Frosty

Had a lie in this morning lovely, got up at 0930h made a cuppa fed the wee fellow and let him out then back to bed to read yesterday's Guardian. Lovely.
Got up and had breakfast cereal, toasted panatonne and chocolate spread delicious if I closed my eyes I could have been in Italy-dream on:)
After a wash set off to Corstorphine Woods with the Wonder dog it was warm in the sun but very frosty a lovely day. The frost was not only on the ground but on the tree tops, and as we walked through the woods the ice started to fall off the trees. It was warm in the sun but icy cold in the shadows quite eerie! Ruaridh had a great walk and two small plays nothing too exciting!
Back home hot chocolate to drink and toasted panatonne with chocolate chip spread from France yummy!
Caught up on some paper work.
Salmon in cream sauce with pasta and salad for dinner sounds good. Bye.

That time of the year.

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent, and this morning we went to Garvald Centre Christmas Market. This is were Layla works and each year we try to go. Up fairly early with the morning cuppa, let Ruaridh out and fed him then had a shower and washed my hair. Toast and coffee then Layla and Miss B arrived to pick us up. Left the wee dog in the car whilst we went to buy goodies meet old and new friends and enjoy the carol singing. Bella liked this part and even had a wee dance to the music!
Layla dropped us off and I made a big fry up for lunch tasted really good as by this time I was hungry.
Took Ruaridh for a walk in Ravelston Woods and here he met Hugo a Golden Retriever on the park, they had a great time playing then we went into the woods and who should we meet but Rosie and her Chocolate Lab Cooper, the wee fellow thought all his holidays had come at once as he loves to play with Cooper, I had a good chat with Rosie.
Back home got ready to go and visit the family as we are looking after Bella this evening as Joe and Layla are going to a party. Stopped off at Waitrose on the way to get the messages. Played with Miss B and chatted to Layla when we arrived, then had a lovely dinner of biriyani.
Joe and Layla left and we had fun with Bella watching a wee film of Miffy then eating chocolate raisins before going to bed. Graham carried her upstairs, teeth cleaned and then a story before the wee eyes closed and into dreamland.
Joe and Layla had a lovely time at their party, as we left Ruaridh spied two foxes on the street and gave chase?
Arrived home messages away cuppa then bed. Good-morning!

Sorry for late posting and no Blog yesterday. Graham and Joe were going to a presentation in Glasgow on Friday evening, so at lunchtime I drove over to be with Layla and Bella after a big breakfast with Graham and a walk in the woods with Ruaridh.
We had a lovely time a big walk round Newhaven harbour, lots of play and chat. Lovely dinner of chilli pasta and prawns. Did some knitting, then the guys arrived came home to bed.

Woodland

Up for the early morning cuppa and to let Ruaridh out and feed him. As Graham had a meeting made sure everything was ready for him, he didn't want breakfast so had mine when he left. Had a wash and then sorted out the washing before setting off to Ravelston Woods with the wee fellow. Weather was a mixture one minute sun the next rain. We set off prepared for anything.
The sun shone the woods are now taking on their winter bareness, lots of the undergrowth and foliage is in a tangle making great artistic contributions to the scenary. Practically all the deciduous trees have lost their leaves, they are lying on the ground and getting very dirty now apart from one or two.
Met one or two people no dogs that wanted to play damn said Ruaridh!
Back home started to make Ruaridh's dog biscuits, then made the dough for our bread. Spoke to Layla she had been at playgroup with Bella who had a good time, had a chat then got on making the bread.
After lunch pizza and coleslaw, did a pile of ironing as Graham has a'do' in Glasgow tomorrow evening and wanted to make sure his clothes were ready.
Graham arrived home appears it was good news from the meet this lunchtime-good, as both he and Joe have been working very hard to achieve this.
Graham and the wee fellow sleeping just now, having veggie chilli and rice with flat breads for dinner smells good.
Hoping to get some knitting done tonight. Bye.

