In the water day.

Today dawned sunny and quite warm decided to go over to the pebble beach at Corrin which is a favorite with us. Had a big fry up for breakfast Bella had four tattie scones amongst other things. Quick wash, then Layla got a wee snack together for us and off we went. Stopped at the village shop to purchase the messages we required then off we went. Just one or two people about as we arrived at our destination, off we set on our walk. Layla took Bella in the back-pack and Ruaridh run alongside delighted to be on an 'outing' with us all.
Joe made a fire when we arrived at the beach, Bella loved walking down to the water and putting her blue wellies in. Ruaridh was in his element the beach and the hills wow! The sun shone down and it was lovely, scenery looked amazing. Had our snack, played in the water with the wee one and the dog and had a great day.
Tired but happy we returned home, Bella fast asleep. I made soda bread and the dinner, Layla made Hot Cross Buns minus the cross as Easter is over.
Dinner was roasted vegetables with pasta, olives and bread, followed by apple crumble and custard lovely.
Just going to watch the movie 'Goodnight and Goodluck' so Goodnight and Goodluck :)

The lost hour.

At 0200hrs this morning British Summer Time officially begins, yes we put our clocks forward for one hour and therefore we lose an hours sleep. Didn't feel it to bad this morning but now although it is only 2215h I'm feeling dozy!
Up early after a good sleep no tattie scones made so we left the 'fry-up' until tomorrow. Enjoyed a family breakfast Bella is a great wee eater. After a wash we decided to go down to the beach, I carried Bella in the backpack but the wind was cold and was hurting her cheeks. On the way back we lifted her out and she enjoyed a walk on the beach and a wee paddle in her blue wellies, earlier in the day she had been out with her mummy in the field and her daddy in the garden in her blue wellies!
Home for lunch, then Graham made his potato scones whilst Bella and her daddy had a nap. Layla made her delicious Mediterranean tart with roast potatoes for dinner hmmm, Bella had the remainder of the pasta al forno with her roast potatoes and ate it all:) I made an apple crumble but everyone was so full after the delicious pie we will eat it tomorrow.
Just catching up with blip and Blog then to do some knitting. Goodnight.

Backpacking with Bella

Last night awoke at 0400h for a pee, just settling back to sleep when the room was illuminated by a flash of light, followed by a clap of thunder, somewhere in the Glens which awoke Ruaridh. He went out for a pee then decided to come into our bed where he settled until 0745h, up with him again when he decided to start chasing rabbits, he gave them a fright but that is all.
Layla and Bella awoke, morning drinks before I went into the bath which was great, washed my hair.
Breakfast then Christine, Haley and Amie arrived to see Miss B. She was delighted with the girls who took her for a walk, reported back that she had only fallen three times ??, anyway she appeared to be fine.
Down to the village shop to get the papers and messages. Had a lovely walk down at the beach the rain stopped and the sun came shining through. I carried Bella in the baby backpack and very comfortable it is too! Ruaridh also appered to enjoy his walk and ran all over the beach.
Back to the house had lunch and made some bread, played with Bella. Telephoned mum who appeared to be somewhat better?
Graham made dinner pasta al forno with salad and bread.
Joe arrived safe and sound around 1830h Bella was delighted to see him
We had dinner which tasted delicious thanks to Graham.
Just enjoyed my red wine and chocolate so going to bed soon, Goodnight.

A visit to Duncraig Nursery

Awoke this morning to rain, but had a lie in well till 0900h, Ruaridh was awake at 0645h and went into the garden then came into bed with us. Layla and Bella slept until 0900h. As the weather was pretty wet we decided to go and visit the garden centre and see if there was anything ready to buy. We had breakfast and then after washes all round, well almost we left.
As the weather was a bit brighter we decided to go for a walk first, we found this lovely woodland trail that eventually took one to Balmacara, walking for someway at the side of a small loch. Bella loved it sitting in her backpack on Graham's back, she loved watching the trees, not very happy with a small toad we found on the path though. Ruaridh also enjoyed it and enjoyed jumping, from one clump of heather to another.
The garden centre was behind too with their sowing, the man advised us to come back in a week or so. Bella loved it looking at the flowers and walked well holding onto our hands.
Home for lunch via Balmacara where we bought some messages.
Played with Bella this afternoon she loves helping to do the 'dishes'. Made dinner fish, rice and tomato sauce for us, fish and tatties for Bella which she really enjoyed.
Quite tired away to bed soon. Goodnight.

