our neighbour stayed to enjoy both delights.
In fact Christine arrived over fairly early this morning, Graham decided as once again it was a super day-frosty and sunny, to start to paint some of the woodwork in the garden, the shed, the gates the fencing, in the lovely blue colour we painted two years ago. I decided to go down to the river with Christine to give the dog a run, he loved this plenty of rabbits to smell out and chase. Christine was down there sawing logs so she borrowed our wheelbarrow, helped her to upload one load and take them to her house. On the way there Ruaridh spied a rabbit and zoomed off, we called him to no avail eventually had to go after him. He was having a great time running up and down the hill behind the house chasing numerous rabbits, taking his time he returned to us.
Back home lunch then I started to brush down some of the wood that requires painting.
Didn't get a chance to read any of my book "The Echo Maker" by Richard Powers which had been part of my intent for today.
Booked the ferry for Saturday to go to visit the Begg family on The Isle of Lewis.
Watched Summits: Geneva 1985 between Ronald Regan & Mikhail Gorbachev-brilliant. Goodnight.

Jag Day.

Today was Ruaridh's day, he had to visit the vet for his annual injections and MOT. We left the house at 1530h and took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods at the top of the hill. Lots of pine trees had blown down since the last time we were here, arrived back at the car and suddenly a black VW swerved into the parking lot, I didn't realise it was our neighbour Christine who had been taking her grandchildren to meet up with their parents in Glengarry. Had a chat got her car going, then left for Kyle.
Did our messages first Post Office, Marine Stores for a jerry can, Mace shop to get some special goodies that they didn't have!
Took the wee fellow a walk, saw the vet was in and no-one there, so asked if we could be seen early, no problem. Ruaridh behaved impeccably and got two treats. He passed fine.
Up to the Co-op to get the messages then home.
Another stunning day, awoke to a heavy ground frost and brilliant sunshine and jars of marmalade that had set Yippee. Tasted delicious on our breakfast toast, Ruaridh approved. Finished Bella's cotton blanket and washed it, only taken me about 12 months! On to the jumper now.
Called at Balmacara for local free range eggs no joy.
Back home had minestrone soup and toast for dinner, made by Graham delicious.
Maybe have pancakes for supper the batter is ready, the last ones were a disaster area! Bye.

Marmalade 2008

Last time I attempted to make Seville marmalade in February 2006 it was a bit of a disaster to say the least. We had far to many oranges for the pan and it turned into a catastrophe. Some jars just had a thickened liquid in them, others were chock-a-block full of peel. In January this year I poured all the marmalade that was left into a pan, boiled it again and put it back into the jars, it is edible we have it on toast for breakfast. This marmalade I have just made looks much better, waiting for morning to see if it sets!
Good day, down to the shop, then took Ruaridh for a long run on the beach, the tide was out so we could walk out quite a long way. The sun shone not a cloud in the sky and it was warm, it felt good.
Back home just about to have lunch when John H arrived with the new drainpipes and guttering, hopefully he will be able to start this week sometime. Lunch was crackers and veggie pate or cheese, followed by Christine's banana and date loaf, John stayed.
Spoke to Layla and mum on the telephone the family are OK as is mum.
Corn chowder soup for dinner followed by Pumpkin risotto which was a bit earthy, and salad.
Just finished the marmalade tired to bed. Goodnight.

Mussels

Today as there was no wind or rain we set off to get mussels for our dinner. Decided not to go to the beach at the Glen, as they are very sandy, but went on a long trek round the corner from Sandaig where, Gavin Maxwell author of 'Ring of Bright Water used to live with his otters!
Treked through woodland which looked amazing, crossed the river which was in fuller flow than last time we ventured this way. Ruaridh was in his element, pastures new for him, after a rough passage we eventually arrived at the shore, managed to take quite a few photos as I ambled along the shore. Ruaridh didn't know where to go first all these new smells. Four sheep stood to attention as he dashed from one place to another, but he knows now not to go near them.
The mussels were quite small but we managed to find enough big ones to make a meal with. On the way home the wee fellow shot off as we all spied a deer, he returned to us after giving chase.
Arrived home the cups of tea tasted delicious.
Graham making dinner mussels in tomato sauce with pasta and salad
Watching Channel 4's programme on Hamas at 1900h. Bye.

Joe Brown- A Gem.

Have always liked Joe Brown both as a person and a singer. Great to see him on Jools Holland last night, Graham had gone to bed I was just following when the show came on and Jools said Joe was on, stayed up, nothing else of any interest to me but worth watching all the other acts to catch Joe B. He performed the song 'See you in my Dreams' on his ukelele just like he had done at the memorial for George Harrison. He spoke about how they both liked George Formby and were both members of his fan club, as were Joe and Layla at one point. Though they appear to have missed the tea George hosted for the fan club at his home:)
Grey day today fine going to the shop very windy and cold on the beach, walked towards the west today,Ruaridh loves to chase the seagulls hasn't caught one yet.
Back home light lunch, did my blip, made pancakes I know should have been Tuesday better late than never.
Graham making corn chowder for dinner followed by sardines on toast lovely.
Going to try and finish the edging for Bella's blanket then maybe a DVD tonight. Bye.

