Hogmanay!

Sorry no blog yesterday guess what from 1500h on the 30th January until about 0300h on the 31st January we were without power. We managed very well with the multi fuel stove, gas cooker, kelly kettle at al. We ate and drank and were quite merry in the cicumstances.
Today dawned early for me as The Wonder Dog wanted out, Graham had already been up to turn the generator off about 0530h, as I was up I fed the dog and made the early morning cuppa. Porridge for breakfast, a good wash then off by car to Broadford on the Isle of Skye for messages.
The waste pipe under the sink in the bathroom is kaput so we went for a replacement, sadly the parts don't fit. Went to the Co-op--full of people and no meat as there had been a mix up with the order on the computer!
Then we went down to a favorite beach at Lower Breakish, it was lovely to be here again Ruaridh had an amazing time he loved jumping for stones in the sea! Found an old well but can't find the name for it, coins lay in the bottom so hopefully some wishes have been granted! Back to Kyle to get more messages and put our overdue library books through the mailbox at the library, then home.
Late lunch, started the Hogmaney celebrations with a G&T delicious. Chanterelles in cream sauce with pasta, salad, olives and bread for dinner with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc delicious!
Watched T.V. read, then watched Jools bring in the New Year Annie Lennox was as usual fantastic. Shared a bottle of Champers with Graham, Ruaridh got a full cheese biscuit!
Spoke to Layla they were having a good time. A Happy New Year to all, may Love and Peace be yours for 2009. Goodnight/Goodmorning.

Busy day.

Up early this morning as the memsahib was returning to The Red Rose County and I had to take her to the railway station and put her on the train. Had breakfast together then I had a wash, got all mum's things together then suddenly the taxi was here and in we got and away to the station.
Went to Virgin journey care and said I was happy to put mum onto the train as they were very busy, got her settled then waited until the train left. It was lovely to have her up for the week and she appears to have enjoyed it.
Did some messages in town then home, got the last few things together car packed then we headed for the Glen. Some amazing sights on the journey the trees were covered in a heavy frost that twinkled as we drove along. The white mist/cloud rolled itself out over the lochs breaking occasionally to let you see what it was hiding, magic! the sun shone hidden by the clouds at times. Stopped by the canal to have a late lunch and a pee for us and Ruaridh.
Back at the Glen the frost was eveywhere, the house was fine no problems Graham quickly got a fire going in the stove whilst I emptied the car and put the foodstuffs and things away.
Had aubergine parmigano with pasta and warm broccoli salad with homemade bread for dinner lovely.
Layla is fine they are away to London tomorrow to visit Joe's brother John and his family for New Year.
Just been out for a walk with Ruaridh it is freezing but beautiful, the stars are shining and the frost is twinkling fantastic! Goodnight.

A kind of do very little day!

Up too early as Ruaridh decided he wanted fed and to go in the garden! Made the cider vinegar and honey for mum and moi then an early cuppa for the three of us, back to bed to catch up on Saturday's Guardian. Graham and me had a fry up for breakfast and very good it tasted too, mum stuck to the museli and toast, though secretly I do believe she would have loved the same as us?
Shower and hairwash then out with the Wonder Dog to the park and Ravelston Woods, super walk did not meet many playful dogs though!
Back home cup of tea and a piece of Christmas cake, then off to Waitrose to get the messages to take to the Glen as we are going there for New Year, really looking forward to the holiday.
Back home another cuppa and lots of sweeties and nuts to eat, Layla phoned they have also had a lazy day, they are getting ready to visit Joe's brother and family in London Town.
Graham made a delicious paella for dinner followed by apple crumble pie and ice cream.
Packed some clothes, mumis already for the off to The Red Rose County tomorrow I think she has had a lovely time. Just back from taking Ruaridh, having a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Vogrie Park!

