Canoe

Today travelled south by train from Kyle of Lochalsh, Graham and Ruaridh came to wave me off, the train left for Inverness at 1513h and yes it left on time. Uneventful journey through some stunning scenery, it was lovely to spy the loch where Graham, me and the dog have been canoeing in the past. Also saw lots of lochs and rivers that might be woth us going to 'suss' to see if they are suitable for canoeing, of course that is if we get the right weather. Would go in the sun or rain it is the high winds that can be daunting!
Caught my train from Inverness the railway staff there have to be the limit! don't know what was wrong but they were checking everyone, someone said it was a security alert--really? Met a nice couple on the train he was Spanish she was Polish and they work in Aviemore. Train late into Edinburgh, got off at Haymarket and caught a cab.
Spoke to Graham he got back home OK, also to Layla and mum they are also OK.
Just had a tin of Heinz tomato soup with some bread rolls and a mug of coffee it is late so am going to go to bed. Goodnight.

Icy Rain

Today we decided to walk over the hill behind the road that leads down to the Glen. We took the Jeep to the top of the hill and set off, the weather was fine if a little overcast. Graham started to take photographs and we lost Ruaridh who had decided on an adventure, we called and whistled no dog, Graham couldn't concentrate on his photo's so I set off on a tramp to find Mr Mischief! Just as I set off I thought I saw him but it was a young deer fleeing for its life no sign of Ruaridh though. We called and whistled, after about forty minutes I sat down and who should I see toiling up the hill a Border Terrier- the wonder dog. The views today were amazing, dark clouds and quite a bit of mist, then the rain came it was icy cold so we decided to leave for home.
Nothing much else to report I finished a new Jumper for Bella. Spoke to mum who appears to be fine, going down on Wednesday to see her, leaving the Glen for Edinburgh tomorrow by train.
Made dinner pasta with cheese sauce, salad with homegrown cucumbers delicious.
Very tired away to bed. Goodnight.

Coffee Morning!

Went to my second coffee morning in a week today, this one to raise funds for the Macmillan Nurses. Good turn out and I believe they raised over £300 well done, good to meet up with folk and and have a chat. Graham and Ruaridh were down by the Bernara Barracks, so I walked down there, Graham was taking photos and the wee fellow was running around after the rabbits.
Back home had lunch, finished the bread that I had started earlier, the smell of newly baked bread always makes me hungry, so good job we are going out for dinner this evening with Christine and her friend Kevin, we are going to The Jacobite Restuarant haven't been there before here's hoping!
Attempted a bit of gardening but the rain keeps coming down the Glen so packed that in.
Not much news today so will say Bye.

Baking for the coffee morning.

I put my don't forget hat on and baked the scones for tomorrow's coffee morning to raise funds for the Macmillan Nurses, I have made six cheese and six plain so will try and get them to my neighbour Bo.
Up quite early as Ruaridh was making noises at 0700h, let him out then we all fell asleep again untill he awoke at 0800h, up fed him made the cuppa tea then went back to sleep until 0900h.
Up and about had a shower then enjoyed my breakfast, we then headed off to the village store as I needed some goodies as Christine and her chum Kevin are hopefully coming to dinner this evening.
Then we headed for the beach very misty and grey but what the hell, set off and threw lots of skimming stones for the wonder dog, Graham then threw in sticks and Ruaridh enjoyed his swim. Saw the new baby ducklings, they took off as we approached their wee tails going like fans:)
Back home made two lots of scones and pear mascarpone custard, also the tomato sauce for the pasta al forno graham will do the rest, which we shall eat for dinner with homegrown lettuce and cucumber!
Bye for now may edit later.

