Paddle

We went down to the river estuary part of the beach today, to get there we had to walk past the old Bernara barracks a building from the 18th century that is now a ruin but still looks amazing. Ruaridh had a great time running about and when we got to the river estuary the tide was out. He loved running into the water after the skimming stones and pranced about like a wee puppy, I joined him for a paddle and very refreshing it was. He was very reluctant to leave the water I guess it was very refreshing after the midges on Tuesday evening.
Back home cup of tea then Ruaridh and moi got some more mole soil, he then took off for an adventure with the rabbits, came back eventually panting like crazy. Then I mowed the lawn at the back and side of the house. John H arrived with the new windows they are lovely totally different to the first ones, it will be great to get the first one in.
Don't know what is for dinner tonight, possibly courgettes in cream sauce with pasta and salad. Sounds good.
Spoke to mum she is fine, INR up so that keeps her happy also Anne had phoned her from the cruise she was pleased.
Blogging early tonight as I want to get on with my knitting. Bye.

Yesterday's disaster-today did nothing!

Did not Blog yesterday as we set off on our canoeing trip and were not meant to come back to the Glen until tomorrow evening, unfortunately the midge brigade had other plans.
Tuesday morning we packed all our gear into the Jeep, canoe on top and off we set for Loch Loyne. On our way south we had noticed the water levels in the Loch getting lower and thought in the distance we could make out two bridges over the Loch? so decided to go and investigate.
We launched the canoe and off we set, the wind was behind us and we scooted along Ruaridh sat on top of the bags, well within an hour and half we arrived at the bridges. There were two of them and before the valley was flooded they were part of the old drove road from the N/W to the South, they straddled the River Loyne. When the valley was flooded they disappeared only to be seen now when the water is so low. We pulled in fastened the canoe and then went a walk over the bridges and up the N/W part of the drove road. Ruaridh had a great time jumping through the heather, when we got back we moved the canoe to a safer place and made camp. Had our lunch Graham did some fishing, collected wood for a campfire, admired the flora and the shapes of trees and their roots that until now had been under water, then the wind dropped and all hell broke loose with the midges.
I have never in all my life seen so many, they hung around our faces biting like crazy and drove the wee fellow to distraction. We walked on the south road and then the wind started again great so we walked back, got our dinner ready ravioli with tomato sauce and the wind dropped and we were eating midges. Attempted to put up with it, but then no decided to pack up and canoe in the twilight zone first time ever.
It was truly an amazing experience we travelled down the middle of the Loch the ripples looked like syrupy ink and a good thing out of a bad happened.
Arrived home hot shower, bread roll and a big mug of tea, great nights sleep.
Awoke this morning wow what a sleep, did not do very much today usual things like breakfast, wash, some washing. Very hot and humid most of the day, had a walk around the field with the wee fellow.
Dinner vegetable rice and mushroom curry that we should have eaten at the camp lovely.
Watching a programme about a kid of three/four who paints and sells her work for ? thousands of dollars, on BBC4. Goodnight.

Nearly Ready

Well almost, food ready anyway, will get all the rest of the gear ready in the morning when we get up early:) Very hot in the Glen today 28C phew. Started the dough for the bread rolls that we are taking with us. Down to the village store this morning to catch the post and get some messages shop closed out of respect for local man who died over a week ago. Went for a walk down to the river estuary, Ruaridh was delighted and walked in the water for most of the way, too hot for him to chase about though he did wander into the field searching for rabbits when we returned home!
Made a decision to go over the hill to Balmacara as I had to get this letter off to our chum Liz for the weekend, also needed messages. On our return had lunch sat outside, so hot had to come inside, finished the bread rolls now baking in the oven.
Made bread for when we come home, also a tomato sauce to take with us.
Graham made rice and vegetables and a mushroom curry to take with us.
Had leek risotto for dinner with a salad lovely.
Thomas and Kirsty over to get the key for the house in Edinburgh, they go down tomorrow hope they have a good time.
Just having a cup of tea then to bed. Goodnight.
Will not be able to Blog for the next couple of days, no broadband or telephones where we travel by canoe:) Catch up when we return.

