Big lunch!

Today we left the Glen early, well 0910h to be exact as we were heading to the Isleornsay again as our chums were going to look at a house with a view to buying. We arrived at 1000h and they were already at the house with the woman from the estate agents, looked around the house and grounds but not really worth the price the sellar was asking. Back to their rented cottage then took the dogs for a long walk, Ruaridh gave chase to something on the shore and we thought we had lost him, but no back he came full circle.
We then went to the Isleornsay pub for lunch, huge helping of fish and chips for Graham and moi, and venison burgers with chips for our chums. After lunch Graham and moi had to head back to the Glen as we are going south tomorrow for a wee while, and there was lots to do. Said goodbye to Bernd and Ute, don't know when we will see them again they would like us to visit them in Provence in the New Year hopefully we can watch this space!
Back home spoke to mum still attempting to resolve this noise problem, things are moving forwards?
Spoke to Layla, Bella's jumper arrived today she looks good in it, I got a photo taken with the new iphone!
Did the cleaning that had to be done.
Beans on toast with a big mug of tea for dinner tasted great.
Going to do the dishes then the ironing. Bye.

Isleornsay.

Today we went over to the Isleornsay to visit our friends Bernd and Ute who are on their annual visit with their three dogs to the Isle of Skye. We met them last year on the ferry from Zeebrugge to Rosyth, saw them a couple of times then and over the past year have kept in touch intermittently via the internet.
Today we had a lovely time good lunch, company and a great walk with the four dogs. In fact the chatter was so good we didn't get home until 2130h. We are going over again tomorrow morning to help them with a business deal.
Back home potato, leek, carrot and onion soup with toast for dinner lovely.
Layla phoned they are all OK.
Up early tomorrow to go to the Isle of Skye. Goodnight.

Lost dog again!

Today we decided to take the chopped down leylandii branches to the woods to clear that part of the garden, it took us four journeys with the jeep full each trip. As you can guess Ruaridh disappeared into the woods during the first trip, he decided not to come to us even though we shouted and whistled. Back to the house loaded up again, as we got down to the road who should be haring along yes you guessed right Ruarhid, haven't a clue where he had been but he seemed happy to see us!
Finished this work, late lunch, got Bella's jumper ready to post tomorrow, made scones and the dough for pizzas for this evening's dinner.
Did two lots of washing and due to the sunny, windy weather got most of it dry!
Waiting for Graham to make the pizzas getting hungry! Bye.

Savaged salmon!

Short Blog today. Awoke to a very windy and somewhat wet day at around 0900h made the early morning cuppa, had a wash then a big fry up for breakfast, which tasted really good by the way! Spoke to Layla, they all appear to be fine and as Joe was working Bella and her were going out for lunch with Louise.
The rain lashed down as we made our way down to the village, Drams in the Field a music and drink (hic) festival is on this weekend so lots of young males no females hanging round the village? Got the messages and as we headed for the beach the sun came out. Ruaridh and moi walked to the east beach, when the wee fellow stopped in front of a huge salmon. He was desperate to have a bite but was very good and held back, I think the salmon was a farmed one savaged by an otter but had got away for a while, anyway it was well and truly dead when Ruaridh stumbled upon it.
Back home made bread, did some weeding, had a very late lunch. Spoke to mum still the problems with the noise hopefully will sort it when we are down?
Lovely dinner aubergine croquettes and tomato sauce with boiled potatoes and peas made by Graham delicious.
Just going to take the wee fellow for his nightly constitutional. Bye.

