Mum Home

Today after many telephone calls and decisions we were allowed to bring mum home, she was delighted don't know how much pressure she put on the staff but home she came, brought by Anne and myself. She was delighted to see Bella and the wee one slowly started to get used to her. Layla had worked hard and made us a lovely dinner veggie toad in the hole, roast potatoes and peas, we all tucked in with gusto! Mum appeared to be alright and was in bed early, in fact just after Miss B went to sleep.
Up early as I had an opticians appointment, still not sure if mum should go on warfarin but she wants to try it! We then went down to the prom had a great time with Bella shouting dogs and balls, she had her new harness on and was attempting to tipple over the bars:) Had a lovely lunch before going to the hospital to collect mum pitta breads, salad, hummus, olives just up Bella's street.
Tired so early to bed. Goodnight.

Miss B arrives in The Red Rose County!

Today Layla and Bella travelled down from Edinburgh by train to visit Great Granny. I travelled to Preston to meet them, before going I had to go to the shops twice to get the messages! It is a lovely sunny day though which always makes one feel good, I went to Primark in Preston and managed to get some more linen trousers and vests tops for moi and Layla before meeting the train. Great to see Layla and Bella who had a good journey, got the train to St Annes as we got off the heavens opened rain and hail- brief shower!
Had lunch then I grabbed a taxi to the hospital to speak to the Dr re mum, Layla had a great time going round the charity shops.
Spoke to the Dr then saw mum? when she will get home:(
Bella is lovely and enjoyed playing in the garden, made dinner delicious fish and rice and fish and chips for Miss B, which we all enjoyed. Played with Bella then she went to bed.
Have a problem that mum is not getting home and Bella can't go to the hospital Hmmmm. Anyway will sort that out tomorrow! Goodnight.

Interesting Day!

Today turned out to be more interesting than anticipated, got out of bed quite early had the usual cup of tea, wee chat with Jen before she left for school, shower, hairwash, hang about telephone the hospital to find out if mum is coming home and what time--no she has to wait for the Drs round and review! I had to telephone this afternoon. Did that mum not being discharged and ? a change in medication.
So did all the shopping made meals especially as Miss Bella and her mum are coming tomorrow and I am going to Preston to meet them.
Jen home with friends I left to get the bus to the hospital, mum a wee bit upset explained the situation to her, she appeared a little happier.
Got off the bus at Morrison's shop closed bah! walked down to Pontin's got the bus home quick blip then dinner, tomato sauce and pasta lovely. Fell into bed. Goodnight

Lazy Day

Had quite a lazy day today got up around 0900h when Jen started to move, had an early morning cup of tea chatted to Jen then had our breakfast. Spoke to Graham and Layla on the telephone they appear to be ok, looking forward to seeing Layla and Bella on Tuesday when they come to St Annes going to meet them in Preston.
Had a shower then it was time for Irene to come and pick me up to go and visit mum, she was happy to see us both though she looked more tired today, however when we left she had perked up. Hoping to fetch her home tomorrow.
Came home had a cup of tea and some biscuits and melon, made more telephone calls to friends of mum's, washed my duvet jacket now in the tumble drier.
Made leek amd potato soup for dinner followed by sardines on toast with raw onion delicious.
Jen here now she is making some cushions. Bye.

Fish and Chips

It is not often that we buy fish and chips from the 'chippie' to eat at home. Living where we do in the N/W Highlands we can buy then from a van and eat them at the spot after having driven a few miles, or we can go to the Kintail Lodge Hotel and have a bar supper. So tonight me being in The Red Rose County I bought fish and chips at the 'local' for my dinner and they tasted delicious.
Up quite early this morning had a longed for shower and hairwash, then Jen arrived with her clothes as she is staying with me for a few nights, had breakfast then went into the square to get some messages, before going to get the bus to visit mum. Very interesting bus journey saw lots of low life in Blackpool it has always been a rough spot but now appears to be much worse! mum's cleaner visited her today in hospital and she was saying there are parts of Blackpool they wouldn't venture into now.
Had a lovely visit with mum she is better though very talkative and looking forward to coming home Monday fingers crossed.
Have just started to make bread, just waiting for it to rise then I will pound it back and shape it in the bread tins.
Going to telephone Graham then whilst the bread bakes put my feet up and read the Guardian. Bye.