Canoe Trip

As the weather is scheduled to stay warm and dry over the next few days we decided to have a canoe trip on Loch Loyne which is about an hour's drive away from the Glen. So today was spent (mainly by Graham) getting items ready for the adventure. Tent, sleeping bags and mats etc. see blipfoto.com/A Dog's Dinner (articles too numerous to mention).
Another day of amazing hot weather, Ruaridh disappeared didn't know where he had gone until, yes saw the sheep on the run in the adjoining field. The wee fellow is not interested in them no they just get in the way of him chasing rabbits! Didn't go a walk today as the dog was pooped when he arrived home.
Light lunch then finished making the cucumber relish another five lbs. Made scones to take on our trip.
Dinner rice and vegetables with sweet and sour sauce lovely.
Took Ruaridh for a walk in the field he chased the rabbits they run like mad!
Going to have a cup of tea and toast then bed. Goodnight.

Busy Beach!

Went down to the village shop this morning to collect the Guardian and get some messages, another lovely day though not as hot as yesterday. Set off to go down by the barracks to take the wee fellow for a walk, had to turn back as they were working with sheep at the fank. Went along to the beach, couldn't believe what we saw lots of people in a caravan and three tents with at least three dogs, I heard later five! Ruaridh enjoyed playing with one of the three and had a great time. Walked along the beach a lovely day to walk on the shore. On the way back saw that one of the camper vans parked at the beach belonged to our old friends John and Auria who were there with their daughter Caryn. Graham thought it was their camper van on the way down but the tent at the back (for their daughter) put me off. Had a nice chat and good to meet their daughter.
Back home lunch, then I got the second lot of ingredients for cucumber relish ready. Sat outside in my deckchair and read the paper.
Layla telephoned they arrived in Holland OK and were now in their holiday place, Bella was asking for Grandpa and she had a wee chat with him. Layla said all was fine.
The swallows have been amazing today flying all around the house, diving over the deck so many wee birds lovely.
Graham made lovely ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese and covered with a tomato sauce for dinner, with salad and homemade bread, delicious.
Suddenly very tired going to bed. Goodnight.

Awaiting Dinner

This evening for the first time since we bought the house we were able to have an alfresco dinner on the deck, today the temperature outside reached 23C with a lovely warm breeze so no midges this evening and a super meal of pasta, tomato, garlic and basil sauce, salad and homemade bread with a couple glasses of red wine, delicious.
Up quite early enjoyed my morning cuppa, breakfast, wash then trotted over to Christine's with some lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes from the greenhouse. Ruaridh came with me but the temperature was touching 23C so he was very tired and did not run about too much, nobody in at Christine's so we left the messages and ruturned home.
Light lunch on the deck, three loads of clothes washed and dried, made bread then sat on the deck in my deckchair to catch the sun's rays, an amazing day.
Spoke to mum she appears to be OK. Spoke to Layla they are away to Holland tomorrow for two weeks holiday, travel safely have fun.
Watched The Stax Story on BBC4 very interesting documentary.
Done some knitting, having a Dalwhinnie then bed. Goodnight.

Have I done this and that---??

Awoke this morning and somehow found it difficult to get going as one might say. Graham had a business meeting so we were on the go early with the early morning cuppa. I frittered about and spoke to Layla and for the first time Bella spoke to me on the telephone she often just knocks the phone off, sometimes a wee kiss, today it was pram and park!! Wrote a cheque, put in a pile of washing, spoke to Patricia our neighbour on the telephone.
Got into gear, washed the kitchen floor, had a wash, Graham arrived back we had a late breakfast then took Ruaridh a walk along the cycle path, he didn't enjoy this, met two Cairns and he practically ignored them apart from a growl! Went to Boots and Homebase for late messages.
Back home packed food, clothes, Graham packed the car, hoovered downstairs then it was almost time to set off as we were going back to the Glen today.
Picked up the sandwiches for our snack on the road, then into the city to collect Graham's ukelele from a fellow blipper, then on to get Ruaridh's food before hitting the road.
Lovely day very warm and sunny, had a great drive up and enjoyed our sandwhich at the side of Loch Laggan, Graham even gave us a tune on the ukelele.
Arrived at the Glen the house was very hot windows opened wide.
Beer, roll with spread cheese cucumber and radish for dinner, followed by a drink of cocoa lovely. Goodnight.