Today we had a lovely time with the family at Vogrie Park in East Lothian, as the weather was frosty and cold the Memsahib(my mum) decided to stay at home, got her settled with the Guardian, food and drink then off we set.
Over to the family's as we had no idea where the park was, Bella busy helping her daddy in the garden, Layla getting the mincepies and coffee ready. Soon we were on our way, we arrived quickly at the park, Ruaridh had a great time as he could be off the lead lots of new places to visit in the woods and the new smells phew!
Bella was fun she delights in going the opposite way to everyone else, so one can imagine one step forward two steps back. The walk was lovely and when we arrived at the big hoose and play park, Joe and Miss B had a great time on the seesaw! weather was very frosty but sunny. The seats were covered in ice so wet bums for the ones who sat on them, coffee and mince pies were delicious.
Stopped at Waitrose on the way home as the family are coming for dinner and we needed some messages.
Made pasta al fiorno with salad and homemade bread, dessert apple crumble pie with ice cream for dinner the family arrived about 1800h and dinner was enjoyed by all(I hope).
Bella entertained us no end with her 'circus tricks' and her Great Granny thought she was marvellous. A lovely day enjoyed by all.
Graham took the wee fellow for a walk, I stayed to try and get to grips with my new camera and Capture1, slowly but surely getting there. Bye!

A less hectic day!

Today although I was up early to let the dog out and feed him, after making cider vinegar and honey for mum and moi and an early cuppa for the three of us I went back to bed to read! Read some more of the interesting book sent to me by my chum Sue about a guy who set about to build a school in the Karakoram area of Pakistan. Also attempted to digest some more of the new camera information, think this may take quite a while.
Up and made breakfast mum and moi had porridge and toast, Graham settled for toast, all had coffee.
Had a wash then took mum and Ruaridh for a walk around the park, came back then Graham and me took the wee dog for a walk to the park and through Ravelston woods.
Quite a lazy day made bread this afternoon also started the dinner for tomorrow as the family are coming.
Spoke to Layla they are all fine, they are also having a lazy day.
Graham made delicious minestrone soup with crackers for dinner, followed by sardines on toast.
Going to start my new diary. Bye.

Merry Christmas!

A really lovely day spent with the family. Santa was good to us all I got a lovely new camera amongst other things. Up quite early and did the usual morning things. Then helped mum with her shower and hairwash, after which I made mince pies to a new pastry recipe they turned out to be delicious.
Graham and the dog walked most of the way to the family's, we picked them up as they walked along Ferry Road. Great company, delicious food and drink what more to ask for, many thanks to the family for a lovely day.
Today the Wonder Dog is 4years old. Happy Birthday to him!

Love and Peace

Had a super day lunch with the family a treat from mum. Getting ready for tomorrow. Love and Peace this Festive Time to all who read my Blog. Have a fun day!

Goodnight.

Getting Exciting

Today we bought the Christmas Tree which hopefully after it has adorned the house we will plant in the back garden. Tomorrow we will put it up and decorate it with candles and decorations. Tonight as Graham was out with two chums and mum was watching television I decorated a box to put Miss B's gifts from us via Santa into. Then I spent time wrapping up the other gifts, unlike many I really enjoy doing this and attempting to make them look as nice as possible.
Mum and moi bought her Christmas gift and lovely it is too. Walked home and had lunch then mum and Ruaridh had a sleep on the sofa whilst I sorted some things out. Got an eye appointment for when I come back in January so hopefully new glasses then.
Made pasta and tomato sauce with salad and homemade bread for dinner delicious.
Ruaridh had a walk in the park and woods this morning and had a great play with Phoebe one of his friends! Also just come back from taking him a walk and as it is now 0130h on the 24th December I say Goodnight.

Great Granny arrives.

Today my mum travelled up from The Red Rose County to spend Christmas with us in Edinburgh. At one time this year after she was ill, we didn't know if she would be able to come for the Festive Time but as she is much better come up she did. She prefers to travel by train so I went up to meet her whilst Graham saw to Ruaridh. Joe, Layla, and Miss B also came to meet her and mum was delighted with the reception committee.
Went to the Fruitmarket to have a bite and bite it was as only cakes and drinks left. Joe drove us home and then the family left.
Graham had done the potatoes they only needed roasting, so I did the cauliflower and cheese sauce some broad beans and that was dinner which tasted rather good.
Two lots of presents arrived today, tomorrow must get them wrapped ready for Santa!
Had a chat with mum she is away to bed now, took the Wonder Dog out for a walk to the park. Very tired away to bed. Goodnight.