On the Beach.

Today has been a lovely day sunny and warm in the sun, had a lovely time at the beach. Up quite late 0830h Bella was trotting around with her mum, always great to see her here first thing in the morning. Of course Ruaridh had been up at 0500h to go out for a pee or poop, hope he sleeps through tonight. Had a lovely breakfast porridge, soda bread and coffee before heading out for the beach.
Ruaridh enjoyed the walk as did we all. The wee fellow was in his element running in and out of the water after the stones we were throwing in, Bella was delighted when she managed to throw a stone for him! The weather was stunning and it was lovely to feel the warm of the sun on your face. Bella appeared to enjoy herself enormously in the backpack, and sat on the beach.
Back home had potato scones and scrambled eggs for lunch. Played with Bella and the dog, then Bella went to have a nap in her pram on the deck in the sun.
Made Syrian breads for dinner as Graham was making vegetable tangine with rice for dinner. It was delicious.
Tiered tonight so going to bed. Goodnight.

Inverness

This morning we left the Glen quite early as we had to be in Inverness for 1200h to meet Layla and Bella who were travelling by train from Edinburgh to spend a week with us, Joe drives up on Saturday. A love sunny day for the trip still quite cold, stopped at the woods on the way up the hill for Ruaridh to have a run then off we go. As we got to the bottom of the hill Layla phoned to say not to rush as there was a problem with the points on the track somewhere in Fife! and they would be an hour late! Had a good journey up, stopped at the canal to take the wee fellow for a walk along the path.
Arrived at the station with plenty of time to spare, so went and bought fish at the local fishmongers.
Eventually the train pulled in and it was lovely to see the two girls, give them a hug and a kiss then back to the car, Ruaridh didn't know whether he was coming or going. Left the car and went to Leakey's second hand book store and cafe for lunch lovely. One day would like to spend a lot of time having a look at their books.
Then to Tesco's nuff said, left Inverness about 1700h, arrived back at the Glen around 1845h a long day for the wee lassie and the wee fellow:)
Graham made dinner fishfingers and roast tatties for Miss B, pasta with cheese sauce and roast tatties for us, both with PEAS-Bella loves them.
All tucked up in bed I'm just going. Goodnight.

One Egg

Had a telephone call from our neighbour Christine this afternoon to give me her good news, one of the three hens she acquired a wee while ago has laid an egg, the first. I was delighted at the thought in the not too distant future we will be having eggs from the hens next door!
Got up quite early had a bath and washed my hair, breakfast then the work started getting ready for Layla and Bella's visit, they arrive in Inverness tomorrow by train then Joe will drive up later in the week. We are going to meet them then having lunch and going to the shops!
Cleaned, then took Ruaridh down to the beach, we had a lovely walk and bumped into some people who we had met a couple of years ago, had a good chat with them before moving on. The sun came out and it was lovely.
Back home had lunch, did more cleaning, made soda bread and hummus, then finished the cleaning. Spoke with mum on the phone she appears to be improving day by day.
Lovely paella for dinner delicious. Got to do the ironing now. Bye.

Snow Flurries.