Good news

Travelled down to The Red Rose County today to visit my mum who was taken in to hospital Tuesday last. The news so far is good spoke to a Dr who said she was almost back to where she had been before she took ill! Her medication appears to have been sorted we have a partial diagnosis, so hopefully she will be home Monday and we take it from there.
Had a lovely time with the family yesterday when I arrived in Edinburgh, Bella was there to meet me at the station with her mummy. We went into the Fruitmarket Gallery and had lattes and buns Miss B had apple juice. Over to theirs for a lovely dinner and the pleasure of Bella walking and bouncing on her trampoline and saying tomato in a very 'pucker voice'. Layla then drove me home.
Up early this morning as I had to get my train, uneventful journey arived St Annes around 1340h down to Anne's then off to the hospital.
Mum was pleased to see me and likewise, she is now desperate to get home, but started on a new medication today so feel another 48hrs won't do any harm re observation!
Back at mum's did some shopping, then started to telephone relatives and friends.
Had veggie bacon and egg for dinner tasted great. Very tired so maybe a bath then bed. Goodnight.

Travelling

Early Blog today as once again I make my way to The Red Rose County and my computer stays at home. Hopefully will catch up tomorrow!

Blossom

Awoke today to warmth-no wind some rain but warm, noticed that the plum tree had lots of blossom on it, hopefully it will stay to fruition, ie. no heavy ground frost and a controlled 'June Drop'. Last year was our best year ever for plums, the tree was heaving, and yes we left to go on vacation to Denmark and never tasted one plum. Hopefully this year we will get a good crop.
Up early as I had to attend to some business as I am setting off for Edinburgh tomorrow on my way to The Red Rose county. My mum is in hospital and I am going down to attempt to assess the situation, I spoke to her this afternoon and she certainly sounded much better, Anne visited her and she also said mum was better.
Down to the beach with the wee fellow had a great walk lots of spinning stones and a rather wet Border Terrier!
Home had a light lunch, made a soda bread then turned over one of the beds in the greenhouse.
Started to get my things ready for the journey.
Graham made a lovely dinner vegetable fried rice and curry sauce.
Going to have a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

On the Road

Feels like my feet never touched the ground today, first phone call came from John H sorted that out, then mum phoned she was obviously unwell, to cut a long story short she is now in hospital in Blackpool, quite comfortable but awaiting a diagnosis. I will leave the N/W Highlands on Thursday to travel south on Friday, don't know how long I well be away watch this space. Thanks to Anne for helping mum.
Had breakfast then had to go and get messages, so went to Broadford to the Co-op a warm sunny day decided to go and revisit the loch on the road to Elgol where all the reeds are growing. Found a lovely spot where there were some amazing limestone rocks, they were so warm to sit on and the sun shone down. Ruaridh had a great time new territory, new smells, new rushes, we all enjoyed the crisps and the juice too!
Bought Christine a birthday card and some chocolate, Happy Birthday Christine!
Made aubergine parmigiano for dinner with linguine and salad lovely. Popped over to wish Christine Happy Birthday.
Going to have a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Miss B is now walking by herself and saying ball all the time!

Logs

Today was a day for logging, as it dawned warm and sunny once again and lots of dead wood was lying about in the woods. So after breakfast we set of in the Jeep to go into the woods to collect, saw and lopp the logs and branches that are lying there. Ruaridh had a great time he disappeared twice but did come back when called and whistled for, the last time he was so exhausted he laid on the ground by the Jeep! Spent about 2 hours in the woods and then home, here Graham chain sawed and I stacked the logs, log store looks great, we are exhausted!
Had our lunch outside on the deck today as the weather was so warm, always tastes good.
Our neighbour Christine came over and had a chat and stayed for dinner, which was a dinner of 'leftovers'. Potato and leek soup, followed by lasagne, quiche, roast potatoes and peas, enough for the three of us and of course the wee fellow.
Just having a cuppa then to bed. By the by the council did not pick up the skip today! Bye.

Disappearing Dog

Today at the end of a long, lovely walk Ruaridh looked us in the eye and disappeared into the woods again, no amount of whistling or shouting brought him to us, so we decided to head for home. I put the kettle on and started to put the bread dough into the tins ready for baking, I thought if he is not home in one hour we will go and look for him. However Graham saw the bairns playing with their dogs by the woods and thought this might distract the wee pest all the more. So he took the Jeep to go and look for Ruaridh. I left the bread, switched off the oven had a cool drink and set off to join Graham, lo and behold who was coming up in the Jeep with Graham but the pest, large as life he was ignored for a long time!
Had a lovely bath and hairwash this morning, followed by a fry-up for breakfast-great.
As stated above made two loaves of white bread and a soda bread which tastes great with butter and cherry jam, not forgetting the mug of tea.
Graham made dinner rice with vegetables and prawns, sauce and luscious scallops hmmm!
Just watched the last episode of Gavin & Stacey on BBC3 fantastic! Bye.