Strange Weather

Over the past day or two we have been experiencing some strange weather here in the Glen. Hot sunshine followed by torrential rain and warm winds that seem to start blowing from nowhere, one minute there is no wind the next it is blowing everything about like crazy, '--Strange Days Indeed'.
Up early as Ruaridh decided he needed out for a pee after he heard me get up for one sometime around 0230h could have done without that! He was then romping around at about 0800h so I got up made the early morning cuppa, fed the dog then went back to finish my library book, a book with lots of '--bursting into tears in it' anyway I finished it, don't think I will read anymore books of that author.
Wash, breakfast then as Graham was busy on the telephone Ruaridh and moi went to get more mole soil to put on the leek bed. We decided to go into the forest to get more logs, thinking if there is a wind no midges, dream on, as we got there the wind appeared to drop and the midges popped out. We managed to get quite a load and lose the wee fellow! we called and whistled to no avail, another adventure for him we did hear him barking in pursuit of some foe!
Back to the house just going through the back door when who should arrive exhausted the wonder dog. We had lunch then Graham started to saw the logs and I stacked them, log store almost full.
Spoke to mum she is OK we will visit her next week. Also spoke to Layla they are all ok, Bella and her had been out for lunch with Kirsty then seen Louise, the railcard has arrived.
Did some ironing, just waiting to have dinner Paella, with tomato and our own cucumber salad, cucumber tastes delicious. Bye.

Village Hall

Today I went to a coffee morning at the village hall in the Glen it was to raise funds for the primary school in the Glen and was very well attended. As is my want I arrived late so all the homebakes were away and the raffle had begun, needless to say I bought a cup of tea and sat with Christine and Tracy, in doing so got introduced to more women from the village. It was fun and all the bairns from the school were there dipping in their wee hands to pull out the raffle tickets! a good half an hour. Another one on Saturday for the Macmillan Nurses I have offered to make some scones so mustn't forget.
Met Graham and Ruaridh on their return from John H so we all drove to the beach and had a lovely walk, the light for about twenty minutes was stunning but had left my camera in the car and Graham had forgotten his card!
Back home had lunch then Graham went out again with the wee fellow, I spoke to Layla then tidied the big cupboard!
Having fish and chips with parsley sauce for dinner, then maybe a TV evening. Bye.

Mole Soil

This afternoon I attempted to get mole soil out of the field and into the garden. This soil is dug up onto the surface of the field by the wee hardworking moles and is super to put onto the raised beds! Ruaridh came to help me we almost got rained off but survived that, then had to run like hell for the house when the midges desended on us. Hopefully will be able to continue with this chore tomorrow, fingers crossed.
Up early the wee fellow was awake, lovely sunny morning early cuppa then breakfast, quick wash and got the bread dough ready before going into the woods for along walk, which I really enjoyed.
Had lunch, made the bread spoke to Layla and all appears to be OK, Bella shouting Ruaridh, woof, woof down the phone:)
Heavy rain this afternoon made the dough for pizzas which we had for dinner they tasted delicious.
Didn't do much this afternoon after the attack of the midges. Bye.

Snipping and Cutting!

Lovely sunny warm weather this afternoon after rain this morning, got stuck into the gardening after lunch. Used the new Wilkinson Sword shears to do the cutting around the beds, they work amazingly well! Then got rid of debris from the bluebells and daffodils, before cutting back about four ferns from the rockery, will have to remember to dig out the roots in the autumn.
Emptied all the garden refuse into the compost, no waste.
Up quite early as Ruaridh had woken up about 0300h to go out, then come up to our bed, he was rumpling around about 0800h so I got up and made the early cuppa. Had a shower and washed my hair, then had breakfast before we set off to the bank and post office at Kyle of Lochalsh. Graham went to the bank and I went to the post office to send off the wool to Sue that she had collected and left behind. It was very wet so after a quick shop at the Co-op we set off home.
Lunch then into the greenhouse and garden to start the big tidy. Spoke to mum she is alright and appeared to enjoy her jaunt out last night. Layla telephoned she appears to be OK work for her today.
Celery soup and tinned salmon sandwiches for dinner--lovely!
Now watching Upstairs, Downstairs, Love on channel 4 very interesting. Bye.

A good visit.

Up very early this a.m. as Sue was leaving to go down to a hotel at Manchester Airport from where she leaves tomorrow to fly to Vancouver, British Columbia. We had a super two days and the weather was good to us, enjoyed having her stay, wish it could have been for longer! Had breakfast, then hit the road for Inverness the weather was atrocious rain all the way.
Made it to the railway station with about 10 minutes to spare, found out Sue's train would take her from Inverness to York which meant she had only to change trains once which was great. Said bye-bye hopefully see you next year and a safe journey home.
Went to get some messages and some dog food for Ruaridh, then set off back to the Glen, good journey back.
Arrived back had lunch then didn't do very much this afternoon, spoke to Layla they are all fine Bella shouting for Ruaridh:) Mum OK said she was going to The Drive Methodist Church later today, hope she did.
Tomato sauce and pasta with salad and bread for dinner lovely.
I am soo tired so will say Goodnight.