Today was cold, a day of brilliant sunshine and then the sky would darken and the snow flurries rushed in. Down at ground level the snow did not lie as the ground was too damp. We went over to Inverinate today to fill the Jeep up with diesal for our trip to Inverness on Wednesday to pick up Layla and Bella. We stopped at our usual place so that Ruaridh could go for a walk in the woods, snow was falling and the mountain tops were covered and looked stunning especially when the sun came out. We set off and the wee fellow was fine until he spied a deer then off he took, from that chase he returned quite quickly, then low and behold disappeared again, this time despite us shouting and whistling he just did not come back. I walked up to the Jeep to see if he was there no joy, set off back to continue 'the search' when who should come running up the track but Dog Pasha followed by Graham.
Carried on and got our messages, back home had a toasted fried egg sandwich with a good drink of tea for lunch, finished making the bread I had started this morning. Spoke to Layla and heard Bella singing on the telephone. Looking forward to their visit. Got the chick peas ready for the hummus.
Cleaned the kitchen, then dinner-corn chowder soup with crackers made by Graham, delicious.
Going to have a glass of red wine and chocolate. Bye.

A Walk on the Wild Side

Set off for our walk today the sun was shining but it was quite cold, snow flurries were the order of the day. Walked up into the woods, about a quater of a way into the walk Ruaridh as is his want disappeared into the forests, we kept on walking thinking that he would follow us or turn up ahead of us. Joke he was nowhere to be seen we whistled and shouted him no wee fellow, we decided to keep on walking in the hope he would come and find us. As we walked on the track we saw single deer, then a herd of hinds, lo and behold as we stood on this high ground looking for the scamp this Golden Eagle flew by, what a stunning looking bird and close up--huge.
We got to the junction still no terrier, I stayed in the woods to keep him company in spirit if not physically! and Graham went to get the Jeep. Whilst I was waiting I thought I heard Ruaridh bark (he has quite a distintive bark) over by the house, so I kept quiet. In about 20 minutes Graham and you've guessed it Ruaridh (large as life) drove up, he had gone back to the house and Graham found him there.
Had a lie in this morning--fandabby! Christine here for breakfast boiled eggs and toast, followed by homemade Hot Cross Buns and a big mug of coffee.
Hot Cross Bun and a mug of tea on returning home, then made two batches of scones plain and cheese.
Vegetable risotto and salad for dinner made by Graham, lovely.
Just going to settle down to watch 'The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency' on BBC1. Bye.

Hot Cross Buns

Awoke to light snow lying on the ground this morning, it didn't stay too long and the morning sun quickly melted the snow on the kitchen velux leaving giving lovely snowflake shadows. Early morning cup of tea, then a leisurely bath and hair wash. We decided to have a fry up for breakfast and the potato scones that Graham had made tasted delicious.
Down to th village shop before heading off for the shore. Bought ingredients (as it turned out not enough) to make Hot Cross Buns.
Great walk along the shoreline Ruaridh loved rushing into the sea to try and find the skimming stones I was throwing in for him. On our return walk he found two dead animals ? an otter or pine marten, further along a hind red deer or a roe deer. It was very sunny on the beach but the wind was very cold so a brisk walk was the order of the day.
Returned home and had a cup of tea, started making the Hot Cross Buns (just had a half-delicious), going to do some gardening but decided instead to start the cleaning which went well, two rooms down five more to go! (Just looked out into the garden it is snowing heavily a Winter Wonderland.)
Made the Hot Cross Buns and they look fine, (as stated above they also taste great.) Invited our neighbour Christine for her Easter Day brunch-Hot Cross Buns:)
Sweet potato soup with toasted potato bread for dinner followed by I'll let you guess!
Ruaridh just come in covered in snowflakes after a mad run round the garden!
Going to make a hot chocolate drink then watch "Shroud of Turin-Material Evidence" introduced by Rageh Omaar. Bye.

Dates

A few weeks ago I purchased some organic dates that were grown in Tunisia, they sat in the cupboard and I forgot about them until today I 'found' them! They taste delicious and I have almost eaten the whole pack, Ruaridh has helped but only been given a small amount.
The weather has been diverse again one minute brilliant sunshine the next snow flurries, and this before breakfast. Slept late love the sleeps I'm having at the moment, lovely to waken go for a pee then know you can get back into bed for an hour or so and not have to trot off to work:) Breakfast then down to the shore by the ferry which runs from Glenelg to the Isle of Skye, and started again on the 17th March 2008 not running today due to the adverse weather. Had a lovely time daydreaming and slipping and sliding on wet rocks, the wee fellow loves it and jumps and runs all over the place. Found some small beaches that must normally lie below the sea, also lots of seaweed swishing about in the sea.
Back home, lunch--banana sandwich for Graham fried tomatos and toasted potato bread for me with a big mug of tea.
Carrying on knitting Bella's wee jumper, don't know what is for dinner Graham is busy with his photography! Bye.