Favorite Beach

Today we went over to Broadford on the Isle of Skye as we had to get some medication for the wee fellow from the vets, his worm tablets and the topical solution Advantix for ticks and fleas. On the way over the hill we stopped and went into the woods, Ruaridh disappeared for a wee while but came back quite quickly when we whistled and shouted for him!
Carried on over the sea to Skye, after the vets went to the Co-op and got the messages, then went down to the beach at Lower Breakish.
The sea, sand, a wee bit of sun, warm wind, G and Ruaridh along with me made this a lovely walk on my favorite beach. Can't explain why it is my favorite as I have been on some pretty remarkable beaches in my day. Maybe it is the close proximity to us, when you get there the sand is golden, the sea turquoise blue and you are surrounded by mountains albeit in the distance, Nirvana!
Left after a lovely walk and stone throwing session for Ruaridh. Back home had a cuppa.
We had prawn paella for dinner with cheese and biscuits for dessert
Spoke with Layla and Bella she sends lovely big kisses over the phone.
Just back from our walk Ruaridh killed another rabbit, going to have a cuppa. Goodnight.

Flat breads.

Graham made Greek beans for dinner this evening, place in dish cooked butter beans, 1/2 tin tomatoes, tomato puree, chilli sauce, oregano, mint placed in the oven at around 200C and cooked until sauce is reduced. Decided to make some Iranian flatbreads known as Barbari, easy to make and tasted delicious with the beans, a lovely dinner.
Up and about, early morning cuppa, breakfast, wash then down to the beach with Ruaridh. Walked both beaches quite difficult to get on the second beach as someone had put their tent right at the opening, managed to sneak round the side but pretty stupid to place it there. Super walk, Ruaridh enjoyed being in the sea and chasing the birds.
Back home lunch, finished the stripy sweater for Miss B washed it and will try and get it down to her to keep her cosy in the autumn.
Spoke to Layla they are all fine. Spoke to mum she is still having problems with the noise overnight.othwise appears to be OK.
Finished mowing the grass, have just taken the wee fellow out for his walk. Hot chocolate and a piece of toast-yummy. Bye.

Putting my feet up!

That is what I'm hoping to do tonight, finish Bella's jumper and hopefully have a read before going to bed early for me, to have another read!
Up late as Ruaridh was awake at 0500h think something was moving around outside and this can disturb him, let him out and he barked like crazy but I saw nothing or no-one? Early morning cuppa then had a shower and washed my hair, breakfast, spoke to Layla who says they are all OK. Down to the beach walked on the sandy beach and found lots of objects to photograph, Ruaridh loved running on the beach and into the sea just one or two stones today!
Back home late snack then I started to mow the grass, got most of it done, just a bit on the front to do then bingo. Hopefully will finish it tomorrow then get some strimming done.
Finished that then made the beetroot chutney, looks and smells delicious, then made a soda bread.
Layla phoned to tell us Bella is now putting words together and can say some of the alphabet great stuff wee one!
Just had a delicious dinner spaghetti and courgettes in cream sauce with cucumber and tomato salad, fantastic!
Just going to finish the jumper for Bella then relax------. Bye.

Jumper

On the last leg now of finishing Miss B's new jumper, one sleeve to sew in and then the sleeves and sides to sew up and bingo after a wash it will be sent down to her to wear in the Autumn weather. Also hoping to be able to make a tammy for her if I have enough wool, and the know how to do it, fingers crossed.
Up quite early, breakfast, made the dough for bread, then to the village for messages before going to the beach where we had a lovely walk with the wee fellow. Once again he had a great time with the stones in the sea and the river, also managed to chase a rabbit!
Back home late lunch, spoke with Layla, Bella can now say her full name and take photo's, see blipfoto.com/Lonely Little Petunia brilliant.
Finished knitting the jumper, made the bread and boiled the beetroot ready for making the chutney hopefully tomorrow.
Spoke to mum she is on good form at the moment.
Graham made a lovely pumpkin soup for dinner, followed by tinned salmon sandwiches delicious.
Going to have a cuppa, then bed. Goodnight.

Clearing and tidying.