Curly Kale

Today we went over to see Layla and Bella and then walked over to the allotment, it was very warm and sunny and lots of people out on Leith Links enjoying themselves. When we got to the allotment a man and his wife who were digging up their tatties spoke to Layla and offered her a boiling meaning we ended up with enough tatties for all of us to have them for dinner. Had a nice time there, Layla has worked very hard and the allotment looks great. Had lunch then I took Bella for a walk before wheeling her round in the pram to help her go to sleep, eventually she did and slept for an hour. I thinned out Layla's leeks for her and Layla picked some curly kale for us then we left. Went back to their house, Ruaridh was very tired after the long walk there and back especially in the heat!
Waited for Joe to come then said bye to them all as we go up North tomorrow and they fly to Holland on Saturday for two weeks holiday.
Called into Waitrose on the way home to get the messages, came home made dinner the above said tatties and curly kale with a mushroom omelette lovely.
Just done some ironing having a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Grooming day.

Today was the day Ruaridh and moi had our haircut! Ruaridh had an appointment at 1330 at 'Doggie Style' for his bi-annual stripping, and I went to Cheynes at 1715h for what has now become my bi-annual haircut. Good to see my hairdresser Iain again and catch up on the gossip he has cut my hair quite short but looks and feels good so what the hell! Picked up Ruaridh at 1530h he looks good, after dropping the wee fellow off we went to have lunch with Layla and Bella, the wee one was sleeping but awoke quite quickly and entertained us as is her want. After lunch we all sat off to pick up Ruaridh, had a lovely walk along the Water of Leith and back again.
Up quite early after a good night's sleep, had breakfast cleaned the stairs then a shower and hairwash. Spoke to Graciela an old chum on the phone caught up with her news.
Set off to take Ruaridh, called at Sainsbury's to drop off loads of bottles, old clothes and newspapers.
I drove over to the hairdresser's then Graham walked over to meet me with Ruaridh, we called at Waitrose to pick up a few messages.
I had a veggie bacon and egg sandwich for dinner with a good cup of tea, Graham had roll mop herring and rye bread with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Watching the movie 'Copenhagen' on BBC Four looks very good. Bye.

Sunny day.

Today I was awake early as Ruaridh spent most of last night on our bed and I managed to sleep on about twelve inches of bed. Anyway not to worry it was a truly lovely day, blue sky and the sun beaming down, so after the early morning cuppa I had my shower and then walked to the dreaded super market, though must admit today it was quite pleasant so I could drop the dreaded. Got my messages then back home to enjoy breakfast, before attacking the housework!
Cleaned windows then took the wee fellow a walk along the cycle path, he was not over happy but then he never is in the city. Went to get paint for the garden fence then home for lunch.
Cleaned two bedrooms and the porch, also got rid of hundreds of papers that have been hanging around the house for ages, and that takes an age.
Spoke to mum she appears to be OK, also spoke to Layla who is getting ready for their holiday, Bella got her new wellies!
Made lasagne for dinner with home grown salad produce and homemade bread, tasted rather good.
Very tired more cleaning tomorrow so to bed. Goodnight.

Four hours

Today we travelled from the Glen to Edinburgh it took us four hours. During that time Ruaridh went for a short walk in the woods on the way up the hill, Bella slept for a good hour. We had to stop at Loch Oich whilst the bridgeman let a sailing boat through, we then stopped on the road to Dalwhinnie to do a pee and eat our lunch, lovely rolls with cheese and gherkins that Layla had made.
Once we were on the A9 road Bella asked Grandpa to put some music on, he did so we sang and danced quite a way down the road, listeneing in the main to Paul Simon's 'Graceland' which Bella likes.
Arrived safe and sound in Edinburgh, Bella was delighted to see her daddy as he was to see her. Ruaridh as usual was delighted to see Joe.
We had a lovely meal of corn chowder soup and cheese scones made by Joe, thank you Joe!
A great time spent with the two girls in the Glen, just sorry Joe couldn't make it next time we hope.
In the city for a few days, going to bed now. Goodnight.