Dogday

Up early with Graham as he had to be at a meeting for 0930h, had breakfast then he left. Started to try and sort out mum's hearing aids, decided to advise her not to go ahead with the NHS digital
ones, as the ones she has from Robert H are analogue and I don't want her getting confused with the different types.
Set off to walk to the shore with Ruaridh it was a lovely day cold but sunny, had a great walk on the cycle path then the road to the shore. Walked to Cramond on the beach with the wind buffeting my face, Ruaridh loved it and chased so many leaves he lost count, though no dogs wanting to play. Walked out on the causeway to Cramond Island as far as we could, as the tide was in this was a short trip.
Back home as Layla and Bella were coming for lunch, lovely to see them both, we had lunch and a chat then over to Craigleith retail Park to try and find Bella some shoes, no joy. Said goodbye to the girls then I popped into Sainsbury's and then went home.
Graham has another meeting tonight so he was home late, made pizzas for dinner with coleslaw, they were delicious.
Thought Ruaridh was fed up waiting for Graham as he was quite whiney but think he just wanted food, he gave Graham a great welcome, but later in the evening refused to sit with him Dogs!
Just having a cuppa then bed. Bye.

Light and shadow!

Today dawned sunny but with a layer of frost, lovely. Up early had a shower and washed my hair, then had breakfast with Graham before he left for the studio. Set off early with Ruaridh to the park and Ravelston Woods had a great walk (no camera) but the light and shadows were amazing, the trees were throwing off amazing shadows. Ruaridh met a lovely dog called Phoebe and had a great play with her, then on up Strachan Road and home. Left the wee fellow on our bed as I was going to town to meet Layla and Bella for a coffee and to do some shopping for Graham.
Met the girls outside Miss B's nursery, and off we went to have a coffee Bella had her croissant and apple juice. Onto the stores then to get new shirts, vests and tie for Graham, also ordered a new dress for Miss B for her Birthday.
Back home had a late lunch veggie bacon and tomato toasted sandwich, delicious. Took Ruaridh to the park and woods again here he met a Labrador pup Charlie and had another great play, phew.
Graham arrived home to get ready for a meeting, won't be home until 2100h so veggie soup for dinner and scrambled eggs on toast with a cuppa. The meeting went very well-good, and dinner tasted not half bad!
Spoke to mum she is fine and I have booked her tickets for her coming up and going back at Christmas.
Going to have another cuppa and then bed. Bye.

Bella Morning.

Monday is the day that Bella's daddy looks after her whilst her mummy goes to work, this morning I had the pleasure of looking after her whilst her daddy and grandpa attended an important meeting. We had a fun day Bella makes me laugh, I saw her wee face peeping in the window and registered surprise 'What are you doing here this is lovely'.
She came in and gave us a cuddle, after the men had left we had some toast and then read her book for a wee while before getting ready to take Ruaridh for a walk. Bella was in the backpack and Ruaridh on his lead until we got to Ravelston Woods where he was allowed to roam. It was sunny but cold so we walked briskly, saw lots of trees and lots of fallen leaves left on the ground. The wee fellow met a brown Cocker Spaniel called Lily and had a great time playing with her, Bella thought this was funny especially Ruaridh barking for attention! Down we went onto the play park we were the only people there, Bella had a great time on the swings and slide before we returned home.
She had fun playing with my mobile phone, eating her crisps and tangerines, we spoke to her mummy and then went to make the eggy bread for lunch. Bella is very good at helping to prepare the food and whisked the eggs no problem:) Just as we were going to cook the eggy bread her daddy and grandpa arrived, she was happy to see her daddy.
We all had a cuppa and some lunch then it was time to say bye bye to Bella as she was going home.
Listened to Alistair Darling the Chancellor give his pre budget speech, lets wait and see!
Over to the dreaded supermarket to get messages. I made bread, Graham made paella for dinner delicious.
Just waiting for the rolls to bake then a cuppa and bed. Bye.

Good visit.