The Skip

As we have decided to renovate the Room of Gloom we have had huge amounts of rubbish. We got rid of a lot of the wood by having two bonfires, but were left with lots of old plaster board and rubbish we have accumulated over the years so we ordered a skip from the council. It was delivered from Portree on Friday by a nice gentleman who was very helpful, as the weather was lovely he said he had enjoyed the run over!
This afternoon we got rid of most of the rubbish into it, I'm surprised at the amount of space left as I thought we would have filled it. It was quite tiring but job well done!
Had a leisurely morning, nice breakfast before going down to the village shop and the beach. Had a super walk on the beach, Ruaridh very busy running into the sea sfter the skimming stones I threw in for him. The weather was once again warm and sunny but a cold easterly wind blowing intermittently!
After all the hard work had peanut butter and jam on toast, with a big mug of tea, then fell fast asleep on the sofa.
Made leek and potato soup for dinner which was lovely, followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and another mug of tea hmmm!
Heard from Layla they have been at the allotment all afternoon, Bella appears to love it!
Very tired (still) yawn, yawn. Goodnight.

Ruaridh on a Rabbit Run!

Recently we have been taking Ruaridh for a walk down by the river and then into the fields, he is delighted with this and runs himself crazy with the rabbit smells and the occasional rabbit which he has not caught YET! Later on today as he appeared to be fed up I set off with him to go and visit Christine, as soon as he was in the field he spied a rabbit and that was it, no amount of shouting/whistling brought him back, so I carried on and had a nice visit with Christine. We had a cup of tea, piece of gingerbread and a chat. Christine walked a wee way back with me and shouted of Ruaridh lo and behold there he was at the house as large as life! he rushed down the field to meet us. Said cheerio to Christine let the dog off his makeshift lead and away he went again to find a rabbit!
Had a good day, the skip arrived for all the rubbish from the Room of Gloom that we have been unable to burn, it is here until Monday. Then Ruaridh and moi went on a walk down by the river and into the fields where the wee fellow had a great time trying to find the wild life.
Back home put the washing out, turned over more raised beds, had lunch. Spoke to mum she appears to have sorted her problem out and will be monitored by her Dr.
Layla is still not 100% but has an appoinment at the hospital this week.
Graham came back from his meetings in Edinburgh arrived around 2200h Ruaridh was delighted. Lasagne, salad and bread for dinner lovely.
Very tired just going to do the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

Water men

Today the water men paid us a visit. About 6 years ago due to the intermittent supply of water we inherited with the house, we decided to have a bore-hole drilled. First we employed a water dowzer who did the business with the sticks, then the drilling rig arrived, then the pipe and pump were placed in situ-lovely clear fresh water. On occasions we have had minor hassles, but a year ago just when the family were about to arrive the water stopped. Frantic telephone calls put us in touch with the water company High Water (Scotland), the guys here were very kind gave us advice and bingo the problem was solved! Today as they were in the area they came to do a small service on the equipment. Good to meet up with them and pay them what we owed them! Did the work, then had scones and mugs of tea.
Early start as Graham had to hit the road as he has a meeting in Edinburgh tomorrow. After he had left the sad wee dog and moi left for our daily walk, we walked up the road and Ruaridh left me to go into the woods, he met up with me just as I was about to go into the meadow. He loves this new walk we have found as it is full of rabbit smells if not rabbits, lots of grass and rushes which he can sniff under and jump over grrreat! It was truly beautiful down by the river today, sunny, warm and balmy, I do believe we both enjoyed our walk.
Back home started to turn over the soil in the fishboxes hoping to get these finished tomorrow as we are hoping to sow carrots, beetroots and lettuce in them, then make them rabbit proof!
Had lunch, mother still not feeling well so will attempt to try and get her an appointment with her Dr tomorrow.
Spoke to Layla she and Bella have had a lovely lunch out for Aunty Louise's Birthday!
Had rice, curry and dhal with a pitta bread for dinner lovely.
Just watching Question Time, if I can stay awake may watch Shine a Light a review on the Stones movie. Bye.