Fund Raiser

This morning we were going to the coffee morning in the village hall, Graham and Ruaridh dropped us off and in we trooped. We had taken a lot of books we had finished with and we gave a donation. Hall full of usual suspects and tourists, but no Christine. It was quite oppressive as there are no windows in the hall and once again the home bakes had disappeared, anyway we had a cup of tea and the girls shared a juice then we went to the village shop to get our paper and buy Bella some bubbles.
We then went to the play park to wait for Graham and Ruaridh, when they came we all went to the beach and had a lovely time on the sand and the seaweed and paddling once again with wellies on in the sand pools. The sun shone for us once again and Ruaridh enjoyed barking at the stones as they went skimming across the water.
Back home had lunch then Bella had a sleep for a couple of hours. As we had so many cucumbers I decided to make our first batch of cucumber relish otherwise the cucumbers would go to waste, it is now ready and in jars.
Graham made a lovely dinner of lobster, prawns, lemon soleand salmon in a cream and brandy sauce with pasta eaten with a salad. Miss B had fried lemon sole and pasta. she loves fish!
Tired so now to bed as all the others have gone and we go to Edinburgh tomorrow. Goodnight.

Out for lunch, another day!

Today it rained so the plan was to go out for lunch and that is just what we did, we got into the car and set off for the cafe at The Eilean Donan Castle. First though we went down to the beach and we were surprised that the sun came out the rain stopped for about and hour. Bella was able to have a swing and a walk on the sands which she loved, also managed a paddle in the sea with her wellies on. Ruaridh ran about and as per usual went into the sea after his skimming stones, Bella watched with delight as he woof, woofed and tried to find the stones
We then drove along to the cafe and enjoyed our lunch, the Castle was very busy but we got a good table with a view out onto the loch. Went on to Balmacara to get messages for Christine, then home in the pouring down rain. Bella fell asleep and slept for two hours, I went to Christines and met her friend Monica who appears very nice.
Layla made pizzas for dinner and lovely they were too, then she decided to make croissants for breakfast, watch this space! Played with Bella, drawing, singing, dancing and bringing in the logs.
I made soda bread and did a pile of ironing! now to bed. Goodnight.

Playing on the deck.

Today started off with rain but in no time the clouds had lifted to give us a lovely blue sky with lots of sunshine. We all had breakfast together and I was just going to have a shower and wash my hair when Christine arrived, so had to put that off for another day. Christine spoke to the wee one and had a coffee then we were ready to go down to the beach, the wee one togged out in her wellies and waterproof dungarees. When we got there the sun came out and we had a lovely walk, Bella and Ruaridh having fun paddling in the sandy pools. Ruaridh also enjoyed his usual sport of running into the sea after the skimming stones.
We popped down to the village store and on the car journey back Bella fell fast asleep.
We had lunch and she slept on the sofa, when she awoke she was bright and breezy and had a huge lunch sat outside on the deck. We had a great afternoon in superb sunshine, watching aeroplanes fly overhead, blowing bubbles, playing with the ball, picking salad for the dinner, helping Grandpa carry in logs for the stove wow so busy.
Layla made courgette and pea risotto for dinner eaten with the said salad it was delicious.
Bella spoke to her Daddy using the web cam and sent him lots of kisses.
I spoke to mum she is fine.
Walked around the field with Ruaridh, done a bit of knitting, had hot cocoa and toast noe to bed. Goodnight.

Posting letters.

Today the rain came down but as it is Harrison's birthday on Friday wanted to get his card and present into the post, also Bella needed a sleep and we thought she might nod off if we took her for a walk/walk in her buggy. She had a great walk and as soon as we put her in the buggy she went off to sleep. The heavens opened, Ruaridh came with us and got soaked, Graham stayed at home and made minestrone soup and watered the greenhouse and came to meet us on the return journey. Ruaridh had a great time chasing from one side of the road to the other, though no rabbits caught! We got soaked and Bella awoke as soon as we got into the house. Bumped into Christine who was away to do some work in Arnisdale.
Had a lovely lunch of Graham's minestrone soup and toast, Bella really tucked in. Graham and moi took Bella and the dog down to the village store then had a wee walk on the way back
Graham made a delicious dinner of pasta and tomato sauce, with homegrown lettuce, rocket, cucumbers and tomatoes, followed by a delicious rice pudding.
MissB went to sleep straight away as my mum would say 'a change of air!'
Trying to get on with my knitting. Bye.

The girls come for a visit.