Had a bit of a a lie in today after the long journey yesterday. Had a early morning cuppa and then got up and made breakfast. Lovely day, sunny when I got up but I think it had been cold overnight. Had porridge and toast for breakfast tasted good, then had a wash.
We then went down to the beach Ruaridh was delighted to be back in his neck of the woods, he had great fun with the skimming stones and jumping for the ones that were thrown. Lovely walk annoyed that my camera battery came up having to be charged, think I need a new one.
Back home had lunch then started to clear and tidy the greenhouse, Graham picked aubergines, peppers and tomatoes and I picked the large courgettes from the outside bed, then Graham made all this plus onions into ratatouille which we had with rice and the last of the runner beans for dinner.
Cleared all the corn and cucumber roots from the soil in the greenhouse, then tidied round a little, still some jobs to be done in there, tomorrow is another day!
Just had the wee fellow out for his evening walk now going to start some shredding or at least sort out some papers for shredding. Bye.

Miles!

Today we travelled many miles on our way back to the Glen, as Graham wanted to visit his mother in Glasgow, including an hour's visit with Betty it took us seven hours travelling today. Graham's mum was fine she appears to be a wee bit more settled, we had a fair visit with her.
Up early, got the house in Edinburgh ship shape then left. Graham took Ruaridh for a run in the park, whilst I went for bottled water, then over to Pets at Home to get Ruaridh's dog food, eventually left the city. Good journey till we got about 5 miles from the city then we crawled along, the reason turned out to be a Rangers match!
After visiting Graham's mum left for the Glen, quite a good journey along Loch Lomond side. Stopped in Glen Etive a favorite of mine, Ruaridh had a walk and we ate the frittata that Graham had made before we left Edinburgh. Pulled in on the lochside before Fort William Ruaridh had a great run on the beach and had his dinner!
Arrived at the Glen around 1930h amazing sunset, unpacked, showered Ruaridh as he had been looking for rabbits under the deck and was black!
Tomatoes, basil, garlic, chilli in olive oil with spaghetti and salad for dinner delicious.
Going to do the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

Stringing the onions!

Today Ruaridh and moi went with Layla and Bella to the allotment, as all the onions had dried and Layla wanted to tie them together so they could be hung up. Had a lovely walk over, the wee fellow appears to be getting used to the city but we head back to the Glen tomorrow and he will be over the moon. Bella loves the allotment and all the people there know her and shout hello, she just runs along such a happy wee girl. We had a great time plaiting the onions and now quite a few 'strings' of onions hang in the shed. Ruaridh was very good at the allotment, and Bella was very brave giving him a treat! Bella loves watching the carrots and potatoes come up out of the earth and runs about quite excited.
Back to their house Bella fell asleep on the way, Graham came to the house to pick me up and we had apple and blackberry pastie with coffee.
Left and went to Waitrose to do a shop, then home.
Pumpkin risotto for dinner with Layla's lettuce and tomatoes lovely.
Just going to do the dishes, then take Ruaridh for a walk, then try and get the jumper sorted? Bye!

Walks with Miss B

Today we had to be over to Joe and Layla's by 0900h to look after Bella as Layla had to go to work as she is hoping to start on a new project soon! So out of bed early and we made it minus breakfast for 0905h, layla had already left and Joe was going as soon as we arrived. Bella was just finishing breakfast, then we played with her for a wee while before going down to the local
Co-op to get some rolls for breakfast. We all went including Ruaridh, Bella walking all the way there and back. On the way there we met a little girl called Fatima all dressed in pink. Bought what we required then back home where we all enjoyed our breakfast. We then played a little more with bricks and pairs before setting out walking once again this time to the park.
Bella walked down to the cycle path and then very tired agreed to go in her pram, before we reached the swings she was fast asleep. We walked home and left her asleep outside, Layla came home and we waited for Bella to waken before having lunch.
Nice lunch then Graham went to the studio for a meeting with Joe. We went over to Ocean Terminal, as Layla wanted some goodies from Boots, Bella, Ruaridh and moi walked round to have a look at a big ship in the docks, then went to see the birds.
Back at the house waited for Graham and Joe to come home the ordered a Chinese take away. The food was delicious, I'm sure we all enjoyed it.
Back home now very tired, going to do the ironing then bed. Goodnight.