Shopping

Today Graham and moi hit the town well hardly we kinda crept around. We managed to get one or two things for Bella, no cup of tea or coffee and a bun and headed home.
Up early this morning, once again got my early morning cuppa in bed, read yesterday's paper then got up. Gave Ruaridh his breakfast then let him out, we had our breakfast and for the first time we had veggie blackpudding which I quite liked but Graham didn't. Had my shower then took the wee fellow to the park and Ravelston woods met one or two dogs so he was able to have a play. On the way home met an old friend who also had a Border Terrier, but I think she was not well, must try and visit her!
Once home got the wee fellow settled and set off for the town missed the bus so walked for a while then got the bus.
Back home got stuck into the cleaning did the back room and the stairs and hall, as always found letters and photo's from years ago so always have to stop and look, that takes time.
Made bread and soda bread, Graham made paella for dinner lovely
Spoke to mum she is looking forward to coming up. Bye.

Layla and me!

Today Layla and me hit the town, we were going to have lunch and do some shopping, as neither of us felt too hungry we gave lunch a miss and shopped. Had a lovely time it was good to be out with Layla again. We visited many shops and Layla took me to this lovely bookshop that mainly sells childrens books what an amazing place I could have stayed browsing for ages.
Went to the 'One World Cafe' and had cake and a latte before commencing our shopping again, did really well and got most things I wanted.Ended up in the St. James's Centre before we said goodbye and we both headed for our seperate homes.
Graham made the early morning cuppa, I saw to Ruaridh his food and out. Had a shower, then breakfast before heading up town to meet Layla.
Came home after the shopping Graham had made roasted butternut squash soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and a big cuppa!
Did some ironing took Ruaridh for a walk, now going to bed. Goodnight.

Lunch

Today we had a lovely works/family lunch and a good time was had by all. We lunched at Guiliano's at The Shore Leith the company was great, the food good, the coca cola as always great, and the thimbleful of wine I had as I was the driver was also good. As per usual with the Italians the service was excellent and the banter well, was banter.
Up with Graham as he had to visit Jenner's this morning before going to the studio. Had breakfast then he left and I had my shower and washed my hair. Had to make more business calls, then Ruaridh into the car and away we went to see Layla and Bella. Poor Bella she had lost her wee oven glove and needed it to get the 'bread' she was baking for us out of her new oven! eventually we found it and the bread was delicious:)
The rains came down, however never daunted we set off on the cycle path to take Ruaridh and Bella for a walk, Bella was soon asleep which was good as it meant she really enjoyed the 'tea party' as she called the lunch. Ruaridh had a good run which I was pleased about as we left him at Layla's whilst we went out.
As I said the lunch was great and as my dessert (pancake with ice cream and biscuits) came into view, Bella moved very quickly to sit on my knee and help me eat it!
Home and busy writing Christmas cards, out with the wee fellow, just had beans on toast for a snack before going to bed. Goodnight.

Playtime.

Up with Graham had breakfast together before he left for the studio. Dealt with some business items then I telephoned mum she appears to be fine and will be up in Edinburgh on Monday next. Gave Ruaridh his morning food, as it was raining hard he decided not to go out into the garden! Changed our bed, had a wash then got ready to go and visit Layla and Bella.
Ruaridh and moi jumped into the car and off we went. Spent a nice time playing with Bella giving her two mice a tea-party.
Got ready to take Ruaridh a walk, had a nice walk along the cycle path met a wee Border terrier the wee fellow wasn't interested in playing nose in air and off! Then the rain came torrential made it back to the house Bella had fallen asleep. Lunch then when Bella woke she had her lunch and then we played at lots of different things drawing, lego. reading books etc.
Graham came and we left went to Waitrose and got the messages, then home. Leek and pea risotto with salad and olives for dinner delicious.
Have just had Ruaridh out to the park, attempting to get some Christmas cards written. Bye.