Today we travelled to Inverness to pick up Layla and Bella who had travelled by train from Edinburgh to visit us for a few days. They appear to have had a good journey and it was good to see them. We were going to take them out for lunch, but the cafe we chose on the way home was so busy we decided just to head for home. Bella had cheese and pitta bread, we had scrambled eggs beans and toast it tasted really good.
Bella is a delight she has already been in the greenhouse and helped me wheel the bin to the pick up point, she and Ruaridh appear to be getting on better.
Up early as we were going to pick up the girls in Inverness uneventful journey in fact the roads were so quiet we made it up in just over an hour! Bought fish for the dinner this evening, then found the Health Food store Doreen our postie told me about, then to meet the train.
Drove back to the Glen, Bella entertained us all she loves the garden and the flowers and the birds so much to see here and do.
Fish and chips for dinner with parsley sauce tasted really good.
Just cast on my knitting for the back of the jumper noew to bed. Goodnight.

Empty shop!

As Layla and Bella are coming tomorrow, today we went to the Co-op in Broadford to get our messages. What a surprise first they are doing renovations and making the shop bigger, second the delivery van hadn't arrived so a lot of the shelves were empty. We got what messages we could then went to get some fish-once again as it was Monday so stocks were low, we will have to get fish in Inverness tomorrow when we go to meet the girls.
Had a run with the wee fellow on a couple of beaches, trying to avoid the showers and catch the sunbeams. Back to Kyle where we managed to get some more messages.
Back home had a late lunch, put the messages away, got the beds made for Layla and Bella and cleaned the front room.
Spoke to mum she is fine and made her first loaf of bread since her illness. Spoke briefly with Layla looking forward to seeing them tomorrow.
Made a soda bread and watched Liz Smith (Gran in The Royale Family) being interviewed by Mark Lawson. Brilliant.
Just going to clean the bathroom then bed. Goodnight.

Busy bees

Noticed today that the awful leylandii hedge we inherited with the house was growing so tall didn't know if the plum tree could see the sun. So with no more ado Graham got his new toy a billhook out and before we knew it we had three Jeep loads of the dreaded tree. Can't believe how much light there is now we have hacked large amounts of the leylandii away.
Up quite early read the paper with my morning cuppa, breakfast then over to Christine's with the wee dog to take her pork and bacon she has been keeping in our freezer. Sat and had a chat then home.
Started the bread dough then collected the branches thet were on the ground so that we could get rid of them after two loads stopped for lunch, then continued with one more load.
Phoned mum she is OK had been for a walk with her neighbour. Layla phoned she is getting ready for coming up to the Glen on Tuesday.
Made the bread and some scones, cleaned the stairs and did some ironing.
Had a lovely dinner pasta and tomato sauce with homegrown salad.
Just finished knitting the front of Bella's new jumper, going to make a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Chicken wire fence.

This afternoon I finished the chicken wire fence that I have placed around the leek bed to stop the blasted rabbits, hope it works.
Also I planted out thirty-two leeks, fingers crossed they grow, will probably plant some cabbage into the bed with them, Layla gave us some but they are too small to put out yet.
Mixed weather day, horrible this morning as after a fry-up for breakfast we went down to the village store then a walk to the river estuary and the rain was quite heavy. Ruaridh had a wee swim then chased a rabbit that either Graham or myself nearly stood on!
Back home oatcakes and spread cheese for lunch. The weather dried up this afternoon giving me time to finsh the fence. I made pizza dough as Graham was making them for dinner this evening, then cleaned our bedroom, moved the cot back into the other room as Layla and Bella are coming on Tuesday.
Layla telephoned they had been to visit friends in the country and had a good time.
Pizzas were lovely, had them with homegrown lettuce and cucumber.
Trying to get on with my knitting so will say Bye.

Martini

This evening before dinner Graham and moi decided to have a Martini, it is more years than I care to remember when I last had one! The other week when Graham was south he brought back a bottle of gin and a bottle of vermouth with a martini in mind. As we don't possess the requisite shaker a jug along with two glasses and the gin was placed in the freezer! Graham looked on the internet to see how to make them, I got the olives ready, following the instructions into the glasses went the mixed liquid!
One sip and I felt my mouth was on fire, Graham thought not enough gin, poured more into the glass made it worse. Ended up with a good measure of tonic in each and rather merry to say the least.
Enjoyed the vegetable risotto and salad for dinner.
Mixed weather day went down to the beach Ruaridh enjoyed his walk and the skimming stones, met three dogs with their owner, the wee fellow chased one and the poor guy ended up going back to his motor home where the dog was hiding.
Had lunch, spoke to mum who appears to be OK. Spoke with Layla, Bella can now say Joe and Layla:)
Put up a somewhat makeshift fence around the bed where the leeks are to go must finish it tomorrow.
Spent the evening knitting, off to bed now to pinch one of Graham's library books. Goodnight.