Lost Dog!

Today we decided to take Ruaridh for a long walk up Costorphine Hill, we set off full of gusto got as far as the park and found this collie dog wandering about on the road. We managed to get the dog onto the park and I attempted to read its tag unfortunately I did not have my glasses, eventually Graham got the phone number but no mobile phone! By this time Ruaridh was off the lead and having a great time playing with the lost dog. Saw this young woman with two dogs so asked her for help, she was very chatty and had her mobile, we managed after numerous calls to get through to the dog warden, we had phoned the number on the tag to no avail, the warden was very helpful and said he would be there in twenty minutes. I set off with the women (Nicola) to take the dog for a walk alongside her dogs in the woods, Graham waited with the 'lost' dog for the warden.
Sure enough the man was there in twenty minutes and we left Nicola and her dogs and went home.
Rest of the day uneventful, had lunch then I went over to buy some new jeans got a pair for twenty pounds at New Look! no joy with my trainers will keep on looking!
Veggie pie, mashed potatoes and peas for dinner lovely. Raining very hard this evening so no walk for the wee fellow.
Financial crisis still dominating the news? Cuppa tea. Goodnight.

Pink Starry PJ's

Today Miss B arrived for lunch with her mummy and decided she would sit on the counter in the kitchen whilst I made it. She had a great time placing all the big serving and wooden spoons in a big pan. Before coming to us she had a good time at the soft play, and Layla and her arrived at the house whilst we were at the park and woods with Ruaridh. He had a good walk and a great time playing with Archie a golden retriever.
We had a lovely lunch, then Bella helped me to do the dishes, we had a great time pouring water all over me and Bella, as well as doing the dishes. Such a good time that we had to go and buy Bella some new PJ's as her mummy forgot to bring them, searched high and low for ones that were not pink, eventually found some at the wee local shop, lovely yes--dark pink ones with stars on.
Made bread, then pasta al forno for dinner as the family were staying, Joe came over later, ate this with salad and homemade bread, for dessert we had apple and blackberry slump with ice cream!
Sad to hear the Bank of Scotland will be no more. When this happens to an institution of great standing that has been in existence for over 300 years, surely it is time financial regulation was reintroduced. On that note. Goodnight.

Splish, Splash.

Today Graham, Ruaridh and moi headed over to Leith as I was looking after Bella for the day as Layla was working. It was supposed to have been Graham and me but he had a business meeting in the afternoon, however he was there for the morning!
Up early shower and hairwash, breakfast then off in the car.
Layla and Bella were waiting for us, Layla cut Graham's hair and I played with Bella. Layla left and we played some more with Miss B before setting out for our walk. It was raining hard but wet weather gear and we were off, Bella loved splish, splashing in the puddles, and she walked a long way from the house, to ways along the cycle path. We put her into the pram no problem and set off to the park, we had not gone far when Bella fell asleep, so we returned to the house Bella slept, and Graham left.
I did some knitting whilst Bella slept, when she awoke we had lunch fish fingers, beans and toast. The wee one really enjoyed it and was full of "beans". Ruaridh does not enjoy the city but as we are going to be here for a while he will have to try and get used to it.
Played with Bella, then set off for a walk with her and the dog, we did more splish, splashing then Graham came, soon after that Layla came. When Joe came home we stayed to say Hi then left for home. Picked up some Indian food from the supermarket then home. Enjoyed dinner, Indian dishes, rice, nan bread and yogurt. Great.
Just taken Ruaridh for a walk now to bed as I have the dental hygienist in the morning. Goodnight.

One of those days!