As I said briefly on Friday as we were off to visit my mum in the Red Rose County I would probably not be Blogging until today.
Left on Friday around 1400h and had a good journey down, stopped to give Ruaridh a run on the road to Moffat he loves it here and always has a jump in the heather. Also stopped at Westmorland Services and had some crisps and coffee. Arrived mum's at 1800h and she was happy to see us and looked well. Ruaridh was in his element as he loves her garden.
Made fish and chips with peas and parsley sauce for dinner lovely, had a chat with mum before she went to bed, then took the dog a walk on the prom it was freezing.
Up bright and early on Saturday enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before having a shower. Mum appears to be much better and is in good form. Graham and moi got ready and took the wee fellow out onto the beach, a huge expanse with only a few hardy souls on it, it was sunny but freezing and the northerly wind made it seem much colder. Had a good walk didn't make the sea too far out, went back had lunch then Graham went to Blackpool. I went to get some messages then back to the house, where I telephoned BT as mum's Broadband is crap, anyhow someone is coming to see about it Monday am. Had another chat and a read, then when Graham came back ordered food from Mr Chow's Chinese restaurant, it was all delicious and there was nothing left, the prawn crackers were the best I have tasted. To bed early as I was very tired.
Up this morning had porridge for breakfast, it was raining heavily so poor Ruaridh did not get a walk as we had to travel. Spoke to Layla they appear to have had a nice weekend. left mums after a light lunch about 1330h. Good journey home stopped at Tebay services for Ruaridh to have a pee which he did quickly then back into the car. Arrived home around 1800h Layla had invited us for dinner but due to tiredness and colds said we would just go home.
Received a Christmas present from my buddy Sue in Canada haven't even sent her Birthday one yet!
Graham made carbonara for dinner really enjoyed it.
Catching up with blip and blog, cuppa on the way. Bye.

Visit

Down to the Red Rose County today to visit mum, don't know the state of her computer maybe no blog for a couple of days. Cheers!

Sunflowers.

Today Ruaridh and moi did marathon walks. Up and breakfast with Graham before he left for the studio, then had a wash before getting ready to walk over to see Layla and Bella.
We set off and walked down to Inverleith Park here the wee fellow had a great time chasing leaves, saw one puppy but once again no play. Soon on to the cycle path, onto the second one we had a chat with some volunteers who were clearing trees and undergrowth off the cycle paths, here I let the dog off his lead and later on realised I had lost the damned thing. A couple with a black Lab were being very precious about their dog when Ruaridh attempted to play with him!
Had to make a makeshift lead used my white shopping bag and it worked very well and Ruaridh was well behaved.
Lovely to see the girls they had been at playgroup, had some lunch then left for the allotment, poor Ruaridh another walk said he! Bella fell asleep and Ruaridh played in some garbage, at the allotment we tided things up and got two loads into the bin.
We left one of the sunflowers that Bella had planted in the spring in the ground, as Layla said the seeds in the head of the flower would feed the birds-good idea!
Walked back to theirs to have a cup of coffee and wait for Graham.
Set off home, made the dinner, vegetable stew, tatties and cabbage.
Telephoned mum she is fine, looking forward to seeing her tomorrow. Had a cuppa now to bed. Bye.

Feeling a wee bit mince.

Had a super time last night with Jane and Christal, but today I feel I may have got the cold that Graham has had for over a week now, sore throat, head, cough anyway decided to spend the day not doing very much.
Had breakfast with Graham, then when he had left for the studio I had a leisurely shower and washed my hair. Phoned Layla and had a long chat about various things, so long my mobile phone ran out of money!
Took Ruaridh for a walk in Ravelston Woods which we both enjoyed, not much play from the dogs we met, which makes me laugh at the Wonder Dog as he is always ready for a romp. Bumped into Willie the 'dog walker' on my way home good to see him again.
Back home cleaned the bathroom, then made risotto fritatta for lunch which was delicious. Made a soda bread, wrote a wee card to thank Jane for a lovely evening then took this down to the post, Ruaridh came with me and we then went for a run round the park.
Phoned mum to explain we will be later on Friday, she appears fine and had been to the Ladies Fellowship.
Pasta and tomato sauce, with salad and olives for dinner delicious.
Going to try and do some knitting then to bed early. Bye.