Midsummer's Magic

Awoke to a lovely sunny day-Midsummer's Day, had our early morning cuppa and once again a leisurely breakfast. Quick wash then on the road again. Took a small picnic lunch with us and set off to take Sue to Corrin one of our favorite spots, first though we took her along to see the Brochs in Glen Beag.
Arrived at Corrin after various photo stops, stopped at Sheena's Tea Hut to buy scones then off we set along the beach and through the woods to arrive at the beach were we eventually had lunch. Ruaridh was in top form and raced down to the ocean and run like crazy along the shore-line. It was so beautiful along the beach and the light in the woods was amazing. Sue collects rocks so there were plenty for her to choose from, we arrived at an outcrop of rocks and sat down and had lunch it was so warm and peaceful. As we sat there we saw a couple of porpoises in the bay with a calf, they kept breaking the surface of the water and their actions look so smooth. Ruaridh had a great play and adventure.
Arrived home cuppa, then spoke to Layla they are all fine and Bella can now say Ruaridh!
Graham made dinner a lovely biryani and mushroom curry with yoghurt yummy!
All are in bed we have to be up early in the morning to take Sue to Inverness as she flies back to Vancouver on Monday. Good visit though. Goodnight.

Eilean Donan

Sorry no Blog yesterday spent a very busy day getting ready for my chum Sue arriving for a short visit. Went to Broadford to get the messages prior to meeting her train from Inverness at 2045h. Really good to see her and she had an OK journey, decided to head back to the house for soup and cheese scones rather than go out for a meal! Lots of chat before tippling into bed.
Had a good sleep awakened at 0900h by Ruaridh early morning cuppa's all round, a leisurely breakfast then a quick wash before going to visit Eilean Donan Castle for a photo call! A great day out lots of photo stops then the Castle and a lovely lunch at the Castle cafe, we then went to the shell beach at Sallachy before coming home.
The news of the day is the old car has gone from the field and we are delighted next the van!
Graham made a delicious dinner scallops and pasta in a saffron cream and prawn sauce, swilled down with a bottle of Sancerre wine. Lots of chat and debate, all are in bed except moi so will say Goodnight.

Cleaning and clearing.

Today has been a day of just that. Up early breakfast and a wash before John H arrived to finish off the bedroom minus the new window of course, that is sitting outside waiting to be picked up! Watch this space! he did put the new door on, and then the clearing and cleaning began. Before that had to go to the village shop as we were running out of some essentials in the food line, then took the wee fellow to the beach took some photographs and walked half way along the shore when the heavens opened saw Graham going back so decided to head off after him.
Back home had lunch then the fun began, now the room is ready seemed to take a long time but looks good, can't believe this all happened after we found a leak in the downstairs sitting room! ah well!
Cleaned the said sitting room, also cleaned the window in the bedroom and all the windows in the kitchen. Graham has put up all new switch and socket points this afternoon busy, busy. In between times I made two loaves of bread.
Spoke to Layla, Miss B can now say her name, also spoke to mum she appears to be OK. Also spoke to Sue she is looking forward to coming here tomorrow.
Vegetable risotto for dinner lovely. Falling asleep at the keyboard. Goodnight.

Windows!

Today was the day of windows, we ordered them weeks ago, after many hassles we were able to pick one of them up at the weekend even though it was not finished. When we got it home we noticed quite a lot wrong with it and decided we were not happy with the workmanship and materials. Numerous telephone calls later we were just going round in circles, suffice to say the window is going back and an order to be put to a factory to supply two sash windows-watch this space!
Up early, breakfast then set off with Ruaridh for a walk, we got to the woods and I was climbing the path when I looked there was no dog? He was sat at the bottom of the path desperate to go back home, I tried to get him to come a walk but no joy so we went back home and he played at chasing rabbits in the back field.
I started to clean, first the bathroom, then our bedroom finishing off this evening with the bedroom that is being renovated- yes where the window was meant to go!
Spoke to Layla, her and Bella had a lovely day visiting Sue and the girls in Earlston. Mum was in good form, at long last the minister from the church had visited her.
G&T's tonight Graham brought a bottle of Bombay Sapphire Gin home yesterday, dinner was spinich, ricotta and tomato sauce lasagne with bread and salad lovely!
Just had a wee sleep! going to do the dishes then bed Goodnight.