Laryngitis

Today I woke up and found out I could hardly speak and had a slight sore throat but fortunately didn't feel ill as we were travelling south today. Early morning cuppa, dog stuff, wash, breakfast, tidy the house in the Glen, pack then off in the torrential rain. the weather was so bad we didn't even manage to 'nick' a Christmas tree from the forest or take Ruaridh for his walk!
The roads were very quiet and we made good time, stopped at Dalwhinnie for a sandwich and coffee and to let the Dog Pasha perform-two pees thank you. Onwards down the A9 still with the rain bouncing off the car, Ruaridh slept most of the way.
Arrived at the family's house about 1630h lovely to see them all and Bella was looking much better.
We chatted and played with her and spoke to Layla. Had a lovely dinner roasted vegetables and spaghetti, Joe gave Bella her bath then we said Goodnight and left for home.
Took Ruaridh for a walk to the park then into the house, Christmas cards arrived from UNICEF must start to write them tomorrow! Also got our tickets for the Bob Dylan gig in May-yes!
Ready for bed now feeling more mince. Goodnight.

Library Books

Today we got our mail delivery for the last 5/6 weeks, in it were two reminders that my library books were long overdue. Dutifully I telephoned the library No. given, to be assured that No. did not take incoming calls, tried on the web to renew as directed to be told I couldn't do this. So I emailed the librarian to explain why the books were late, then I telephoned the local council office to ask for a correct No. for the local library-they put me through. The librarian I spoke to was very helpful and told me where I could deposit the books as they are closed for two weeks over the holiday time. I also received an email from Janie my librarian friend to say all was in order and hopefully see them in January.
Up quite early gave Ruaridh his food and let him out, had the usual early morning cuppa then a long leisurely bath and washed my hair. Breakfast then down to the village shop to buy medium oatmeal for porridge here and Edinburgh then onto the beach.
Sun out as we set off for our walk, but soon the rain started the wind was cold but quite invigorating Ruaridh had a great time chasing leaves and running into the sea after the skimming stones.
Back home soup for lunch, spoke with Layla the man downstairs is still giving problems! Made bread, for dinner I made brocolli quiche, roast tatties and peas. Done some knitting, spoke to mum she is getting ready for coming up. Bye.

Dreich day!

Had a hell of a night with Ruaridh, we let him into our room and he was up and down for ages, eventually we must have all crashed out 'cause it was 0930h when I awoke. Up fed the dog and let him out, early morning cuppa then delt with some business issues. Made breakfast had porridge tasted delicious haven't had it for about two months. Had a wash, then as Graham had to wait for a business call The Wonder Dog and moi set off for the woods.
It was a dreich day as we strode out--we met neither man nor beast --I lie on the short trek into the woods we were almost eyeball to eyeball with two roe deer. They were as surprised as us, one leapt gracefully away the other was chased by the wonder dog but as usual managed to get away.
At times we were blown along by the wind, at others the more gentle wind whispered amongst the trees, the mist surrounded us, at times lifting to reveal her secrets!
On the downward track we saw two kestrals flying above the treetops. Ruaridh had a couple of adventures but eventually came when I called, almost home and we met Graham on the track.
Late lunch boiled eggs and homemade bread with a big cuppa lovely.
Did some knitting this afternoon spoke to Layla still not sure what wee Miss B has, spoke to mum she is on a winning streak the latest a food hamper!
Graham made a delicious Minestrone soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and another big cuppa. Going to attempt to make the Christmas stars tonight! Bye.

Short Holiday!

Today we left Edinburgh to spend a few days at the Glen. Up quite early breakfast, wash, Ruaridh organised things into car and away. Great journey up was surprised to see snow not only on the mountain tops but also lying at the side of the road. Quite a dreich day with a great mist hanging over and down the mountains.
Stopped on the Dalwhinnie/Spean Bridge road for lunch and a pee then onwards to the Glen. Everything appears to be fine here at the house, the 'chinese hat' has become dislodged on one of the chimneys, that appears to be all.
Cosy fire in the stove, smoked haddock and prawns in cream sauce with pasta for dinner, with a slurp of red wine. The movie 'The Leopard' on BBC4 tonight. Bye.

Not chicken pox ? measles!