Baking Afternoon

At this moment sat watching Scott Walker: 30 Century Man BBC4, great interview Graham says I have seen it before but 'fraid I can't remember. Used to love The Walker Brothers in the sixties, but do appreciate where this guy is coming from now. Fascinating!
Enjoyed a leisurely bath this morning, had breakfast then Layla telephoned to say she was still feeling rotten and the wee one had a sore tummy. We offered to go down but she said they would be OK and Joe was off at the weekend.
Went down to the shop then to the beach. Wow it was windy but super, left Graham doing a timelapse and Ruaridh and moi walked along the shore. We run from the waves crashing onto the beach, we twirled round and let the wind untangle us, Ruaridh chased anything that blew in the wind--Exhilerating. Blew things away:)
Back home quick lunch, then baking. Made Syrian onion flat breads (didn't put enough yeast in) but they still tasted good. Then made plain scones before making bread which is just waiting to go into the oven.
Had Greek butter beans in tomato sauce with the flat breads for dinner, these were bought at Lidl, OK but not as good as the ones we do ourselves.
Just going to put the bread in as Scott Walker as just finished, brilliant programme. Bye.

Freedom on the Beach

Today as we are now back in the Glen it was great to be able to walk on the beach. Somehow walking on the beach with the ocean lapping at your feet and the wind in your hair makes for the spirit to become freer. Whatever, it was good to be back, Ruaridh loved it scrambling over rocks risking life and limb, well hardly he is so sure footed. Then went down to the village store and post office to get messages and post a letter. Afterwards went to visit John H to attempt to sort out the work he is going to be doing here and Edinburgh.
Noonie our neighbour is back in the Glen, so popped up to see her as we got her newspapers at the shop. Back home had red pepper soup, and the remainder of the tinned salmon. Did some ironing, spoke to Layla she is feeling somewhat better as is the wee one, who by the way took three steps today by herself well done Bella:)
Fried rice and vegetables for dinner with sauce, lovely made by Graham.
My old chum Jane C telephoned good to chat ages since I heard from her.
Watched Michael Woods The Story of India BBC4 now watching The Art of Spain BBC4. Bye.

Two Years of Blog!

Yesterday was the second anniversary of my blog and I missed it:( I really enjoy writing my blog on events that have happened in my day, a record of mine and the family's life. I also do blipfoto.com which is a moment in my life captured by my camera and posted on the day it was taken. Busy, busy.
Up early today as we were returning to the Glen and had to pack and get the food ready to take. Telephoned Layla Joe answered to say Layla had been sick, poor thing offered to stay down but Joe said he could manage, as he and Bella were feeling better.
Shower, hairwash and breakfast, telephoned to order sandwiches for the journey. Walked Ruaridh over to Homebase as Graham had gone in the car to get diesal and something from Homebase which they didn't have, picked the sandwiches up. Set off for the North.
Amazing day cold, sunny lots of blue sky, snow on the mountains all the way up made them look stunning. Stopped at the canal Ruaridh loved it jumping from one clump of heather to another, also the canal was flooded. Had our lunch then set off again, stopped in Glengarry to take photos, let Ruaridh out for a pee joy of joy---snow he rolled in it, snuffled it, licked it, no pee. We arrived at the Glen around 1645h all appears OK.
Spoke to Layla she feels somewhat better, mum is alright.
Red pepper soup for dinner followed by wild tinned salmon sandwich lovely.
Watched Vienna Summit on BBC 4 excellent, hot chocolate and rum then bed. Goodnight.

Most important Bella is 14 months old today:)

New Shower Unit

Up quite early this morning, the wee fellow had slept downstairs all night, great. Layla telephoned to say Joe had been poorly and was vomiting, just as she was on the telephone the wee Sparky threw up, poor Joe and Bella. However she still said to come over for dinner, we said we would see and to telephone us later.
Had breakfast and a shower then had some business to attend to, sorted most of this and then took Ruaridh a walk along the cycle path to Roseburn. Not a happy wee dog as Graham had to stay behind to do some work. However he managed to come along with me even if it was pishing down! we got soaked.
Arrived back home and had a cup of tea, cleared a lot more old papers out before going over to Homebase to look at the shower units. Had some tea and a sandwich, Layla sent a text to say to go over as Bella and Joe were much better. We went to Homebase found a good shower unit quite expensive but what the hell, maybe have a look at one or two other ones before deciding? Then down to Waitrose to do a shop as we should be heading to the Glen tomorrow.
Good to see the family Bella was fine, just a bit off colour, Joe was feeling better. Layla had made a delicious meal, roasted vegetables, pasta and lovely homebaked rolls, we took over dessert frangipane with date, figs, almonds, with custard hmmm!
Played with the wee one had a chat then as she went to bed we left for home. Just got to take the dog then bed to read.
Watching Dave Gorman's Unchained America on More4 excellent. Goodnight.