Nursery

Today was Bella's first day at nursery, she went with her mummy as a try out and stayed for a couple of hours. I went up to meet them at 1130h and was allowed to go into the nursery to meet the staff and have a view and lovely it was too, Bella was playing in the backgarden with the other children not saying much but appeared to be quite happy.
After we had said goodbye the three of us went to Real Foods to buy the goodies to make the Christmas Cake and the Christmas Pudding, Bella was a great help putting the purchases into the basket then pulling them out at the checkout. After this we went to the Treehouse cafe and Bella had a big croissant and juice we had lattes.
Home to ours where we had lunch then got ready to go a walk in Ravelston Woods with Ruaridh his second walk there today, on his first one in the park he met Woody a Jack Russell and had a great time playing. Bella went on the park on the swings and slide, then we went back home she fell fast asleep.
Made the dinner for Graham, Layla and Bella-veggie toad in the hole, tatties and peas as I was going to my friend Jane's for dinner along with another chum Christal.
We had a lovely meal prawns and bread with dips for starters, leeks in cheese sauce with potatoes and parsnips followed by my contribution apple crumble and creme fraiche delicious. Great evening chatting and catching up on things, good company, food and wine. C'est la vie.
Just catching up now then bed. Bye.

--Early to rise

Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise, well Dog Pasha wasn't to sure about being up and about this morning. Had a good walk in Ravelston woods and up Strachan Rd, even though it was drizzling.
Back home got the bread dough ready, then did the ironing. Spoke to mum at length she appears to be fine. Then my friend Christal phoned about our going to Jane C's tomorrow evening for dinner. Made the bread then had lunch.
Cleaned the lounge, then Graham arrived home. Layla phoned she has been at work today she appeared to be OK, I will meet her and Bella tomorrow in town to buy the ingredients for the Christmas cake and the Christmas pudding. They are then coming back to ours as Joe is in Inverness until evening.
Made leek quiche for dinner with roast tatties and baby broad beans, lovely.
Had Ruaridh out for a walk in the park, still drizzling.
Having a cuppa then bed. Bye.

Quiet day

Feel like I have been following my tail over the past weeks so today a day of doing very little. Got up with Ruaridh, let him out and fed him, made the morning cuppa then back to bed, after having a look at blip and my Blog. Had a read of my recent book then fell asleep for about 20 minutes. Got up and made breakfast then had a wash, before taking the Wonder Dog up to Corstorphine woods.
We had a lovely walk and Graham came with us as he is slowly starting to feel better, the sun shone but it was quite chilly. Back home sandwiches and tea for lunch.
Read the Guardian from yesterday, telephoned Jane C to check Tuesday evening is still on for dinner it is said I would make a crumble! and phone Jane and Christal.
Graham has made minestrone soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches delicious.
Watching Stephen Fry in America on BBC1 last episode tonight, been quite good. Bye.

Birthday Dinner.

As Graham has been feeling crap for most of the week Layla put off her Birthday dinner until this evening, and a lovely evening was enjoyed by all. She wanted to go out for dinner and chose David Bann's a vegetarian restuarant in Edinburgh which we used to frequent. About two years ago I tried to book a table there to celebrate Graham's birthday which falls in August, I was told that due to it being the annual 'Festival' they were not taking bookings and we had to queue. I had a row about this and we have not been there since until tonight, Bella as usual entertained us and other diners.
Up to let Ruaridh out this morning and give him his food, made a cuppa and went back to bed to read. Got up made a fry up for breakfast then had a shower and washed my hair before setting off for the shore to take Ruaridh a walk and meet up with Layla and Bella.
As the girls were a bit late went down to the shore, it was very windy and I let Ruaridh off the lead, he had a great time chasing leaves then started to try and chase a kite that two couples were flying. Even after we met Layla and Bella he had a great time barking and running after the kite and I let him! Bella brought her little push chair but it was a bit too windy for her to push but she did her best. Walked down to Cramond on the way back Ruaridh met two Springer spaniels and had a great time playing. Bella also had a wonderful time running down the prom with the wind behind her.
Back to our house for coffee, tea and juice before going home to have a nap before going out tonight.
Spoke to mum she had been to visit an old family friend Elizabeth, and appeared to be fine.
Going to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Fun morning.