Cows

Today was certainly a cow day, up early as John H was coming to fix the new water tank in, breakfast and ready by 0930h. John arrived and after I attempted two telephone calls (neither successful) decided to take Ruaridh for his morning constitutional! Dilema were to go as the road was taken over by cows, set off through the field and put the wee fellow on the lead as I had made a decision to go east along the river and past the cows. he behaved as did the cows.
Walked along the river and Ruaridh had a great time sniffing for rabbits, into the field what a mistake, I had seen two cows standing but didn't realise there were any laid down, as soon as they saw us they stood up, Ruaridh rushed to them barking managed to grab him and put on his lead then as the cows were running towards us and appeared very determined, we two decided to run for it. Amazed at my agility as I cleared a fence in double quick time dragging poor Ruaridh with me, here the lead cows stumbled, I then attempted to shoo them back they were having none of it so we made our way home-phew!
Made my complaint No3 telephone call this time re the window, had lunch then upstairs to paint the said window before it goes in situ tomorrow! Prior to this Ruaridh had disappeared again on another adventure, don't know where he was but talk about a tired dog when he returned!
Made dinner chilli and rice with Syrian flat breads for when Graham arrived home, this was about 1900h, when we ate it was delicious.
The family appear to be fine, mum OK still a problem with her toe!
Very tired cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

The West Walk

Today we were up quite early as Graham was heading south for a meeting tomorrow. Today he was going to visit Bella and her mummy and daddy, Bella took him shopping and he bought himself new shoes and a new jacket! Before he left we had breakfast then as he left Ruaridh and moi got busy as we had a lot of work to do!
First the bread dough got started, then I had a wash, after which we set off to walk up to the post box to send a letter to Garry B.
We walked up the road way but on the way back we came through the fields and crossed over the river, this is the first time we have done this and it is lovely, lots of wild iris, foxglove and an abundance of tiny purple flowers I haven't seen before, Ruaridh as per usual spyed the one rabbit!
Back home did four lots of washing and got most of it dry this is because John H comes tomorrow to replace the hot water tank!
Made the bread, spoke to Layla, her and Bella had been to a treefest with some friends and really enjoyed it. Spoke to mum she appears to be OK.
Finished most of the antique cream painting, just got to do some patches on the ceiling with white, started to get the things back on the shelves it looks good.
Spoke to Graham he is tired but OK, got the window ready for painting in the morning.
Had pasta and tomato sauce for dinner with bread and salad. Lovely, took Ruaridh for a walk in the field he chased all the rabbits away! Just had tea and toast now to bed. Goodnight.

Anthracite!

Down in the village today bumped into one of our coalmen who informed me that the price of anthracite and coal is going through the roof, so I must telephone the coal merchants on Monday and find out out what is happening?
Bit of a crazy day today, up and about quite early, shower and hairwash before breakfast, then after doing the dishes started painting the kitchen again whilst waiting for John H to deliver window No.1
Well we waited and waited eventually at 1400h John and the window arrived. It looks good but required painting so whilst Graham did that I took Ruaridh to the village and the beach, only problem I took the paint for the window with me in the car.
I was delayed for various reasons which I won't go into here, so when I got home poor Graham had finished painting the kitchen and transplanted the basil in the greenhouse.
He painted the window whilst I made lunch, then I made dough for the pizzas Graham was going to make for dinner. Then I finished painting the kitchen which looks good.
Mick L. telephoned he appears in good spirits, always get a laugh with him.
Mum was good as were the family.
Enjoyed the pizzas for dinner.
Watching 'Fort Apache' some good one liners. Goodnight.