Weather

Graham always tells me not to mention the weather on my Blog often I do, sometimes I don't, today however I don't think the weather itself knew what was happening. Awoke to the alarm at 0800h as we were to go down to John H's at 0900h to pick up the tongue in groove wood that is going on the wall in the east bedroom, Ruaridh was not amused and crept upstairs under the duvet. It was pishing down and a gale blowing, I got ready then heard Graham on the telephone we were not to go down as the wood couldn't get wet!!
Cup of tea and back to bed to snooze, up at 0945h the wee fellow managed to struggle down for his breakfast and we had ours. Spoke to Layla and told her about my results she was very pleased, Bella and her were away to the playgroup. Started to make bread to Graham's new recipe.
Eventually the sun started to make a weak appearance so we rushed down to John's and loaded the wood onto the Jeep. I then took Ruaridh for a walk along the shore still very blustery.
Back home oatcakes and cheese with a mug of tea for lunch, after off loading the wood into the greenhouse:) We then had a mixture of weather sleet, hail, rain, gale force winds and sun. Finished the bread then decided to make some Russian potato bread, which by the way tastes delicious. Made sweet potato soup for dinner lovely.
Hoping to do some knitting after a cup of tea. Bye.

Passed

For my Birthday last October Graham paid for me to do a photography course on the Open University, I was delighted but didn't know if I would have the time or space to put my all into it. Anyway the course materials arrived and I commenced the course, I found quite a lot of it interesting especially the tutorials on shooting in manual, aperture openings and shutter speeds. Some I just didn't have time to do justice too, I did qiute well in my mid term assessment, and went on to put in my ten images and write on three of them. This had to be presented by December the 10th 2007, this evening I got my results and I have passed and done really well in both the visual and technical aspects of the course, also the written. Am I chuffed you bet!
Today had a leisurely bath and washed my hair, after breakfast went into the woods to get more logs, Ruaridh had a great time, disappeared to investigate the woods by himself but kept returning to make sure we were still there.
Back home lunch, then Graham chain sawed the booty and I stacked it in the log store, Christine popped over and we invited her to dinner this evening.
For dinner we had Graham's mini quiches, roast potatoes, carrots and neeps lovely. Christine had bought some chocolates and we tucked into them.
Congratulations to my friends Lena and Jim who have become grandparents for the fifth time! a boy to Lynne and Neil, well done.
Goodnight

Surveying the garden!

Lots of work required in the garden, started today to see what we need to do and it is lots, hoping there is no rain then can get started. Loads of moss on the soil and grass due to the heavy rain we have had over the winter months, so that will need removing. Anyway at least the beds for the vegetables are clear just need to be turned over. In the greenhouse we have to wash all the windows on the inside, maybe the outside then we can start to propagate the seeds. Got a lovely surprise to find primroses hidden in the garden also some small blue flowers, always nice to see them growing Spring is on the way!
Up late this morning up with Ruaridh at 0830h then back to bed until 0945h hmmm. Breakfast, wash then out for a long walk in the woods which I really enjoyed. The wee fellow was very well behaved when a sheep appeared from nowhere on the track, he stopped, then as the sheep ran off he started after it but one shout and he came back, good dog!
Back at the house oatcakes and cheese for lunch with a big mug of tea.
Dinner this evening organic salmon in cream sauce, pasta and salad swilled down with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Graham is the chef.
The film last pm was excellent though the acts committed were horrific.
Awaiting dinner going to set the table. Bye.

Back to the beach!