Today has been just one of those days a little bit here and a little bit there. Slept quite late actually until 0945h. Layla phoned and we made a quick decision to go over and see her and Miss B. Quick wash, breakfast then away we go. Arrived and they were not in, mobiled Layla and they were at the library, went down to meet them. Bella was sitting in her pram no shoes on and her feet sat in the rain, she gave us a big laugh when she saw us.
Back to the house and we had some lunch, then Graham had to do the assignment for blip so he stayed at the house and Layla, Bella, Ruaridh and moi went for a walk on the cycle path and then to Victoria Park. Ruaridh had a great time playing with some dogs on the park don't know if the owners were impressed but he was. Bella slept and we returned to their house. Had a cuppa whilst Layla had a bath then home.
Graham still busy with the assignment, phoned mum she is OK still being woken in the early hours by Tom putting his radio on.
Will sort it when I am down.
Baked potatoes, tuna and mayo, roast veg and cheese for dinner.
Just waiting to take Ruaridh for a walk, then knitting OK. Bye

Allotment Show

Sorry no Blog yesterday too late home after baby-sitting for Miss B whilst Joe and Layla went to a friends party. Had a super day yesterday, Graham and Joe went to the Airshow at Leuchers again, so Layla and Bella came over for breakfast, we had a big fry up that tasted delicious.
Then we went over to their house, Bella fell asleep in the car so we put her in her pram and then went blackberry picking along the cycle path. Ruaridh is always a bit disorientated when he comes to the city, but he seemed to enjoy meandering along the cycle path, looking after Miss B and waiting whilst we picked the berries. Met a nice couple with their twin boys on the path, the boys were a laugh saking us what we were doing, and telling us that's what their dad did when he was a wee boy. Their mum came from Fort Augustus in the Highlands.
Onto the park Ruaridh had a great play with a couple of dogs, and Bella had a swing.
Back to Layla's played with Bella and waited for Graham and Joe to come. They were held up in a traffic jam, eventually after Bella shouting for them they arrived home!
Pasta, cheese and spinach sauce for dinner followed by plum
Put Bella to bed she is a
wee star, read a couple of books and she was asleep in five minutes.
Got lots of knitting done. Bye
Today morning cuppa, fed the dog then had a shower and washed my hair. Nice breakfast then took Ruaridh fora run in the park and woods, he met a lovely Golden Retreiver and had a good play.
This afternoon we went to the Edinburgh Allotment Flower and Vegetable Show with Layla and Bella great produce we are thinking of entering next year.
Nice coffee and scones in a Turkish cafe then left the girls to get their bus home and we got ours.
Leek risotto for dinner just being cooked, smells good. Bye.
The photo here is of a minature allotment made by a young man called Brendan. See blipfoto.com/A Dog's Dinner

Three Girls on the Town.

Well not quite more like the allotment. Graham, Joe and Sean were at the media event for the Leuchars Airshow today so an early start was the order of the day. Dozed but didn't go back to sleep, Ruaridh and moi were having our breakfast at 0900h down at Waitrose by 1000h. Got the messages for our week in Edinburgh give or take a few, then left to go and see Layla and Bella.
A lovely warm day with the sun breaking through on numerous occasions, sat in the garden for a while then off to the allotment.
Ruaridh appeared to enjoy the walk but he is not a city dog, allowed him to be free at the allotment and he enjoyed that, and dozed in the sun.
Bella had a sleep, Layla and moi had a big sandwich and a cup of coffee lovely. We then got stuck in to clearing some of the plants, weeding, dead heading flowers etc.
Walked back to the house, played with Bella who discovered plums she loves them!
Home roast vegetables for dinner with pasta, green salad and bread.
Just had Ruaridh out for a walk going to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

City Time.

Short Blog tonight. Busy morning leaving the house in the Glen tidy! picking plums, courgettes and cucumbers before heading south. Took Ruaridh a walk in the woods on the way out of the Glen, on our way at 1330h. Good journey down in sun, wind and torrential rain, arrived Edinburgh at 1745h straight over to visit the family.
Lovely to see them all Bella has grown and as per usual gives lots of pleasure. She is a joy to be with and we had a lovely time with her. Also good to see Layla and Joe.
Quiche, broad beans and tatties with caramelised onions for dinner delicious.
Read a goodnight story (well five) to Miss B then she showed me how to bounce in her cot before her daddy put her to bed.
Back home all OK. Took Ruaridh for a walk, then tea and toast before bed. Bye.