Today awoken by phone call from Layla to say Bella did not have chicken pox as the spots of yesterday had not'poxed'. However though vaccinated against measles, she was covered in a rash with other signs and symptoms of measles, so they were told to go and see the GP weekend cover at the Western General Hospital, even though if it is measles it is highly infectious! The Dr there was very kind and took a couple of swabs which will say if it is measles or not, he thought it might be! Bella is obviously feeling a bit under the weather but is still very perky, chatting and playing. As Joe and Layla had an invitation to a John Lewis sponsered Christmas recital with a reception afterwards and Bella was fine with Graham and moi we babysat so they could go. We went over to theirs, Joe looking smart and Layla glam in their gladrags off they went Bella waving a big bye, bye. We had spinach and cheese sauce with pasta for dinner it was delicious. Then Bella watched her favorite 'Miffy' with Grandpa and we danced to the vinyl, then upstairs with Graham, teeth cleaned big kisses, two stories then bed. I had to sing theis song that graham sings to her and soon she was in dreamland. Do hope her itch disappears soon.
Cooked a fry up for breakfast, had a shower and washed my hair then took Ruaridh for a walk to the park and Ravelston woods he had a good run and played with a Springer spaniel for a wee while.
Made bread and soda bread did some ironing, as we are heading to the Glen tomorrow. Bed now. Bye.

Chicken-Pox

Had a phone call from Layla this morning to say Bella was covered in spots and on a visit to GP, ahe said it appeared to be chicken-pox, poor wee Bella. I told Layla after my massage I would go straight over.
Had a lie in this morning not up until 0930h, got organised shower, breakfast, fed Ruaridh and let him out then he left with Graham to go to the studio. Missed the wee fellow as he and I are here together all the time now and I kept looking for him. Left to walk down to Stockbridge to visit Fiona my masseur, popped into the tyre place and they will replace the tyres on the car tomorrow.
Had a lovely walk down, went into the bank met a lovely old lady who complained to me about the music they were playing, it was crap!
Arrived at Napiers great to see Fiona again had a lovely massage and a Gua Sha massage which is done with a porcelain spoon, feels good and the bruises are dramatic! Bought some topical anti itch cream and lotion for Bella's spots.
Left, went and got Miss B tinned fruit and icecream, walked over to the studio to pick up Ruaridh then over to the house.
Poor wee Bella covered in hot red spots, she was asleep so Layla and moi had lunch lovely soup and fresh homemade bread. Bella awoke and had lunch, once she was settled Layla went to buy a new dress also bought a lovely pair of new shoes, soon she was back home.
Eventually Graham and Joe arrived at the house and then we left to come home.
Graham made a lovely paella for dinner, then I tried to catch up with the new blippers. Took the wee fellow for a walk, now to bed. Goodnight.

Christmas Pudding.

Spent most of today with Layla and Bella, as Bella was full of a cough and cold and couldn't go and mix with other bairns at a friends house. Picked up some toothpaste for the wee one at the supermarket where children from the local primary school were singing Christmas carols. They all had their red hats on and it sounded lovely. Over at Leith played with Bella, and had a chat with Layla before going with the girls and Ruaridh to the cycle path and the park for a walk. Layla managed to get some holly and branches off a fir tree to make a Christmas decoration, very pretty it is to. Ruaridh had a good run and Bella had a swing and sold me fish and chips on the park! Back at the house had lunch then Bella had a sleep, when she woke up we made the Christmas pudding, she was a great help and held the grater whilst I grated the apple and carrot. Also helped to put the rum in! the three of us took a turn to stir and wish, then into a basin covered with greaseproof and muslin and into the steamer for 4hours yummy.
Layla made a lovely lasagne for dinner, waited for Joe and Graham to arrive from the party they had attended,(work) once they had eaten we hit the road for home. Took Ruaridh to the park met wee Baxter, then home. having a glass of port then bed. Goodnight.
Image of pudding courtesy of Miss B!