Had a great sleep last night love the peace and quiet of the country it is lovely to be back! Awoke around 0900h to Ruaridh making noises to go out, made the early morning tea. Breakfast porridge hmmm with maple syrup and toast with two mugs of coffee, soon back to the old routine:) Wash, then messing about with our new Hoover as the bags we have for it are the wrong ones, Graham has just ordered some more from Hoover.
Down to the beach had a great walk, took my blip photo using Graham's tripod he also gave me help with the photoshop, I remember somethings but appear to forget more-one day! Ruaridh enjoyed his meanderings and disappeared a couple of times.
Back home John H was here to discuss the building work, looks like it will go OK. had tea, oatcakes and cheese.
Did some vaccuuming using the old vacuum cleaner and an assortment of tools.
Going to start on the garden but it came on raining so will leave that for another day.
Spoke to mum she is feeling better everyday, today would have been my Pa's 89th birthday, when alive he always had his shamrock as today is St Patrick's Day.
Layla sounds fine she has the GP's tomorrow to attempt to sort out the muddle over her appointment.
Going to watch a movie Battle for Haditha on Channel 4 tonight, report tomorrow. Bye.

Inverness

Back to the Glen today, had a taxi to the railway station and then got the 0925h train to Inverness, where I was met by Graham and Ruaridh a kiss and hug from G and lots of licks from R. Went to the horrible Tesco's supermarket got our messages and left as quick as we could, it was mobbed, enough said. Graham went to buy a book then we left to come home. Good trip, stopped to have our sandwiches on the lochside, arrived home at 1700h.
Up early this morning shower and hairwash, breakfast then made sure all was OK in the Edinburgh house before going to get my cab to the station. Good journey North read, slept, did some knitting then voila I was there.
Put the messages away, had a cup of tea, spoke to Layla, got kisses off Bella over the telephone then it was dinner time. Scallops in leek and saffron sauce with mashed tatties and peas. Lovely, made by Graham.
Done the dishes very tired to bed soon. Goodnight.

Four new teeth

Sorry no Blog yesterday I was too busy being entertained by Miss B. As I am heading back to the Glen on the train tomorrow I said I would babysit Friday evening if Joe and Layla wanted to do a movie or meal. They decided to go to the movies so yesterday afternoon after the Gas service had been done at ours, I hot footed walking and by bus over to their house. Had a lovely time playing with Bella she is very entertaining, then Layla, Bella and moi went over to Ocean Terminal bought Bella some new socks and had a coffee. Back at the house when her daddy came home Bella was practising her walking, then all of a sudden she left hold of her trolley and walked a few steps to me well done Bella. Had dinner home made veggie burgers and wedges which was lovely. They put Bella to bed then left for the movies she was as good as gold. I watched the movie The Snow Cake which was excellent, I thoroughly enjoyed same. When they came home they had enjoyed the movie apart from the cost-gone up in 18 months the last time they were at the cinema.
Slept well at theirs, awoke this morning to Bella peeping in at the door, wondering what I was doing there? Layla discovered Bella has four new teeth, bless her. We all went out for breakfast at Porto & Fi deli, lovely latte and scrambled eggs on toast, Bella enjoyed her almond croissant. On the walk home the wee one fell asleep, I said goodbye and left to get my bus.
Enjoyed the walk from the bus, via the dreaded supermarket then home.
Getting ready for my journey tomorrow looking forward to going home to the N/W, the mountains, the ocean, walks with Ruaridh.
Tomato sauce and pasta with salad for dinner tonight, then hopefully an early night. Bye.

Playing with Bella

Returned to Edinburgh this afternoon after spending a couple of days with mum. She is feeling better though rather frail physically but much stronger in spirit! We had a nice time together even though we did not do to much. Got the 1140h train from Preston and arrived at 1415h, it was raining. Got my ticket to Inverness for Sunday as I am returning to the N/W then, looking forward to this, have had enough of the city and travelling for a while.
Went over to Layla's lovely to see Bella we had a great time playing with her toys and one or two cuddles, I looked after her as Joe was away on business and Layla had to go to a meeting at work. She went to sleep before her mummy left and slept for a good hour, when she awoke we enjoyed an orange she really loves them. Delighted when her daddy arrived, we all enjoyed the Mexican food that Layla had prepared and Joe finished for dinner, lovely. Watched her have a bath she is a sweetie, I blew bubbles and they stuck to the shampoo on her hair, she loves her bath.
Then Layla came home and she had made a super Easter chick. She put Bella to bed then drove me home.
Going to have tea and toast then to bed as the gasman is here in the morning. Goodnight.