Captain

Had a telephone call from our young man on the Isle of Lewis tonight to be told that the boy had been chosen to be Captain (Head boy) of his school in Stornoway, The Nicolson Institute. Well done that man! This young man is Garry B who with his family has become a good friend of ours, due to this honour he gets to switch on the Christmas Tree lights in Stornoway this year, must try and be there.
Enjoyed the morning cuppa, then had a wash before breakfast. Took Ruaridh a long walk in the woods here he set off on his adventures, coming back to the whistle apart from the last one when he just ignored us!
Graham and me went home for lunch then went to find that wee dog, he came at the first whistle and doesn't give a damn!
John H arrived with the new water heater and door, the Cristine arrived with some eggs from her hens, we then started the painting , the colour antique cream looks good.
Did my ironing, Graham made a lovely leek risotto for dinner eaten with salad.
Made an Irish Soda Bread, tired now. Goodnight.

Painting the Kitchen

Today we started the quite big job of painting the kitchen here in the Glen. We had bought the paint when we were both down in Edinburgh, white, to cover the yellow in situ followed by Antique Cream as the final coat. We had to work quite hard Graham did the roller work including the ceiling and yours truly did all of the fiddly bits. We worked well together and Ruaridh helped by brushing against the wet paint. We have now finished putting on the white paint, tomorrow we put on the final coat.
Up early as I had to telephone John H re the buying of a new water tank and a new door and other bits and bobs. Early cuppa, a wash before breakfast, then down to the post office as the package delivered today for the 'midge machine' contained the wrong things and had to go back!
Had a lovely walk on the beach Ruaridh enjoyed one or two skimming stones, back home for lunch then started on the painting.
Very late finishing the painting but it is starting to look good. Had salmon in cream sauce with pasta for dinner with bread and salad, delicious!
Very tired tonight worked hard, Layla and family are fine as is my mum. Goodnight.

Upside Down Day!

Today especially later on was one of those days! Started off bright and breezy, even though I had to boil the kettle to have a wash! Breakfast then over to Broadford to pick up the heating element that goes into the tank to heat the water. Weather a mix of sun and rain. Picked up the package and had a look at our new upstairs windows at Jewson's, there appears to be a problem here not ours thank goodness, they have got to resolve it soon otherwise?
Over to the loch where the golden reeds are, for Graham to do some photographs, Ruaridh and moi went for a walk in the field and then went down to the ancient graveyard for a walk around saw some quite unusual graves. Ruaridh always has a good sniff think wildlife is rampant here.
Back home the fun began thank goodness we had lunch first. Ruaridh played a chasing rabbits all afternoon and appeared to enjoy all his adventures. Whilst he was having fun we were helping John to fix the water heater.
No.1 problem Couldn't get the old heater out! - Eventually it happened. New one fitted!
No. 2 problem Unable to get the the tap undone to let the cold water in!
Had to empty all the cold water from the holding tank by hand nuff said, John changed the tap, eventually the tank filled and guess what we have a small leak! Seem to think we may have to get a new tank.
Made soda bread, had a fry up for dinner tasted good. Spoke to Layla and mum all appears OK on the Western front.
Just had a dram, awaiting the washing finishing. Goodnight.

Water

This afternoon John H paid us a visit, good job he did as we found out why the water heater was kaput, some corrosion had taken place and when the investigation commenced water started to pour out of the tank and onto the floor of the airing cupboard. Panic! eventually managed to turn of the cold water tap that feeds the tank, now a trip to the Isle of Skye for the replacment part ah well!
Sunshine and rain today, after breakfast took Ruaridh for a long walk in the woods, this time he only had a small adventure, he came out of woods quite quickly when Graham whistled.
Back home a cup of tea and spread cheese on toast, saw the spread cheese at Layla's think Bella likes it and I just felt like some so I b ought some it tasted good.
Started to clean the room where all the work has been done nearly finished just the window to put in, soon we hope! Telephoned Layla, Bella on the phone saying trousers and flower lovely to hear her voice. Mum appears to be O.K. when I phoned her.
Veggie stew and mashed tatties for dinner lovely.
Now sat in the sitting room as we can't have a fire in the front room due to the water tank problem, cosy though! Goodnight.