Fishman

Today at long last I managed to get fish from the fishman who comes to our area of Edinburgh every Wednesday. About two years sgo he put a note through the door to say that he would be delivering fish on Wednesdays, I always meant to get fish from him when in Edinburgh but today was a first and the fish we had for dinner was delicious.
Up quite late, fed Ruaridh and then had breakfast, had a shower and washed my hair. Layla phoned to say that her and Bella were coming over, Bella had some of a croissant and juice and told me what had happened at nursery, we had a coffee.
They were going to come down to the shore with me for a walk, Layla drove us down but Bella was fast asleep when we got there, so Ruaridh and moi jumped out and they went home.
Had a super walk in the cold sunny weather, only hassle being for the second time in a month lost the Wonder Dog's lead. He was running and jumping after stones in the water when damn I noticed it was gone.
What to do as we have main roads to walk by before we get to the cycle path. Searched on the beach and found a washed up old trainer, but the lace was tied and I couldn't remove it. I found a sharp shell and rubbed it across the lace, success it snapped! I then removed the long lace from my boot to use as a lead when required and arrived home safe and sound!
Very hungry bacon and tomato sandwich again with a big cuppa for lunch. Ordered some goodies.
Dinner fish and rice with a tomato sauce lovely.
Watched a programme about the Medici's on BBC4 interesting.
Just had Ruaridh for a walk now he is sleeping by my side on the sofa. Goodnight.

Treehouse Cafe

Today up early as I go up to the town on a Tuesday to meet Layla and Miss B. after the nursery. Had a shower, fed the wee fellow, breakfast with Graham, then as soon as he had left Ruaridh and moi set off for the park and the woods. Met a couple of dogs that Ruaridh played with then on with the walk. The sun was shining though it was still quite cold. Back home Ruaridh jumped on the bed and I got ready to go out.
Met up with the two girls at Tollcross, got some messages in Real Foods then posted a letter before going to the Treehouse Cafe for a snack. No croissants left for Bella so she decided to have a drink of juice, we had scones and lattes. Then down to Habitat to look at some chairs. Left the girls and got the bus home, Ruaridh pleased to see me, had a veggie bacon and tomato sandwich and a cuppa.Then to the park and woods to give the wee dog another walk, great fun on the park as Ruaridh played with a Labpoodle a great big bundle of dog.
Spoke to mum she appears to be OK, attempted to make one of Layla's lovely stars, hmmm a star but a weird shape, managed to do some knitting.
Leek quiche, roast tatties and peas for dinner lovely.
Had Ruaridh for a walk in the park. Bye.

Bus trip

Today on our way back from the shore Ruaridh and moi jumped onto the No 42 bus to take us from the shore up the first hill great. Don't know what the wee fellow thought as this was the first time he had been on a bus, we were only on for a short distance and he appeared to be OK. Will have to try a longer journey next time.
Up with Graham had breakfast then I had a shower, put some washing in then collected the bottles and newspapers for recycling, into the car with them and the wee fellow and away. First to the recycling bins then on to Waitrose to get the messages. Bumped into an old friend/colleague lovely to have a quick chat.
Back home first Christmas cards arrive then Ruaridh and moi set off along the cycle path to the shore. Had a great walk on the beach, Ruaridh even got some stones thrown for him, weather cold and sunny. Met another old colleague on the way back taking her dog for a walk, another chat then home.
Had a big late lunch, made ths dough for the bread lots of phone calls and so on.
Made the bread, Graham home, pasta, tomato sauce salad and homemade bread for dinner.
Did some knitting, ordered Christmas cards. Took Ruaridh a walk to the park he met Phoebe the dog and had a good play. Going to bed goodnight.

Cycle path

Today we had a lie in-well once again I got up to feed the dog and let him out into the garden. Made the early morning cuppa then back to bed to read yesterday's Guardian. Got up around 1030h had a lovely fry up for breakfast-tasted delicious. Layla telephoned to say poor Joe was on his way to the dentist probably to have the offending tooth extracted and that Bella and her were on their way over.
Graham and moi were in our PJ's when they arrived Bella had two pieces of toast and juice before I had a wash then we all set off for a walk. We were going to go down to the shore but it was quite late and very cold, we just stayed on the cycle path Ruaridh enjoyed being off the lead and attempting to find squirrels and anything small and furry that moved! Bella had a great time running about and being filmed on video by her Grandpa, she is such good company and makes me laugh.
Bella fell asleep on the way back, when we got home we had crackers, cheese, Birthday cake and coffee. Layla then phoned Joe who by this time was one tooth down and he came to pick them up. Miss B woke up, had some smarties and an oatcake then Joe arrived. He had a cup of tea then they left for home.
Spoke to mum she appears to be fine, she had been to church. Graham made paella for dinner delicious, watched some of Louis Theraux's programme whilst doing more knitting. Just had the wee fellow out, watched a programme on iPlayer about Islam with Boris Johnson, now to bed. Goodnight.