Harum, scarum day.

Up quite late, morning cuppa. This turned into one of those days were lots of small things required to be done and I had to attempt to remember all of them, as I sit to write this I think most have been done! Phew.
Had breakfast, tested my bottle of plums damn it has not sealed, into the freezer with them. Spoke to Layla, her and the wee one are OK, at last they had sunshine and were in the garden. Down to the beach with Ruaridh.
A warm, windy, rainy, sunny, day the beach was amazing waves rolling in, Ruaridh was not as keen to go into the water, though he did go in after the skimming stones.
Back home lunch on the deck using the kelly kettle for the tea, it boiled in four minutes and the tea tasted delicious! it was quite chilly so we had to don fleece jackets, but eh what the hell we enjoyed our lunch!
Made dog biscuits for Ruaridh, then made morning rolls for us. Picked plums off the ground that had blown off in the night due to the wind. Dead headed flowers in the garden, cleared the fishboxes and covered them with the black cloth. Did the ironing, started to pack the case.
Pasta with tomato sauce and warm salad of courgettes, beans and tomatoes with bread delicious.
Took the wee dog out for a walk done the dishes cuppa then bed, as we go south tomorrow. Bye.

Disaster

Yesterday evening I did the seal test on the plums I had been bottling. This consists of leaving the jar with the plums in 24hours after processing, then you take the clip off and holding the jar by the lid lift it up to see if a vacuum has formed and if the lid stays firmly closed the bottles are ready. Unfortunatly two of the lids opened, and two stayed closed, so this morning the plums from the bottles that had opened were put in the freezer. Today I have tried again with instructions from a new preserve book that Graham bought, fingers crossed!
Leisurly morning, down to the store for messages then over to the beach, where on the way back we met Willy (84yrs) and Marjory (91yrs) who are in the Glen from Blackpool in their camper van what a story they had to tell see (blipfoto.com/A Dog's Dinner) as Graham spoke to them at length.
Ruaridh had a great time at the beach as per usual. Whilst Graham was chatting to the couple he found a burnt roast potato on what had been a fire, and run away and devoured the black object.
Back home had lunch, started the dead heading of the flowers in the garden, then the rain came. Made the dough for the pizzas.
Layla phoned she had a lovely time visiting Sue and the new baby, she said Bella appeared to like the baby.
Lovely pizzas for dinner with coleslaw, tasted great.
Took the bin up, garbage day tomorrow!
Managed to get more of my knitting done today. Bye.

Visitors.

Today we had a visit from our old chums Allan and Sue not forgetting Miss Molly their fourteen years old dog. It was good to see them and we enjoyed our coffee and Graham's chocolate muffin, a good chat putting the world to rights:) then a lovely late lunch made by Graham. We had frittata, lovely homegrown salad, bread, chilli sauce and pickled onions with a big mug of tea, hopefully enjoyed by all. Ruaridh as is his want was not impressed with Miss M. she totally ignored him and ambled round the garden and snoozed.
Up early morning cuppa, wash, breakfast then our chums were here.
After they left took Ruaridh for a walk down to the river estuary, the sky was a lovely colour as it slowly moved to set in the West.
Ruaridh is loving being in the water doesn't matter whether it is the sea or the river, he paddles and swims and waits for us to throw stones!
Back home cup of tea and a large piece of cherry cake pressie from Allan and Sue. Phoned mum she is fine and delighted that her computer is up and running again!
Going to have dinner courgette soup, sardines on toast with a big mug-yes of tea. Bye.

Preserves!