Dog Biscuits

This afternoon made Ruaridh's dog biscuits, Karen C bought us the recipe book and cutters for Christmas one year and intermittently we make them. Today it was a necessity as the bought treats have almost finished, the wee fellow has already had two!
Quite a good day more overcast than yesterday still quite warm and the sun peeped through occasionally! Had a long walk in the forest, Ruaridh off on one of his adventures eventually he came to us, good job as the cattle grid was being cleared, great news as it has been full for years allowing the cattle and sheep access to the woods.
Made bread, collected more mole soil for the leek bed, also found some chicken wire to place around the bed to stop the blasted rabbits, they attacked the onion bed last night Grrr!
Don't know what is on for dinner this evening, it could be fried rice and vegetables.
I am going to sew on buttons, and cast on to start Bella's other jumper. Bye.

Hanks

A wee while ago Layla left me some hanks of wool to knit a jumper for Bella, last night I was going to cast the stitches on when I realised the hanks would have to be rolled into balls. As my neighbour Christine was over for dinner I made good use of her hands to hold the hanks of wool whilst I rolled the balls. I did offer to reverse this but she said her balls would not be as good as mine!
Uneventful day, Ruaridh's eye is slowly improving, and he is much happier today. Did some work in the garden, weather warm and sunny. Had lunch then walked with Ruaridh over to Christine's, needed to borrow an egg for the leek quiche we were having for dinner. Graham walked over the back field to join us, we had seen the sheep move and wondered why? had a chat then home.
Spoke to mum she is OK. Spoke to Layla she had taken the wee one to Gorgie city farm earlier in the day and Bella had been fascinated watching the lamb do a pee pee:)
Christine arrived for dinner leek quiche, potato and green bean salad lovely followed by fattening chocs. courtesy of Christine. Did the balls of wool and chatted. Bye.

Poor Ruaridh

Arrived home from our trip to the village and the beach, Ruaridh jumped out of the car and appeared to go on a rabbit hunt, he dived into a bed of nettles to try and find the rabbit(s). Graham and moi were sat having lunch when he rushed into the kitchen rolled on his back and started to scratch himself on the floor, he had been badly stung by the nettles especially around his R) eye, poor Ruaridh it has been annoying him all afternoon and is still swollen. Will have to monitor it and see how he is in the morning, we will have to keep bathing it to try and keep it cool. Though after all this he got the rabbit, well done wonder dog!
It has been a warm sunny day, had a lovely walk on the other side of the estuary to which we normally go, Ruaridh loved it especially chasing through the bulrushes and as usual sniffing for rabbits and otters.
Busy afternoon Graham did the strimming and I cut grass with the shears and collected the cut grass up.
Phoned mum she is OK. Spoke to Layla who is having a couple of big hassles at the moment, Bella is fine and had been to the park with her mummy and Eve her friend.
Lovely veggie stew for dinner with mashed tatties and homegrown french beans made by Graham.
Going to start knitting another jumper for Bella. Bye.

The Long Way Home

Today we left the city at 1330h to go home to the Glen as we were going to visit Graham's mum this entailed a visit to Glasgow then on to the Glen. This is the long way home, however we found Graham's mum in quite good spirits and spent an hour with her, we left her around 1545h and headed N/W.
Up quite early phoned the dentist and managed to get Graham an appointment with John G for 1130h. Had our early cuppa, then I wasted a precious thirty minutes attempting to contact the Mastercard centre, I just wanted to pay up my account, could I get through you are joking! It appears it is impossible to speak to anyone who works in the financial arena these days! just keep talking to the machine voice on the telephone 'Blade Runner' here we come. Had breakfast then G left for the dentist, I hoovered then had a leisurely shower and washed my hair.
Finally ready to lock up the house, post a cheque to settle the said account and pick up the sandwiches from Cafe Citron for the journey.
I then walked Ruaridh down to the bank and Waitrose as we had to do a shop prior to heading north.
After we had visited Graham's mum we had a good journey, stopping on Loch Lomond side to have our sandwich. It was lovely and we had a walk on a beach at the lochside, back in the car we left for Glen Coe. Amazing light all the way there with big rain clouds then lots of brilliant sunshine. Stopped at Glen Coe at Ruaridh's favorite place to have a walk, there eating the grass was a lovely deer, back for the lead and carried on our walk. The moontains in Glen Coe are huge, thought of the wee fellow chasing the deer up one and us chasing him-no way!
Arrived back in the Glen at 2015h, house very warm.
Graham made a lovely dinner of pasta and courgettes in a cream cheese sauce with salad and bread-delicious.
Tired and so to bed. Goodnight.