Windy day

Had a good journey down to the Red Rose county yesterday, arrived safe and sound and my mum is looking and feeling better. Had a chat and lunch with mum then went and got some messages, before we battened down the hatches as winds and gales up to 80mph were forecast! Had a lovely dinner of Cullen Skink it tasted so good, finished knitting the back of Bella's jumper now on to the front. Regardless of the wind I slept through it all as did mum:)
Awoke this morning had a leisurely breakfast, then Ann came around another chat then a wash and away with mum to buy a new kettle, success! walked home a little way mum felt OK. Late lunch then out to attempt to take photographs, the wind was howling down the prom whipping the ocean into a frenzy. Did more shopping for mum then home for a cuppa. Graham apears to be alright as do the family.
Jen just popped in, she looks really well, fry up for dinner with veggie bacon so will sign off now. Back to Edinburgh tomorrow. Bye.

Last shift for a few months!

Today was my last shift at work for a few months, it went well and we worked hard but had a few laughs! Not too much to report today, I am going down to the Red Rose County tomorrow to vist my mum so maybe no Blog until Thursday. It rained most of today, went to the dreaded supermarket after work to get a few messages, met a lovely Golden Retriever pup called Fergus.
Home did some ironing have to get my bag packed for tomorrow, charge my wee camera etc.
Mushroom omelette, chips and peas for dinner tasted good. Just done my blip, not going to be long out of bed. Goodnight.

Lie In

Today for the first time in an age I had a lie in, yes it felt great never awoke until 1045h fantastic. Liz and moi spent the day having breakfast, chatting and generally having a lazy time.
Not much to report, the weather was sunny and cold, after a wash went up town to take Liz to the station, we had a lovely time with her and appreciate her coming down.
Had a look in Jenner's then popped into The Cafe Grog where we had a pannini and a cup of tea. Station was quite busy as was the train however Liz was travelling first class so no problem with the seat. Waved bye bye and got the bus home,
Prawn and veggie curry with rice for dinner, lovely. Watched a bit of TV now to bed as work tomorrow. Goodnight.

The Lot

Sorry no Blog yesterday as my chum Liz came down from Aberdeen for the weekend, busy last night baby sitting for Miss B

Today we had a great day, awoke to a blue sky and sun, which quickly changed into a torrential down pour. Had slept until 1000h and only awoke to the ringing of the telephone, Graham calling from the N/W. Got up had a cup of tea Layla phoned to see what was happening, told her I would phone back when Liz had contacted Rosie. Breakfast, shower and hair wash, then as Rosie was arriving by train at 1245h phoned Layla and arranged to meet her and Bella at 1315h.
Met the girls, town was mobbed as there was a rugby match on, crowds of people waiting outside the Balmoral Hotel to see the England team -really!
Had a lovely 'girls day' out, shopped at The Yarn Shop, and Helios Fountain then lunch at The Lot Cafe where Bella was a star turn. Lovely lunch and chat with lots of laughs remembering days gone by.
More shopping, then bye to Layla, Bella and Rosie. Liz and moi came home, egg and chips for dinner with a mug of tea lovely. Red wine and chocolate to follow. Chatted for a long while then very tired so to bed. Goodnight.
Ruaridh and Graham are cosying down, as the rain in the N/W is torrential!