Today bottled four more jars of plums, stewed some plums that were a little overripe and still there are lots of plums left on the tree, probably make more plum jam and stew the rest for freezing. What an exciting time, I feel I am waking, dreaming and sleeping plums never mind eating them:)
Awoke fairly late this morning, early morning cuppa and a read of the paper in bed-great! Up had a wash, then made breakfast, porridge today as although it was sunny it was a tad cold. Just as we were eating our soda bread in came Christine she had a coffee and a piece of soda bread, first checking it was homemade! Quick chat she forgot my jumper then she was away to do more cleaning.
We went down to the shore once again it was incredibly warm and sunny, had a super walk. Ruaridh really loves going into the sea and river now. Loves running and jumping after stones and paddling and swimming in the sea.
Lunch when we got home, then into the bottling, great fun getting the plums off the tree. Layla telephoned they are all OK looking forward to seeing them at the end of the week!
Did loads of ironing, Graham made chocolate muffins they taste great. Took Ruaridh for a walk to Christine's to get my jumper to no avail. Mum telephoned re the internet not working, don't know what she did but suddenly I got an email from her, from the 28th August?
Courgette and french bean risotto for dinner with green salad lovely.
Going to do the dishes then dare I say some knitting. Bye.

Mushrooms

Today was the day we were going to the woods to see if there were any chanterelles left, what a lovely surprise we got, there were plenty. We arrived home with a basketful of chanterelles weighing about 1kg great. Also found some mushrooms that looked like ceps or 'penny buns', they were part of that 'family' but not the right ones!
Up early as Ruaridh was bopping around, sun shining, weather warm, early morning cuppa followed by a shower and hairwash.
Fry-up for breakfast which tasted great, made cucumber relish must be the fourth batch! before going out. Spoke to Layla and Bella who laughed down the telephone at me:)
Down to the village shop first, as Noonie our neighbour wanted some messages and we had to pick up our paper, then on to mushroom land.
Took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods at the top of the hill, then off we go. Lovely afternoon in the woods and as I said plenty of mushrooms. Ruaridh was fine staying close when asked, on the lead when he decided to try and get away. I let him off for a break and what happens the little devil took off and jumped over the burn, we called and whistled and eventually he came back, phew as we were quite away from home!
Into Kyle to get some messages then home. Had a cup of tea then made soda bread and two white loaves, spoke to mum she appears to be ok, fed up with the rain.
For dinner chanterelles in cream sauce with pasta and salad delicious. Miss B is 21 months old today, a wee character!
Going to make a cuppa then bed. Bye.

Sunny and warm.

Here in the N/W today the weather appears to have been diffrent to what the rest of the United Kingdom experienced, it has been warm and sunny all day. Up quite early as John H was coming to finish the second window, early morning cuppa, breakfast and a wash then took Ruaridh down to the beach.
It was lovely down at the shore, really loved the walk today, Ruaridh was in great form chasing the skimming stones, jumping up after stones, swimming and just having a paddle.
Back home John had finished and he left, we had lunch, then I started on another batch of cucumber relish! Got lots of washing dry, made aubergine parmegiano for dinner and the freezer. Graham picked the corn blached same now it is in the freezer.
Picked more plums ate some, the others are in the oven hopefully drying, first time of trying this way of preserving!
Spoke to Layla they appear to be fine, Bella and her had been picking blackberries today.
Aubergine Parmegiano, linguine, salad and bread for dinner delicious.
Just had Ruaridh for a walk, going to have a cuppa then bed. Bye.

Bottling

The plum tree in our garden is as they say 'heaving' with plums, last year as I have stated before we were in Denmark so missed the crop. This year I am attempting to find different ways to preserve them. Today as Graham was busy helping John H put in the second new window, I decided to attempt to bottle some. I had thrown out my Kilner jars ages ago, bought the last two in my local store yesterday as to get them via the internet could take up to fourteen days and I need them now. Started the process after pouring over many preserving books and the internet, eveyone has a different idea, unfortunatly with one of the jars I didn't read the intructions correctly and the jar cracked. The other one survived and the plums look delicious, the ones from the cracked jar are now in the freezer. Tomorrow attempting to preserve through drying!
John arrived about 0930 we were just up and running, breakfast then I took the wonder dog a walk up to the post box, we went over the wee bridge and he spent time sniffing out the rabbits! Christine gave me some jam jars for jam or cucumber relish.
The new window looks good makes the front of the house look great.
Spoke to Layla they are ok, Corrina and Sadie went to the playgroup with her and Bella today.
Spoke to mum she appears to be fine.
Baked potatoes for dinner with a lovely tomato, courgette and bean sauce, also tinned salmon on bread lovely.
Just going to have a cuppa then bed. Bye.