Library

Today we joined the library at Kyle of Lochalsh, as Graham said we have more books in the houses than they have at the library anyway they appear to have an OK selection of books so looking forward to some good reads!
Up and about quite early, misty and raining, early morning cuppa then a shower and hairwash before breakfast. Got organised and set off to get some messages. Took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods on the way up the hill and then on to Kyle.
Graham got the piece he wanted for his drill, then up to the Co-op to get a few messages. We saw the library and decided to join got three good books. We then drove over to the loch near Duncraig and had a walk along the lochside, Ruaridh enjoyed his walk he appears to like this area.
Home for a cuppa and some oatcakes, phoned mum she is alright. Layla telephoned she has been at work today.
Graham made a delicious curry with rice tonight for dinner, with nan bread and yoghurt hmmm!
Just going to make a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Salad Days

Today was meant to be dark and dreary, instead it was light and sunny, another gorgeous day. Leisurely start to the day, early cuppa then fed the wee dog who then came into bed and Graham and moi read yesterday's Guardian. Wash, breakfast then a long walk in the woods with Ruaridh, lots of deer about in the woods, Ruaridh had a great time chasing them.
Back home alfresco lunch of bread, cheese and tomato and salad leaves (homegrown). Then had a wee relax in the deckchair before attacking the garden again-hard work.
Spoke to mum she appears to be OK.
Dinner tonight salmon in tomato and cream sauce with pasta delicious, made by Graham.
Just watched Jonathan Dimbleby finish his Russian journey it has been very interesting.
Going to have a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Weeds

Today has been a lovely day warm and sunny and we made the most of it. Not up too early but enjoyed our morning cuppa, then a wash and breakfast which tasted really good always enjoy being back in the N/W. Started to make the bread and put a load of washing in, then down to the store for the paper and some messages before going to the beach.
Had a lovely walk along the shore Ruaridh really enjoyed it, he loves running into the sea after skimming stones and sticks.
Returned home and had an omelette and toast for lunch, sat out on the deck as it was so warm.
Then made the bread, did more washing and started the weeding. Started in the onion beds the onions do not look as strong as last year but we will wait and see. Then started in the flower beds the earth is so dry and hard had to water there first before we could start. Managed to get a lot of weeds and dead flowers out and into the compost bins but still lots to do!
Spoke to mum she sounds to be ok, as do the family.
Leeks in cheese sauce, roast potatoes and peas for dinner courtesy of Graham, delicious.
Watched the second part of 'Broken Trail' on BBC4--Fantastic. Goodnight.

Rockness!

Bella is 18mths old today she celebrated by going out for a curry with mummy and daddy:)
Up early this morning as I was travelling back home to the N/W by train and meeting Layla and Bella for lunch. The train was supposedly very busy as this weekend the shores of Loch Ness host the Rockness festival, as it turned out the train was quite quiet. Had a shower and breakfast, then dealt with some business matters that required attention, eventually after lots of hassle feel we are maybe getting somewhere! Spoke to Graham he and Ruaridh are coming to Inverness to meet me.
Locked up the house and went to meet the girls, we had a lovely lunch at The Fruitmarket Gallery and it was good to see them both, said Bye Bye to them and went to get the train.
Sat with a nice young guy who was doing accountancy at Edinburgh University, we sat and discussed various issues and it made the journey go by quickly. At one stop a guy got onto the train who had his hair shaved like a face! back to front or what? He let me take his photograph and it is now on blipfoto.com/BB
Graham met me in Inverness good to see him and Ruaridh. A fairly quick visit to Tesco another dreaded supermarket for messages then home, had a sandwich and a drink on the way.
We got home I made dinner tomato sauce and pasta with salad from the greenhouse lovely.
Then I had a panic Ruaridh had been chasing something under the deck barking like mad, suddenly everything went quiet when I looked I saw a little of his head coming from under the deck every thing else was stuck under the deck. Called Graham the midges were biting like mad but he had to get the dog out. Decked out in the midge netting he had to undo screws and lift off some of the decking to get the dog out. Graham was badly bitten and Ruaridh was filthy a shower for the two of them!
Tired now. Goodnight.