Bella 2 Today

What an exciting and fun day we had today as it was Bella's Numero 2 Birthday. This morning she was going to a show with her mummy and daddy, Graham, Ruaridh and moi were going to take her gifts over to the house and wait for them to come home.
Got up around 0930 let the dog out and fed him, made an early morning cuppa, then had a shower and washed my hair before breakfast. Once this was all finished we put the presents in the car I went for the paper and off we set.
What lovely gifts Bella had received she was delighted with them all, we had a lovely time playing and chatting bsfore Bella had her afternoon nap. Graham, Layla and moi took the wee dog a walk Joe still nursing his sore tooth stayed with Bella. Had a lovely walk down to Newhaven harbour then when we got back Joe had finished the Birthday cake and we had a Birthday tea party. Lots of wee treats, Bella was amazed when the lights were turned off and her daddy came in with the Birthday Cake with two lit candles on. Big sing of Happy Birthday then she blew the candles out, the wee girl Eve from over the road came over to help us eat the cake, great fun!
We then all got into our outdoor clothes, lead on Ruaridh and went down to the shore to the rides, the kids including Joe and Layla loved the Carousel riding the horses was fun! Then into the teacups on the roundabout what a laugh Bella loved the rides so much she didn't want to come off!
Back home dinner, a tired, happy wee girl to bed, a tired, happy Granny and Grandpa home.
Happy Birthday Bella Love and Peace throughout the year!
Goodnight.

Colours

Spent this morning with Miss B and Ruaridh and as per usual had a great time. Layla had a workshop and poor Joe not only had work and a meeting but also a throbbing toothache, so a visit to the dentist was a must.
Graham and moi were up and about breakfast then drove over to their house. Joe was ready to leave for the dentist so said bye to him and hello to Bella. First we played with the playdough then thought it would be good idea to go for a walk with Ruaridh and go to the park. On the way out we met Bella's neighbour Sybil and had a chat with her she is in her eighties and quite a character. Then we set off down to the cycle path and on the way Bella was telling me the colour of all the cars we passed! Had a lovely walk, Ruaridh had one adventure I think he chased a squirrel Bella thought this was funny! Tried to find Ruaridh's lead that I lost on the cycle path the other week no joy.
Onto the park the wee fellow had a great time chasing the leaves, Bella enjoyed the wee park and once again sold me fish and chips from the play cooker they have on the park! Also did her colours again with the coloured discs on a piece of equipment!
Back home lunch then Layla and Joe were home, I went up town to get a dress for Bella, then Graham came to pick me up, poor Joe still has a problem with his tooth!
Pizza's for dinner with a lovely Australian Red delicious.
Having a cuppa the bed. Bye.

Two Men and a Dog

Up quite early today as I thought my chum Jane C was popping in for a coffee, anyway had a phone call to say she couldn't make it due to the fact there was a leak in her roof! So I had breakfast with Graham then a wash before taking Ruaridh down to the shore.
It was still pretty slippery on the cycle path but we managed without a fall, lovely walking down to the shore even though the weather was dull there was a good light. Down on the prom set off to Cramond met these two guys with a Golden Cocker spaniel called Sophie. They were very chatty and we strolled along to Cramond, one of them (Mike) hailed from Leeds the other (nameless) from the Wirral. Ruaridh played for a while with Sophie and various other dogs. The guys and moi chatted put the world to rights, discussed if having a dog helped one lose weight by the walks one did, what was the best education for kids and so on. Arrived at Cramond as I had to do my daily pee said cherrio.
Ruaridh and moi walked back on the beach with a little stone throwing. Had a good walk back.
Layla phoned to say her and Bella were coming for lunch. Had a nice time playing with Bella and chatting to Layla, they didn't stay too long. Made soda bread, and the usual bread. Phoned mum she is OK helped her sort her train tickets out!
Made veggie lasagne for dinner with olives and homemade bread delicious.
Phoned the insurers re my wee camera, also booked a massage with Fiona for a week tomorrow, looking forward to that.
Just going to take the dog for a walk. Bye.