Today as Layla was running a workshop I was looking after Miss B. arrived at theirs about 0930h and Joe left for work. Bella and moi chatted played with some toys, then got out the playdough. We made some funny shapes and added hats, mouths, eyes and noses to balls of the dough.
Got ready and with Ruaridh set off to walk along the cycle path to the park. Bella loves walking and today she ran around in circles then started to run away from moi and the dog, I called to her but she is full of mischief and kept on going in the opposite way, Ruaridh and moi had to run after her and amidst much laughter she came back. Ruaridh had a good time and by the time we got to the park the wind was fierce, the leaves were blowing everywhere and the dog went wild running here there and everywhere. The rain came and as I put the rain cover on the pram Ruaridh was away having fun with the leaves. Went to the little park and Bella had a fun time especially on the swings we both laughed as she went higher and higher.
Back home and Layla arrived, had a chat and I made eggy bread for lunch, then I left as Graham is still feeling crap. Called in at Waitrose to get the messages, then home.
Made dinner leek risotto, salad and bread lovely. Had a sleep-the wine now to bed to read. Goodnight.

Happy Birthday Layla!

Today is Layla's birthday, as Joe had meetings all day and Graham was still feeling crap and had a meeting tonight, the Birthday dinner is on Saturday, so today Layla, Bella and moi were the ladies who lunched. Layla chose Porto & Fi a lovely restuarant down at Newhaven harbour, we had a lovely time and lunch, Bella as per usual entertained us.
Had a busy morning over at the dreaded supermarket to get messages, before Ruaridh and me walked over to Layla's. He had a fun time in Inverleith Park chasing the leaves and a good wander on the cycle path. Lovely to see the girls and wish Layla Happy Birthday, Bella was very excited and helped her mum to open her presents.
Bella fell asleep on the way back from lunch, I stayed with her as Layla had to get some messages
Spoke to mum she sounds to be fine hoping to get down there next week.
Layla arrived back and we chatted, I played and read to Bella before we went over to Asda for me to have a look and Layla to shop.
Layla made a lovely dinner prawns and fresh pasta with chilli and garlic, lovely.
Bella was very tired and went to bed, Joe came home he had dropped Graham off after the meeting, so Ruaridh and moi came home in a taxi first time for Ruaridh, I think he enjoyed it.
Just going to bed as I am looking after Bella tomorrow morning so up early. Bye.

Remembrance and Reflection

Today family, friends, neighbours and carers at a dignified service and burial, celebrated the life of my mum-in-law.
It was an early start for us as the service began at 1015h, Joe had a big work schedule and could not come so he very kindly looked after Ruaridh, who was delighted as he is Joe's No 1 fan!
We arrived back in Edinburgh about 1600h and picked up the Wonder Dog! got a few messages then home.
Cuppa and toasted bagel, then I spoke to mum who had sat and remembered Betty at her home in Lancashire, and told her about the service and commital.
Just had scrambled eggs and baked beans on toast for supper, Graham is still full of the cold and away to bed!
I am just making bread then taking Ruaridh for a walk. Bye.

Work

Today was my last day doing the exams until the New Year, I always say this is my last time then turn up like a bad penny, we will see. It was a good day and nice to see some familiar faces that I haven't seen in a while. The day went quickly, and after work I caught the bus to go up town as I had to get messages and surprises for Layla who celebrates her birthday on Thursday.
It was quite quiet and I quickly got the messages I had gone for and got the bus home.
Graham was feeling unwell he was full of the cold and a sore throat, so I got him some 'Beechams' All In One. Hopefully this will help him as we have an early start tomorrow and quite a long day.
Arrived home and got the dinner started we had pasta and tomato sauce, salad and home made bread, tasted lovely.
Graham went to bed early and I took Ruaridh for a walk, we met Baxter the Border terrier with his owner but Ruaridh just barked!
Back home, cuppa then to bed. Bye.