Flower Power

After work finished today at 1400h went over to see Layla and Bella, both Joe and Layla had work this evening and they asked would I look after the wee one, a pleasure to do this, as I have said before she is a joy to be with. They were both waiting for me on the corner of the road in the lovely bright sunshine, we walked down to the house, had a chat and cup of coffee before driving over to the allotment. Layla got some weeding done, Bella and moi looked at lots of flowers picked one or two, and made mud bunny rabbits on one of the raised beds, what lovely dirty hands we got! Before we left Bella planted some dwarf beans for her mummy.
Up early today last day at work for this period, everything went well and as usual we had a good crack, left at 1400h and caught the bus to Layla's. After we had finished at the allotment we drove back to the house and Bella and moi had a lovely time playing, we went to the park after eating oatcakes and a drink of apple juice and had fun on the slide and roundabout. We were going for a walk but it became overcast so we walked back to the house and Bella had her dinner.
When her mummy and daddy came we had roasted vegetables and pasta that tasted delicious. Layla brought me home tired now after a long day so to bed. Goodnight.

Miss B for dinner.

Tonight the family came to dinner. I arrived home from work at 1800h and got to work on preparing the meal, nothing to fancy veggie toad in the hole, mashed tatties, peas followed by icecream and chocolate. We all appeared to enjoy it and it was good to have them here.
Bella as usual was the star of the show, she came upstairs with me to her mummy's old room and we found some small wooden eggs that Layla got years ago. Bella loved playing with them and had one hung over each ear like an earing, she thought she looked the cats PJ's. Then her daddy hid one in a small purse and made it jump out and caught it, she watched this and was delighted when he showed her the egg in his hand a great trick!
Up early, work was good nice to meet up with more of the patients.
Spoke to Graham who is well, spoke to my mum who is feeling much better today.
Not much to say, very tired. Goodnight.

Pizza and Merlot

This evening had a lovely time with my good chum Lena, when I am down in Edinburgh we try to meet up for lunch or dinner. This evening we went to Pizza Express which we always enjoy, tonight was no exception. We had a Soho Pizza each, I had two glasses of Merlot, Lena two of Chardonney and we shared a mixed green salad. The banter was good as was the food and wine and came home thoroughly relaxed after a hard day's work.
Up at 0700h work at 0800h good to see more of my old patients as they arrive for the exams. Also good to see Pinkertons catering gang.
Busy day but it was good. Telephoned Graham, Layla and my mum, also had a chat with my cousin Mike and Michelle all appears to be OK.
Must go to bed work tomorrow and the family are here for dinner. Good news today we hopefully finish at 1400h on Thursday. Goodnight.

Financial Institutions

Today the above were not the flavour of the day or month, must have spent two hours of my precious time trying to resolve errors that they had made on our behalf. Hopefully have got two sorted one to go!
Had a shower and washed my hair, then breakfast before popping over to the hospital to see Lena my chum we are going out for dinner tomorrow evening, looking forward to that.
Then trotted off up the town bought tickets for my journey North on Friday just my luck it is the Rockness Festival so the trains are going to be busy! Also got Sue my chum's tickets she is coming over from Canada to visit her aunt and uncle then us for a day or two. Bought Bella some T-shirts for the summer, sent off baby Charlie's book, had a latte and blueberry muffin in Waterstones.
Went to catch a bus, no joy, walked from town to the dreaded supermarket got my messages and walked home.
Busy evening speaking to Graham, Layla and mum on the telephone, all appear to be ok.
Had a veggie bacon and egg fry up for dinner tasted delicious, cleaned the lounge. Very late now, tired and so to bed. Goodnight!

Ocean Terminal

This morning I walked over to the family's house as Layla, Bella and moi were going to work on the allotment this afternoon, the sun was shining and I enjoyed my walk. Arrived at the house and crept in as I thought Bella was asleep, we both got a surprise there she was playing on the dining-room floor. Had a chat, Layla made a picnic lunch then we set off in the morning sunshine to Ocean Terminal the only shopping mall I visit.
Had a good shop bought a two pairs of 'crocs' a pair for Graham and a pair for moi, went to Waterstones to buy some books. Then us girls went to have a drink and something to munch on, apple juice and biscuits for Bella, lattes and scones for Layla and me.
When we got outside the rain was lashing down, no digging for victory today, so we went back to the house, Bella fell fast asleep. When she awoke we had our picnic lunch in the house and enjoyed it. I then entertained Bella whilst Layla got on with some cleaning. Joe came home he had been at work all day, Layla made us a lovely Mexican meal for dinner. she then brought me home.
Watched Jonathan Dimbleby's Russian Journey on BBC2. Going to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.
On the way back to the house we saw a Japanese Cruise ship in the dock, it had all lovely flags on it.