Meandering.

Today we had an amazing walk along the river bank, we walked further then we have done previously then we climbed up the bank and into the field. It was a warm, sunny day we meandered through the fields crossing wee burns on our way. Ruaridh had a great time, there are lots of bulrushes in the fields and rabbits hide there so the smells were enticing and he ran around like crazy! Walked home through the graveyard of crofting implements, the amount of money just left to rot, great photo's to be had though.
John H arrived quite early today and all the strapping is now in position in the room ready for the insulation and then the tongue in groove. We had toast and coffee then he got to work and we went for our walk.
Back home made cheese scones for lunch, spoke to Layla, Bella was at the clinic and now weighs 19lbs 13oz well done that girl.
Decided to have pizza's for dinner made the dough and sauce, then finished the windows in the greenhouse that I had started that morning.
Hoovered and cleaned the front room--very tired, Graham made the pizza's for dinner they were delicious. Whilst he was doing that I had a lovely bath and washed my hair.
Just going to do the dishes then a cup of tea and bed! Goodnight.

Cleaning Windows

Today dawned balmy and sunny and it was like that all day, in fact as I write this the sun has just gone down in the west.
Slept late as I am still feeling somewhat tired after my tracheitis/bronchitis, up and about made porridge and toast with two cups of coffee for breakfast.
Had a wash, started to make the bread then set off to take the dog for a walk, we went up through the woods by the river a it was lovely. Went up to the old house and shed and took some interesting photographs, Ruaridh once again thought all his holidays had come at once and charged over the fields attempting to catch the rabbits. Walked back by the river, this is truly a lovely spot so happy to have found it.
Back home made the bread then a light lunch, chatted to Layla and Bella they appear to be fine. John H arrived to carry on with the room.
Started to clean the windows in the greenhouse, it seems to be a long job but once you get stuck in it becomes easier. Will have to try and finish this tomorrow, must say the ones we have cleaned look much better.
Had a lovely dinner salmon, broccoli, peas in a cream sauce with linguine and salad lovely. Bye.

Red Baron's

Today I managed to plant the Red Baron's as the name implies they are red onions, they were in better shape than the Stuttgart (white) ones, though hopefully we will get a good crop from both.
Up early as John H was coming to start to rebuild the room, he arrived quite early so he had toast and coffee with us. Quick wash, then we took Ruaridh up to the old buildings, he had a great time chasing rabbits and generally running wild. Although when we got there the battery in my small camera was requiring charging, Graham gave me a use of his camera, so got some good images. Had a good walk through the fields and along the river bank, spied our first lamb looking pristine white.
Back home did some washing, had another bonfire to get rid of more debris.
Sorted some things out for my mother, who was having some hiccoughs with her new medication.
Had a late lunch then John H left, kept the bonfire going, started to clean the greenhouse.
Ruaridh had a couple of adventures today disappearing from the garden after the rabbits, he also vomited too much excitment!!
Had a light dinner poached eggs on toast with lots of tea to drink tasted delicious.
Cup of tea and a fruit scone then bed. Goodnight.

Protection

Later this afternoon I managed to plant the white Stuttgart onions, hope the raised bed I planted them in was prepared enough. To stop the illegal entry of the damned rabbits after I had put the onions in, I placed green netting around the raised bed, so here is hoping. Until last year the rabbits had never touched the onions, we think the young ones had a nibble last year not realising they shouldn't, anyway forewarned, forearmed!
Had a lie in this morning followed by a leisurely bath and hairwash, porridge for breakfast, Christine joined us for coffee and toast.
We then set off for a walk in the woods Ruaridh was beside himself and set off on numerous adventures but came when whistled! We had a lovely long walk and I enjoyed it.
Back home light lunch, then prepared the dinner for tonight potato, onion and leek pie, made the pastry and got the vegetables ready, marrowfat peas cooked yesterday. Dinner was delicious, this used to be one of my favorite meals when I was a kid--comfort food.
Going to watch Fellini's film 'Amarcord'. By the way the Italian series we started to watch last night was not too good, think we missed the storyline? Will try again this coming Saturday. Bye.