Cycle path.

Ruaridh and moi set off to walk down to the shore this morning, we walked along the cycle path and met a woman looking for a dog. Low and behold what should come running out of the bushes but a Border terrier we got to know her name was Molly, I let Ruaridh off the lead and they promptly ignored one another! Had a nice chat with the woman and said we might see her and Molly again. Continued on the cycle path, then came to the road that leads down to the shore.
The wind was quite fierce as we went down the road and it began to feel cold. We got to the shore and Ruaridh had a great time running and chasing leaves. We met a man with two dogs the young one called Tara played with Ruaridh and they had a super time. Carried on to Cramond the wind was freezing, turned round to walk back, met a couple of men who thought Ruaridh was the 'cats PJ's'.
Back home more phone calls to make. Had a late lunch, changed our bed did piles of ironing made the dinner. We had vegetable pie, mashed potatoes and broad beans tasted delicious.
Spoke to Layla they are OK she is still feeling a bit under the weather, as is Joe. Bella is better.
Watched 'World War Two-Behind closed doors' on BBC2 quite interesting. Bye.

Family for dinner.

The family came for dinner this evening, Layla had been away since Friday cooking for Rowena's weekend yoga retreat. Joe arrived with Bella who looked very surprised to see me here, she hasn't seen me for over a week with me having been up in the Glen, she had on a hat of her choice and looked lovely! Joe told us that Layla had been poorly last night with bouts of vomiting, poor thing, anyway she arrived safe and sound and managed her dinner. For dinner we had roasted vegetables, linguine, salad and homemade bread followed by plum slump and ice cream, rather nice.
Read the paper in bed this morning with my morning cuppa, great! Got up had breakfast and a wash, got the bread dough ready
then took Ruaridh for a walk to the park and Ravelston woods, warm and sunny had an OK walk.
Back home made the bread, had a cup of tea and a roll when the bread was ready.
Spoke to mum she appears to be fine.
Going to have a cup of tea then bed. Goodnight.

Telephone

Today spent quite a lot of my time on the telephone, it always amazes me that people you haven't spoken to for ages and maybe don't want to have a prolonged conversation with, are always ready to chat. Anyway did what I had to and hopefully that is that. Up quite early down to George's to get bagels, milk and the Guardian, found out a friend of ours had won the photography contest in the Guardian weekend, well done Jamie!
Small fry up for breakfast, wash, then took Ruaridh into Corstorphine woods, weather was warm and sunny and we met quite a few dogs a couple that wanted to play with Ruaridh, they had a great time charging through the undergrowth. Lovely walk saw fungii growing, then by chance knocked some puffball fungi and lots of spores flew into the air.
Went over to the dreaded supermarket for messages, then made dinner pizzas with homemade coleslaw, tasted delicious.
Watched a programme on BBC2 about the Saudi Royal Family, quite dull!
Very tired going to bed early with a good book. Goodnight.

Telegram

This morning the telephone rang around 0845 before I could answer it, it had stopped ringing, I did 1571 got a No. and dialled it. Believe it or not I was through to the Telegram Office I didn't even know that you could send telegrams these days what a lovely surprise. It turned out there was no telegram for us this time, something wrong with their telephones going a wee bit haywire.
Telegrams brought good ar bad news, and at most weddings there used to be congratulatory ones to be read at the 'wedding breakfast'. My uncle (mother's brother) started his career in the Post Office as a telegram delivery boy and used a bicycle to do his rounds!
Shower, breakfast, then took Ruaridh for a walk in the park and Ravelston woods, spoke to Layla, she and Bella are fine, Layla busy as she is doing the cooking for her chum Rowena's Yoga retreat this weekend. Bella and her dad are having a fun weekend.
Over to Glasgow things to organise and do. Had a good walk in Bellahouston Park, Ruaridh liked the new territory.
Home, leek and potato soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches lovely. Bye.