Misplaced or lost camera.

Up late this morning as Ruaridh had been up and down in the night! Let him out, gave him his breakfast and we had an early morning cuppa. Shower, hairwash and breakfast before taking the wee fellow to the park had a good walk though the paths were very slippy, met Dusty the Cairn terrier on the way back. Had used my trusty little Canon to take photo's of the frost on the car and Ruaridh in the woods after this haven't a clue what I did with it. As we were going through to Glasgow to sort Graham's mum's affairs I thought I had put it in my blue rucksack but when I got home it was not there damn!
Travelled through to Glasgow journey there and back not too bad. Managed to do most of what we had to do. Went to Lidl's to get messages somewhere around here I may have lost my camera!
Back in Edinburgh popped over to Leith as Graham's iphone is not working so he took it back to somewhere in ocean terminal and I went to Layla's, did a pee then with Ruaridh went to meet Layla and Bella st the Dr's. The wee one has been off colour so Layla took her to the Dr's, chest infection.
She got her medicine and we went back to the house, had a coffee, chat and played with Bella then home this is when I couldn't find my camera- I am so angry with myself.
Graham made lovely butternut squash soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and a big cuppa.
Just back from taking the wee fellow for a walk. Having a cuppa then bed. Bye.

Christmas cake

Good day today though still quite frosty and not much sun. Up early as Graham had to be at the studio early for a meeting, breakfast together then Graham left. Ruaridh decided to return to our bed after his food and a run in the garden. Had a shower then took the wee fellow for a walk to the park and Ravelston Woods. Met quite a lot of dogs but none really interested in playing.
Back home left Ruaridh and went up town to meet Layla and Bella sfter her time at nursery. We went to buy slippers for Bella got some lovely ones but now Layla tells me she thinks they are too wee!
Went to a lovely cafe for lattes, Bella had juice and a croissant I was starving so had a lovely pannini with cheese, sundried tomatoes and gherkins and side salad. Left the girls and went to get some messages.
Home Ruaridh delighted to see me, the scales had arrived-yes and they work! Took Ruaridh for another walk to the park and woods again, he met some dogs on the park and had a great play with one of them!
Back home got stuck in to making the Christmas cake, finished now looks and smells lovely.
Phoned mum she appears to be fine. Went to meet Graham from the bus dog was delighted.
Leek and pea risotto with salad for dinner delicious.
Heard from old chum Mick tonight all appears to be OK with them.
Done some knitting now going to do the dishes then bed. Bye.

Cramond

Up quite late today well 0900h, made a cuppa and let the wee fellow out and fed him. No breakfast for Graham before he left for the studio, so moi had mine by myself, with Ruaridh as per usual waiting for his toast. Had a wash, then the phone rang Joe to say Bella and he would like to come on a walk to Cramond with Ruaridh and moi.
Set off on the cycle path it was very frosty, arrived at the shore the dog and moi went on the beach as Joe and Miss B were running a wee bit late. When they arrived we set off to walk to Cramond, Ruaridh delighted that Joe was there, though he did go away down to the beach and had a great run. Arrived at the river Bella was delighted to see the seagulls and the swans and even said hello to them! Went to the cafe and had coffee and millionaires shortbread, sat outside with having the dog with us, it was cold even though the sun shone no blankets as in West Jutland.
Walked back to the car Joe give us a lift up the hill, then we walked home on the cycle path. Late lunch, cleaned the stairs and hall, phoned mum she said it is very cold and had not been out but she feels well.
Started the dinner veggie stew, mashed tatties and peas, when we ate it,it was delicious.
Spoke to Layla will meet her and Bella tomorrow after nursery.
Have been knitting, now a cuppa then bed. Bye.