Crazy day

Today was just one of those days at work, first call someone lost a wallet with money, cards et al in it. Then the fire alarm went off and the ringing went on for half an hour, then someone sitting an exam had to go off sick, ah well it is night time now and all this is in the past!
Graham and Ruaridh left for the Glen today and arrived safe and sound, they are hoping for snow!
Through to Glasgow to visit Graham's mum, she was in better spirits and she and moi enjoyed the visit. Just my luck a Ranger's match was on tonight!
Short Blog tonight as I am tired and have work to do in the house as my chum Liz is coming for a visit this weekend.
Bought a ready meal at the dreaded supermarket prawn masala with rice and what I thought was a pitta bread turned out to be a pizza bread, anyway I was very hungry and it tasted great!
Big news today Bella is fifteen months old and walking, Liz and moi will see her tomorrow, in fact that is the reason Liz is coming:)
Off to do my work now. Goodnight.

Internet down

Hi no Blog last night as our provider was having big problems, so, no blip no Blog and yours truly in bed by 2230h. Great! Not to much to report over the last two days as I have been working. Graham took the car for its first MOT and a service and has spent time being with Layla and Bella yesterday and today. Apparently Bella and Ruaridh are getting on great, when he has had enough he just goes away.
Work has been good had a BM machine instruction this morning that proved to be very informative, even got a certificate. Patients and colleagues have been good and we have had a few laughs.
Met up with Graham and Ruaridh at Waitrose got messages for Graham as he is heading back up North tomorrow, also got one or two for myself. Then to Curry's for another vacuum cleaner for Moyle. Went to Homebase to try and sort out the shower cabinet no joy we hadn't even taken measurements!
Lots to do packing, washing dishes (forgot the dishwashing tablets) and so on and so on.
Mum appears better, as does Bella so on that note. Goodnight.

Cramond

Today Ruaridh and me had a long walk, we went on the cycle path down to the shore at Silverknowles, Ruaridh met a pack of dogs out with the 'dog walker' and had a good play with one or two of them. We then continued down the beach towards Cramond, the weather was lovely cold but sunny, and it was great to be walking in the freah air with the wee fellow. Haven't been to Cramond in years one forgets how lovely it is. Saw where we used to get the ferry over the river with Layla and her chums on the last day of the summer holiday, the ferry man used to come over for us and for a few pence rowed us over. We used to walk through the estate, lovely woodland and a white sand beach and have our picnic. We were not supposed to take food onto the estate so we had to hide it in the sweaters and swimming togs in the rucksacks, the kids were always desperate to be asked, don't ask me why? for the buzz? we never were.
Into town this evening to visit The Biobank, research centre into looking at the future health of the nation-interesting!
Veggie stew, mashed tatties and peas for dinner lovely.
Tired working tomorrow so to bed.Goodnight.

Morning Play

This morning I had Bella to play with me! Layla and Bella stayed overnight as Joe had the guys round for a poker evening. We had a lovely time last night, this morning the wee one awoke full of a cold, however she did come downstairs with me and we enjoyed playing with bricks, boxes, dressing up in mummy's socks, climbing the stairs and stroking Ruaridh. Bella and the dog appear to be coming good chums and she likes to stroke him, also Bella loves to watch from the window when he runs out into the garden, however we all get a shock when he barks at the squirrels there. Good breakfast then they left to go home .
Wash, then we took Ruaridh on the cycle path for his walk.
Back home made bread, aubergine parmigiano for dinner which we had with pasta, bread and salad-delicious.
Did a stack of ironing, then after dinner watched two good programmes on BBC 4 about advertising men in 60's New York. The first a documentary the second a drama, both good. Just having a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Birthday Lunch

A day late to celebrate Joe's Birthday but we had a lovely brunch at the Roseleaf Bar, which in a past life was known as The Black Swan pub. We all enjoyed it and the food was good not to mention the Homemade Ginger Beer.
Up quite early but think I maybe celebrated too well last night, shower, breakfast then out with Ruaridh for his walk, met some new friends (dogs) on the cycle path and he had a great time playing with them!
After lunch left the family and came home via Waitrose forgot a couple of messages damn.
Layla and Bella are sleeping here tonight as Joe is hosting the poker event, we had minestrone soup for dinner with croutons, followed by apple crumble and ice-cream Bella takes it all in her stride and appeared to enjoy it all.
She was dancing earlier on and she makes me laugh, she is lovely. Very tired and so to bed. Goodnight.