Into the city.

Today I had to go into the city as I needed to get messages, I had to buy a new shower curtain, batteries for the food weighing machine and the person one, food, and I also bought leggings and a wee dress for Bella who is nineteen months old today! I'm sorry to say it pished down all the way, and I got very wet.
Up late this morning didn't waken until 0920h, got up to make the early morning cuppa and feed the dog, then we had a leisurely breakfast before taking Ruaridh along the cycle path to Roseburn, he really hates city life and believe it or not lets us know it by looking bored. Hopefully will get back up to the N/W tomorrow.
I had just arrived home when the family arrived, they had been to an 'opening' and bought a painting. Bella was looking lovely and her daddy had bought her some huge beads, lots of fun with them. Biscuits and orange juice for Bella, tea and coffee for the big people.
Baked tatties for dinner with cheese, baked beans and tinned salmon tasted good with a beer.
Watched The Conspiracy Files '9/11-The Third Tower' on BBC2 OK, quite interesting. Bye.
Edit -Sorry no Blog yesterday, baby sitting for Bella last night, home late.

Red Rose County.

On Wednesday 2nd July Layla, Bella and moi travelled down to the Red Rose County by train to visit my mum. We have had a lovely two days with her, been shopping out to lunch and generally had a good time. Bella as per usual has been the star of the show and charmed everyone she has met.
On Wednesday I took the wee one and we went to say cherrio to Bryan and Gill who have now left the UK for a new life in Australia, good luck to them all hope they settle. We then went for a walk along the prom, before going back to mum's Bella walked a long way.
Thursday I took mum to the anti-coagulant clinic she is doing well and they have now put her on an every three week visit.
Went to Anton's for lunch then home, Mum slept as did Bella, later we had a walk round the shops.
Today I went with mum to see the consultant at the hospital, he was very pleased with her and discharged her, or as she said she was 'fired'! Out for lunch again, before we left mum to get the train from St Annes to Preston then on to Edinburgh. Good journey Bella was a wee star and kept me entertained for all of the journey.
Joe, Graham and Ruaridh met us at the station good to see everyone, we then went to the new Mother India restuarant that has opened in Edinburgh and had a delicious Indian meal, the staff were fanatastic and of course Bella was the star of the show.
Goodnight.

Folk Gig

Had a lovely day today, quite a long lie then a leisurely shower and hairwash before breakfast. Spoke to Graham he is OK but lots of rain, spoke to Layla told her I would be over as soon as. No trouble catching the buses and was at Layla's for 1230h the wee one was fast asleep on the sofa. Lovely to see Layla her hair is great and she is looking well.
Had a chat then waited for Bella to waken up before having lunch, lovely to see the wee ones amazment when she saw me there, she appears to recognise and know Grandpa and moi well now. Also can say the dog's name and can tell us what he says woof, woof.
Over to the allotment by car, had great fun playing in the water, Bella helped to water the plants in the greenhouse with her little blue watering can, then she and I had great fun trying to catch the water from the hose, when Layla was watering the plants.
Went to a cafe on Junction St. and had latte's and cakes, the wee one had apple juice. Then to Ocean Terminal to get some things for Graham.
Back to the house played with Bella until her daddy came home, lovely dinner of pasta with cheese sauce and spinach. Said bye to Joe and Bella as Layla and me were off to a folk gig at The Royal Oak, people from Garvald were performing, really enjoyed same the music and singing was great. Just going to pack as Layla, Bella and moi are off to the Red Rose County tomorrow on the train, so maybe no blogs for a couple of days! Bye.