Onion Beds

Today I thought I would manage to get our onions planted, as last year they were in on the 1st April no joy, however I did get the raised beds ready so here's to tomorrow!
Up early feeling better though still feel tired at times, had a fry up for breakfast that Graham fancied and I didn't, glad I made it for us both as it tasted great.
Wash, then down to the village store to pick up the papers and some messages, on to the beach to take Ruaridh for his morning constitutional. The weather was amazing warm, sunny quite hazy which is unusual for this time of the year. Joy of joys what was on the beach but a dog's ball, how did we know it was a dog's one it had a PAW printed on it Ruaridh loved it, Graham threw it into the sea and the wee fellow had a great time swimming after it.
Back home sorted out piles of washing, light lunch, then out in the garden to attack the two raised beds. Turned them both over raked them now ready for the onions hopefully tomorrow.
Just had a G&T then fell asleep. Graham is making dinner smells delicious. Smoked haddock in cream sauce with pasta and salad hmmm!
Going to watch "The Best of Youth"on BBC4 story of an Italian Family from the 1960's until present day, a new series report tomorrow.

Elgol

Today dawned sunny and cold with a ground frost covering the garden and the field, nevertheless we decided to go ahead with our trip to the Isle of Skye. We had to go to the Co-op at Broadford to get messages so decided to go onto Elgol a place we have wanted to visit for a wee while. Our neighbour Christine came with us and off we set, stopped on the way up the hill to go into the woods to let Ruaridh have a run, soon on our way again.
The road to Elgol is lovely, with the snow covered mountains and the shoreline, passed a couple of lochs that were full of tall grasses with the sunlight sneaking through them. Wonderful to see the islands of Rhum, Eigg, Muck and Canna from this side only seen them from the Isle of Muck before they looked to be so close as to touch them.
Not too keen on Elgol quite a lot of cars there, forgot this is school holidays for some parts of the country! Lovely view of the mountains towering above the ocean, didn't stop as quite busy! Would have loved a cup of tea and something to eat no joy didn't even see a cafe though Graham said there were two.
On the way home visited this old graveyard (have forgotten the name of where it was) it was lovely, old gravestones struggling to be seen amidst the abundance of daffodils. Took Ruaridh for as walk on the shore, the spot was so peaceful and quiet felt like one had entered a different world.
Back home mug of tea and cream crackers, two pieces of cake I was ravenous-comfort food :)
Graham made dinner rice and vegetables with broccoli and mushrooms in a sauce lovely.
Just going to bed. Goodnight.

Fisherman's Friend

My voice is slowly coming back, but I still have a sore throat so today as we were going to the village shop for messages I thought I would try and get something to soothe my throat. The other day I bought Strepsils which were helping but are quite expensive, when I spotted on the shelf a packet of Fishermen's Friend. Wow! these are a type of cough toffee manufactured in Fleetwood Lancashire, some people there believe they are the cure for a lot of ills! I had an uncle who popped one in his mouth every morning and swore by them. Well two down watch this space!
Lovely sunshine for most of the day, Christine popped over with some gingerbread and lemon cake, had a cup of tea then she came to the beach with us. Ruaridh had already had an adventure up on the hill and had rushed off after a rabbit, when he had set of originally to meet Christine. We had a lovely walk on the beach Graham took photo's, we walked and skimmed stones into the sea for Ruaridh and he loved this.
Back home we had lunch then Christine left and John H arrived, he was surprised that Graham had finished stripping the room, he will be here on Monday to start the rebuild!
Corn chowder for dinner with crackers lovely .
Over to the Isle of Skye tomorrow to shop and maybe have a trip to Elgol. Bye.

Bonfire!

Graham got into the DIY mood as soon as he got up this morning, he started to strip the remaining wood and plaster board from the walls and the ceiling covering, in the room we are renovating. I hadn't realised this is what he was going to do, so as I still have a bad cough and didn't want to be in the dust I was going to take the dog a walk. Ruaridh however got told off by me twice today, first time he ran up to the track when a strange car went up to our neighbours, as much as I called him he would not come back and he has no car sense, then when we were at Christine's our neighbours he found some bread in the garden ? for the chickens and was attempting to wolf it down grrr! We are friends now though. I couldn't take him a walk as they were working with the sheep where we were going, so a walk round the field had to do.
Ordered a skip to take the rubbish from the room, however we can't get it till a week on Friday we have to pay for it and on top of that tonnage which is quite expensive. So a bonfire was the order of the day to burn the wood and then stack the plaster board and cover it till the skip comes. It was all in a hell of a mess lying in the garden, however I got stuck in, Christine and moi lit a bonfire and the wood burned, yes got rid of it all. Stacked the plasterboard and borrowed a tarpaulin to cover it 'cause if it gets wet it will be heavier and add to the cost of the tonnage:)
Bit of an up and down day. Late lunch. Leek risotto and salad for dinner lovely.
Watched an interesting programme on BBC2 about reindeer herders in Norway very good! Goodnight.