Up with the lark!

Up early this morning as I was driving down to Edinburgh today and as it takes four hours I always like an early start. Had a wash, then breakfast got the Dog Pasha up he hates getting up early in the morning and gave him his breakfast. Packed the car, forgot the cheese and bread flour damn, also just realised as I write this I forgot to put the rubbish out! ah well hope I managed every thing else, oh forgot to hoover in the front room bah! Set of as we drove to the top of the hill the sun was just peeping over the mountains in the east amazing, a new dawn.
On the road very little traffic so managed to tootle along, Ruaridh had decided to sit in the back and behaved really well all the way down. Stopped at our favorite spot which I missed on the way up, Ruaridh had a run and a pee, as did I, he had a treat, and I had a drink. Noticed on the way up on Sunday all the lochs have filled up with water must have had lots of rain! also today the canal was rushing along.
Arrived in Edinburgh safe and sound at 1210h. Had my sandwich and coffee then. Phoned Layla and mum to let them know I'm in town. Sat and chatted to Graham, then took Ruaridh for a walk to the park and up Strachan Road.
Going to have leek quiche, roasted tatties and peas for dinner. Then relax. Bye.
Miss B is 23 months old today!

Obama for President

Hope and history were two of the words being banded about as Barack Obama became the President elect of the United States of America last night.
Today is also bonfire night, as you can see from photo Ruaridh found his own wee fire on the beach.
Busy day up quite early after getting to bed at 0151h as I was watching election night in the USA. Promised to take Christine my neighbour to the Inverness bus, so wash, breakfast then over to pick her up, went to fill the car with diesal then dropped Christine at the bus stop. On the way over the hill Ruaridh and moi went a walk in the woods, another sunny warm day.
Back home spoke to Graham and Layla, had a second breakfast, pickled my onions only one jar but they will taste delicious. Sorted the other onions and put them in a net bag.
Changed the bed it needed it, started to pack as I am heading south tomorrow as Graham cannot make it up now. Turned the outside tap off, checked the heater was on in the pump house! had a late lunch. Phoned mum she is fine.
Amazing the people who are delighted with the Obama win both in America and world wide.
Had soup and then scrambled eggs and fried mushrooms for dinner with toast.
Watched Newsnight then to bed, early start in the morning as I have a four hour drive. Bye.

The American Dream--

--may happen today, I'm for Obama fingers crossed. Going to stay up a wee while to watch the American election results, exciting times.
Wonderful day today just like summer, sun streaming into the kitchen and warm too. Had a leisurely bath and washed my hair, before breakfast. Spoke to Graham and Layla everyone is OK, told Graham I would telephone the hospital to see how his mum is.
Enjoyed my breakfast, postie arrived with our mail, nice guy called Adam who is new on our route, met him yesterday with our mail backlog and we had a chat. Phoned the hospital no change Betty is poorly.
To the beach today scenery looked amazing, Ruaridh and moi had a great walk lots of stone throwing and stone skimming for him he appears to be happy.
Drove back and popped in to see Christine my neighbour, had a cup of tea, then at 1400h told her to think of Graham and Joe who were at a very important meeting. Invited her over for a snack tonight.
Back home had lunch then hoovered, chopped some kindling for the stoves.
Spoke to Graham meeting appears to have gone OK.
Spoke with mum she is fine.
Probably going to eat up some of the aubergine parmigiano and pasta for dinner see if Christine shows! Bye.