Start ups.

Had breakfast with Bets, then said our goodbyes as we were heading to Glasgow to finish the clearing of Graham's mother's flat.
Missed Bob as just as I got up he was leaving the house to do a course on navigation. Took Ruaridh back to the beach for a walk however it was even colder than yesterday, so a short walk was all we managed. Drove back to Glasgow no hassle, straight to Graham's cousin Alison and her hubby Chum. The Bennet girls had done us proud once again and sorted the flat, most of the rubbish was away, and Chum and moi took lots of the small articles to a charity that helps people who have nothing with a start up pack.
Later two guys arrived from a charity that takes the bigger items, the older one adored Ruaridh (who woudn't) said his mum had a Border Terrier years ago, and he just loved Ruaridh. They couldn't take everything had to have a fire certificate ah well, just to phone the housing association and hope they will clear all?
Once again a big thanks to the girls and their hubbies for all their hard work, much appreciated.
Went to visit Graham's mum she appears to be settling, each time we go it gets a little better. Took us 2 hours to get from Govan to Edinburgh.
Starving on arriving home, scrambled eggs and bagels with a big pot of tea, the order of the day. Followed 2 hours later by baked beans on toast with another mug of tea lovely. Telephoned mum she is OK, Layla telephoned and they are all fine see them tomorrow. Goodnight.

Going West

Off to the west to day to visit our chums B&B in West Kilbride they have moved into a new abode and we are looking forward to seeing the house. Had a shower and washed my hair, scrambled eggs on bagels for breakfast, visit to Waitrose to pick up some goodies then we are off.
Good journey through using the Sat-Nav. good to see B&B and the house is cosy. Cup of tea and a biscuit then off to brave the beach for a walk. It was freezing but very 'bracing', Ruaridh loved it and turned his wee face into the wind all the time, and chased everything that moved.
Back to the house G&T for moi and Bets, Spanish brandy for Graham and red wine for Bob, before we sat down to a lovely meal.
Broccoli soup starter, smoked haddock, green beans and baked sweet potato both by Bob, Bets contributed the profiteroles with chocolate sauce, raspberries and cherries all delicious.
Sat into the night and put the world to rights or at least attempted too. Super day. Goodnight.

Bookshop

Had a wee lie in this morning, telephoned Bet and Bob and even at this late date it is OK to visit and stay over tomorrow, looking forward to seeing them prior to their visit to Australia at the end of this month. Breakfast--veggie sausage sandwich lovely. Wash, then set off for a walk with Ruaridh on the cycle path to Roseburn, weather- rain, sleet and sun, the wee fellow enjoyed his walk and had fun running about. I left them at Roseburn as I had to go into Edinburgh city to pick up another wee dress at The Royal Edinburgh Repository and Self Aid Society for Bella, it is lovely.
As I was in the city went into Waterstones bookstore to spend some Christmas money, walked in and found three books for myself straight away. Also got three books for Graham, caught the bus for home, bumped into an old colleague, had a chat.
Home, cup of tea and the remainder of The Kerry Apple Pie.
Going to the dreaded supermarket to buy Pizzas, lazy dinner, lazy evening either watching a movie or reading. Bye.

Kerry Apple Pie

Up early as I had a lot to do as the family were coming for dinner this evening. After the morning tea ritual I made breakfast then started the dinner for this evening pasta al furno. Then had a shower, Layla telephoned wanting to know what we were doing, we decided to go over to her house where we had lunch. Prior to this we went to get the wee fellows food, a new bone and a new ball( now kaput.) Graham left about 1500h to go up town for a meeting at 1600h, Bella, Layla moi and the wee fellow went a walk in Victoria park. Even though an icy wind was blowing Bella had her swing she loves this and I'm sure would have sat there all afternoon. We then went down onto the cycle path and walked back to the house.
Got everything ready and drove over to our house.
Bella was a great help especially making the Kerry Apple Pie a recipe given on blipfoto by a fellow blipper which was delicious. Had a fun time with the wee one who sat at the kitchen window and played with the teapot, an old egg container in which she had an orange, lime and lemon. Dinner was lovely and nice to have Joe, Layla and Bella here.
Just waiting to take Ruaridh for his evening constitutional, then a cup of tea and bed. Goodnight.