The Room

Due to the fact over the years we have had a leak in the downstairs sitting-room, above the window-ledge we decided a few months ago to investigate it. First we got new guttering and drainpipes, the drip was still there! So we decided to investigate the room above a few weeks back, this revealed that rain was able to pour in through the bottom of the window and also at the side of the dormer in this room. Big decisions required so we decided to completely refurbish this bed-room, new window and take it back to the original tongue-in-groove wood today this started.
Lots of interesting things we found but won't bore the pants off you with these facts, John H has started the work I'm sure it will be wonderful once it is finished.
Up early after the best night sleep for a few nights, I have felt better today though still have a hacking cough, haven't had to take any analgesia today.
Got a lovely surprise this morning, postie arrived at breakfast time with a package from Bella, also a card with her writing(scribbles) on it. The family had sent us two onion sets one white and the other red and some lovely flowers called the Bella mix. Thank you:)
Went down to the beach had a good walk, returned had a light lunch.
Dinner was late tonight as we had to clean up. Enjoyed veggie toad in the hole, mashed tatties/celeriac, the green beans were awful! Just going to have a bath and do the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

Mince!

I have a friend/colleague who when she feels unwell always says she feels mince, over the past few days I am beginning to have more of an idea of what she means! I must state though that I am feeling improved even though that may be with the help of my analgesia. According to an article on the internet re tracheitis/ bronchitis it can take up to a month for the cough to go! ah well.
Up fairly early feeling better had a bath and washed my hair, then made breakfast which tasted really good, even though unwell I am very hungry!
The weather today was awful bursts of sunshine, followed by big sleet showers, we took Ruaridh for a walk along the river which affords us a degree of cover in a downpour. As we were going down to the river three cars came along our road one after the other, very unusual in our neck of the woods. They then returned and stopped, Graham and moi found ourselves peeping over the wall to see what was happening, we both laughed at what we were doing, turning into locals! Poor Ruaridh, with me not feeling well we are not managing very long walks don't want to get wet through in this very changeable weather.
Back home had lunch then Christine popped over with all the news of the Glen.
Graham made a lovely dinner pasta with tomato sauce, salad and bread, delicious. Bye.

Stripes

Today decided to photograph different stripes, we have had a lot of snow flurries and some snow lying here in the UK. This was much in evidence on blipfoto.com as people have taken many images today of the snow, thought maybe I should do something different so stripes it is. Also today Miss Bella is sixteen months old, to celebrate her mummy took her for a swim! well done wee one.
Throat, chest and everything else that hurt all appear to be improving, though after writing this am going to have a doze, Ruaridh is already away in sleepy land.
Got up quite early usual cup of tea, then a lovely fry up for breakfast. We decided because of the weather to go to the beach, had a long walk and for the first time I didn't feel tired, fingers crossed this keeps improving. Ruaridh had a great time running into the sea after skimmed stones, also he stayed with Graham who was taking photo's and as I sat in the Jeep, I saw him running in and out of the sea.
Back home spoke to Layla, apart from her painful back they all seem to be OK.
Spoke to mum this morning she is better and was taking Muriel out for lunch!
Just had hot chocolate and some oatcakes, don't know what dinner will be tonight a surprise! going to have that rest then more knitting. Bye.

Analgesia

I'm always amazed at how quickly one can start to feel somewhat improved after taking analgesia in the case of less serious pain or illness. I feel that I am improving my voice is almost back to normal, but still have a persistant cough that is making me feel ugh! Try not to take too much analgesia then I think what the hell, managed an eight hour interval today but have just succumbed as I was feeling less then bright-- feeling better now!
Up quite early with the wee fellow who needed out, this started a coughing attack that went on for almost an hour, eventually settled and went back to sleep.
Early morning tea tasted delicious, breakfast of apricots and yoghurt followed by soda bread and marmalade lovely, always with two cups of coffee of course.
Decided to go down to the beach after going to the village shop, managed a short walk with the wee fellow in the sunshine, and to dodge the snow showers.
Made bread this afternoon, had lunch very tired so had a doze. Graham made lovely mushroom soup for dinner, going to have tinned salmon sandwiches a little later.
Have done some knitting, watching China's Terracotta Army on BBC2 as the British Museum plans an exhibition on the First Emperor of China. Bye.