Mist and Drizzle

Awoke quite early this morning, laid a while dozing then Ruaridh wanted out and his breakfast, so up I got made a cuppa then decided to go back to bed and read for a while. Eventually got up, had a wash and then made porridge for breakfast it tasted good as I haven't had it in a while. Spoke to Graham and then took Ruaridh for a long trek in the woods, the mist was down and it was drizzling but I found the walk quite exhilarating, Ruaridh had a couple of adventures, I just saw the flash of white he knew it was a deer, but he came back when I called.
Spoke with Layla, Graham had gone through to the hospital as his mother's condition is quite poor. I spoke with him and it seems she has had quite a severe stroke, but appears to be peaceful which is a blessing.
Had lunch then Ruaridh and moi went into the greenhouse and collected all the ripe red chillis, now in the freezer waiting to become tomato chilli sauce. I then emptied all the compost and contents out of the pots into the compost bins. Cleared quite a lot of debris from the garden
Spoke to mum she appears to be fine, out for lunch and the choir.
Made leek and potato soup for dinner which was delicious, followed by sardines and raw onions on toast with a big cuppa.
Now going to do some knitting. Bye.

Fantastic!

Ruaridh and moi left a frosty Edinburgh quite early this morning to travel to the Glen. We had a lovely journey weather was sunny, the trees were amazing in their autumn colours and the snow glistened on the mountain tops. For some reason I missed our usual stopping place at Loch Laggan bah, however we stopped at Loch Lochy and Loch Oich and Ruaridh had a wee run. When we were coming down the hill into the Glen we stopped to have a walk in the woods, the sun and shadows were playing amongst the trees, what designs this makes.
Arrived at the house everything was OK no leaks that I can see no mice that I can see. Put the messages away, then got the fire going in the front room stove.
Graham's mum was taken ill at her care home and was taken to hospital ? another stroke, so Graham was through to the hospital no definate news as yet.
Spoke with Layla she is fine though I think the wee one has a cold.
Spoke to mum she is fine. Visited Christine she is fine paid her the money we owed her and caught up on some gossip, she is going to Shetland this week.
Had aubergine parmigano for dinner with spaghetti lovely.
Watched Stephen Fry in America the programme does grow on you. Watching an interview with Neil Young very good! Bye

No Halloween Blog

Sorry very busy last pm, when I looked at the clock it was 0010h too late to write anything, anyway as yesterday was fun here is an account. Up early shower and hairwash, breakfast then into the car as Ruaridh and moi were going to spend the day with Bella. On the way over I stopped at Waitrose to do a shop, parking on the second floor open car park. When I had finished and put my messages in the car I let Ruaridh out to come with me to take the trolley to the stand, on the way back he found a huge chewy fruit bar- all his holidays had come at once! I called him to no avail he tried to throw the chew in the air as he chased round the carpark, but it was stuck to his teeth! I shouted but the little devil was having a great time, eventually the voice of authority succeded and he bounced into the car. I managed to get half the chew off him phew.
Arrived at Bella's she was waiting for me sat in the window with her daddy, who was going to work. We had a lovely day the three of us. First we painted then made shapes with pipe cleaners before going out for a walk. We walked on the cycle path to the park
Ruaridh had a great run. Went to the small playpark Bella had me sitting on the wee seesaw and we both laughed. She also made me pretend fish and chips on the wee play cooker on the park a lovely time. Went to the studio to see daddy and grandpa then on the way home fed the ducks on the river, home for lunch.
Graham came to lunch we had eggy bread tasted lovely, then sleep time for us all, actually a nap for me. Layla was home from work and when Bella awoke we all made gingerbread men and women for the party at Layla's neighbour Megan. Bella went as a Bumble Bee she looked amazing in her outfit. The party was really good and all the kids had made a great effort in their fancy dresses, after supper they went guising round the neighbours, Bella arrived home carrying an apple, and lollipop. Happy times.
Had a pizza for dinner with them, as Graham was at the pub with his mates, then home. Made bread and did the ironing Graham came home and we had beans on toast then bed.
Today had a lie in morning cuppa, then a fry up for breakfast great. Took Ruaridh for a long walk in Corstorphine woods, lovely weather quite warm and sunny. Found out that some of the stones we see there have been quarried at some point.
Back home cup of tea and biscuit, spoke to mum who has had a good day. Also spoke to Bella and Layla who appear to have had a fun day.
Risotto for dinner, now I must pack as Ruaridh and moi are driving N/W tomorrow. Bye.