Library

Today we travelled to Kyle of Lochalsh mainly to change our library books. I had ordered some books by the author Penelope Fitzgerald, I had read an article about her literature in the Saturday Review in the Guardian and thought I would like to read some. The library managed to get me three so will report back when I have managed to read them. Also found out that one of the librarians is also the registrar of the town and can perform marriages in a small room in the library building!
Also did some shopping, took Ruaridh a walk in the woods on the way to Kyle and a wee walk over the Skye Bridge to wait for the bank, post office and library to open.
Back home no lunch as we had to get ready for John H who is coming to put the new sash window into the other bedroom tomorrow. All ready so can get to work first thing in the morning.
Veggie fried rice and veggie sauce for dinner followed by plum slump ( got it right tonight last night I called it pear slurp).
Going to try and finish the sleeve of the wee ones jumper then one sleeve to go before the sewing up. Bye.

Plums

Today we started to pick the plums, last year we were on vacation in Denmark and missed them all. They taste delicious eaten raw, but one can only eat a certain number that way:) So today we picked over 6 lbs and made 10 lbs of plum jam. As Christine our neighbour was coming over for dinner I saved some for a plum slump, one of Layla's recipes and it was lovely. Christine and me made the jam and it set at the right temperature thank goodness for the thermometer, although I still like the test of the jam on the cold plate and when it wrinkles and stays like that it is set!
Up quite early shower and hairwash, breakfast then Alistair the postie arrived with our back mail. Then off to the shop to buy sugar for the jam then on to the beach. Had a lovely walk in sun and rain, Ruaridh loves the skimming and throwing stones, now he waits along the shore until we throw them into the sea.
Layla phoned her and Bella had been to the allotment and Bella was given a Tunnock's chocolate teacake, hmmm.
Late lunch before attacking the plums.
Graham did dinner all homegrown, corn on the cob, followed by pasta and courgettes in a cream and cheese sauce and warm tomato amd runner bean salad delicious. I made the plum slump which was also good.
Very tired cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Fisherman

Today awoke to blue skies and sunshine though as they used to say there was a nip in the air! Up quite early but never got out to take the wonder dog for a walk until the back of one by that time the rain had started! Had some telephone calls to make this morning got them out of the way when Noonie our neighbour arrived with a bottle of wine. As Noonie is away looking after her grandchild for certain periods I water her plants, I only did it twice but she said they looked lovely and the wine was a thank you.
She had a coffee and a chat, when she left we got breakfast, after which I started the bread dough.
We then headed down to the beach, as most of the visitors are away now we went on the big sandy beach, Ruaridh happy to be back running into the sea after skimming stones and jumping up in an attempt to catch the stones.
We then saw Chis our coalman at the edge of the sea went up to have a chat and he told us he was after sloops (razorfish). He sees the water spouting out of the sand and drops salt onto it, he then waits and slowly the fish in the shell pops up out of the sand. Today due to the state of the tide he only got three! Spent an interesting time with him listening to his fishing tales, many adventures this man has had. He gave us the razor fish so having them tonight as a starter!
Back home late lunch, made the bread when Christine arrived more cups of tea then out to investigate the plum tree which is heaving with plums. She is coming over tomorrow and we can sort some recipes out!
Spoke to mum she is fine out for lunch and choir today. Also spoke to Layla who was at work today the family are fine Bella has been helping her daddy make a raised bed for herbs in their new garden.
Lovely veggie tagine with couscous for dinner, and the sloops tasted great.
Just watching The Hairy Bikers cooking programme they are hilarious! Bye.