Voice returning -slowly!

Had a good night's sleep last night awoke feeling somewhat better. Graham made early morning tea, which tasted good I had a little doze then decided to get up as I was feeling very hungry. Graham decided to go over to Broadford Co-op as we were running out of certain foodstuffs. I made porridge for breakfast and it tasted delicious, followed by soda bread and marmalade with a big mug of coffee hmm!
Graham left and I did things around the house, before having a shower and washing my hair which felt good. Started on the sleeve of Bella's jumper then listened to the afternoon playwhich was good, then I found out it was 1/4 on for the next three Fridays must try and remember to listen!
Graham and Ruaridh arrived back, we had soup for lunch. Going to have fish for dinner either with chips ar rice.
Had an emai from Al and Sue they have had a fantastic time in Tanzania and Zanzibar now on their way home to British Columbia.
Also today is our good chum Marion's Special Birthday have a great day Marion:)
Just going to carry on with my knitting so will say Bye.

Voice fading--

As reported yesterday I have laryngitis, had a good sleep but awake early feeling not to bad. Early morning tea from Graham, had a wee doze then got up. Had a bath then had breakfast, paracetamols work wonders:)
A rotten day in the Glen very dreich and misty most of the day. Only took the wee fellow along the river due to feeling ughh! he enjoyed it and runs forward, doubles back and even here has adventures! did not stay out too long.
Spoke to Layla she has at last got her appointment with the neurologist so that is good.
Later on had a veggie bacon and egg sandwich with a big mug of tea.
Oh forgot to mention gave Ruaridh his worm tablet this morning, for the first time ever he spat it out with a vengeance, first he had it in jam then risotto, eventually we had to push it down his throat even then he tried to spit it out! Don't know the reason other than the tablets are now flavoured, so much for that!
Helped Graham with a few logs, made soda bread
Not feeling too good felt a little better after two bowls of Graham's minestrone soup.
Just going to finish this and do my blip then early to bed. Goodnight.

Au revoir

Today the family left to return to Edinburgh, after what was a great week. Bella is a joy to have around and now she has gone home it is very quiet here. Even the Dog Pasha was moping this afternoon. The weather was good to us and we had some lovely walks and adventures. Even this morning it was sunny and we managed a walk to the river, Bella trotting along between her daddy and grandpa. Ruaridh had a great time in the woods and he stayed quite close to us today, thank goodness.
Back home we had lunch Bella--french toast, the rest of us had scrambled eggs on toast with big mugs of tea. Miss B was very tired and sat in her car seat ready for the off. Big hugs and kisses all round then they were off, Layla said Bella was asleep by the time they got to the top of the hill!
They had a safe journey and arrived home around 1800h.
I cleaned and did washing then dozed as I appear to have laryngitis and it is very sore to talk!
Graham made vegetable risotto with a delicious salad and olives for dinner lovely.
Going to have an early night tonight. Goodnight.

The Dog Pasha

Ruaridh came a walk in the woods today with Joe, Layla, Bella and moi, Graham stayed behind to attempt to deal with some business. Weather was fine but dull as we left. On the track into the woods the wee fellow behaved really well, running off to have an adventure but coming back when called. Miss B slept most of the time, on the way home as is his want Ruaridh took off, we started to call him and whistle to no avail, the adventure was the greatest thing at that moment. We decided to just go home and see if he was there. We got as far as the bungalow and low and behold a rather worried looking dog caught up with us, he had obviously run a long way. Just then Graham appeared on the track and we all went home together, Bella was awake by this time.
We had lunch, just getting ready to go to Christine's with the wee one to look at the chickens, when who should arrive but Luc, Jean and grandson Ross who is going to be nine this year! Had a nice visit and made my mind up to see them more frequently.
Didn't make Christine's but she sent our curry paste over with the biker boys Gary and William--thanks! hoping to go over in the morning!
Layla made a delicious dinner curry, dhal, spicy prawns, rice and aloo paratha a type of bread--lovely! Thanks Layla!
Bella had a great time today looking at the sheep and the wee birds, we have heard there may be twin lambs in the Glen so will try and see them before she leaves tomorrow.
Having a cup of tea then away to bed. Goodnight.