Spaniels-Yoshi and Ziggy!

This morning Ruaridh and moi headed to what I have come to believe is Ruaridh's favorite hangout in the city, when we leave the house he always attempts to go in the direction of the park and Ravelston woods. Not the longest walk about an hour but here he does get to meet lots of other dogs, today was no exception. We went into the woods and met noone, the woods are looking very blue with the blusbells and the smell of wild garlic is overpowering. Down on the park he met a working cocker spaniel, again chocolate brown like the ones we met on the shore the other day. This one was called Yoshi and Ruaridh and he had a great play.
Back home Ruaridh went to sleep so as it was raining I went up town to pick up a chain I was having repaired and some books. Back home had lunch then phoned mum she is in good spirits at the moment, also spoke with Layla and Bella and her were having a good day. Made bread.
Did some ironing then took Ruaridh via the park to meet Graham, joy of joy his wee chum Ziggy was there so he had another chase around. Met Graham then home.
Baked tatties with baked beans, cheese and tna in mayo for dinner.
Going to do the dishes then knit, I keep saying I'm going to knit and get nothing done tonight maybe! Bye.

Weeding

Lovely having Layla and Bella stay over as we had the pleasure of Miss B's company for breakfast! Graham left for work, Layla got up and as she had breakfast I joined her in a cup of coffee. Got ourselves together and headed off to Waitrose to get the messages then over to theirs to make sandwiches before going to the allotment.
We walked to the allotment picking up a coffee at the wee Bistro on the way. had let Ruaridh off the lead on the links and he had a play with a weird dog whose owner was out of his head! Ruaridh chased around with the dog no problem but the other dog was manic and a main road nearby. Luckily I shouted of Ruaridh and he did come to us thank goodness, carried on unscathed!
The sun came out at the allotments had lunch then started to clear the greenhouse, however swopped with Layla who was weeding as Miss B wanted to help me, it was too hot for her in the greenhouse. Weeded a bed looks good and helped Layla get the greenhouse a bit more organised.
Left picked up Graham then home.
Mushroom risotto for dinner with salad lovely.
To bed. Bye.

Misty

Ruaridh and moi were down at the shore today and it was very misty! walked along the shore whilst Ruaridh had a good run on the beach. I joined him about half way along he had a great time running after leaves, then met up with three working Cocker spaniels chocolate brown in colour and had a great play with them. They were lovely dogs I have never seen one that colour before. Great walk!
Back home did some cleaning, started to get the dinner ready as due to a change of plan I am picking up Miss B now.
Did some cleaning then had lunch before seting off to get the bus, did some shopping on the way up to get Bella. Bella saw me from the garden and was attempting to tell everyone 'That's my Granny'. Got a kiss and a cuddle then as we were walking set off to get the little bus. We had to wait and I mentioned maybe we would have to get a taxi, the wee one was beside herself with this however before this adventure could happen the bus came. We had a lovely time on the bus especially counting the flags, flying on the buildings!
Home, Graham beat us to it Ruaridh delighted to see the two of us. Bella helped me make the dinner leek & cheese quiche for the big people and fish for herself, with chips and peas for all! Layla arrived and we all sat down to dinner which was a lovely meal.
Layla and Bella are staying the night as Joe is on a business trip to Aberdeen, Bella went to bed at one point she was sorting the washing on the clothes maiden! before crashing out!
Spent a time chatting and then to bed after doing the dishes, must get that dishwasher! Bye.

Dandelion

Ruaridh and moi had the pleasure of Miss B's company today. Usually she spends Mondays with her Daddy but today he had a big meeting in Glasgow so we were delighted to help out. Before going over to their house Ruaridh and moi had a walk in the park and Ravelston woods, he had a good play with Barney and lots of other dogs and met Harmony a golden labrador who is the 'helper' to a disabled person-amazing what they do!
Into the car and over to the house Joe and Graham left and we played with the playdoe and had a tea party. We made pretend biscuits and drank pretend tea-lovely, then lunch which was eaten with gusto-grandpa's Minestrone.
After this we got ready and the three of us set off for a walk Miss B sporting her new raincoat. We went down to Newhaven harbour saw some fishing boats come in then had a good walk. Bella found some dandelions and picked one 'for daddy' which she clutched in her hand for the whole of the walk. We met a lovely dog called Grace who had been rescued by this nice couple, Ruaridh had a great play with her.
Bella fell asleep on the way back home still clutching her dandelion and slept for a good hour. She awoke just as Layla phoned to say she was on her bike and cycling home. We played at jigsaws, then her mummy arrived. Soon after Graham arrived and we had dinner.
Roasted vegetables and pasta with salad for dinner, Joe was at another meeting so we ate without him, though we did leave him some!
Bella was into the bath and we left.
Watching Marianne Faithful on T.V. Goodbye.

Birthday Tea!

Today I hot footed to the South West side of the city to help celebrate my chum Lena's 60th Birthday! Her two daughters Yvonne and Lynne had organized an afternoon tea get together for her friends and it was a surprise! It was lovely to see people I hadn't seen in a while, also to see Lena's face when she arrived she got a surprise indeed! her actual birthday is tomorrow. Had a good blether and enjoyed the afternoon tea bsfore going home.
Up with the Wonder Dog this morning then back to bed, early morning cuppa from Graham then up for breakfast. Graham had work to do so Ruaridh and moi went a walk in the park and Ravelston woods, he met his chum Dylan and had a play. Woods still lovely lots of colour and the sunlight breaking through the trees.
Back home quick shower and hairwash as I was getting the bus as G was taking the car over to the studio. Got my stuff together and caught the bus which took me almost to Yvonne's house, used to know this area like ths back of my hand as Layla went to school here, still pretty much the same so found the house no problem. Had a lovely time.
Back home made the dinner for tomorrow as everyone else has busy day, also made bread.
Spoke to Layla they are fine, spoke with mum she appears to be good.
Paella for dinner lovely, just going to have a bread roll and a cuppa. Bye.

Banks!!

Today up early, well fairly early for me on a Saturday and after seeing to Ruaridh well guess what I went back to bed and got up at 1000h. Wash, tea and toast then away up to the city on the bus. Had things to do, to close an account at one bank and get some information for Graham from another. The one where I was closing the account was a laugh a minute, after waiting in the wrong queue, the guy at customer services told me he had closed the account and now I would have to join the other queue again to get my money. Joke the queue was once again twenty strong and no way was I waiting so a cheque should arrive in a weeks time! He asked me why I was closing the account!! nuff said.
Bought a new summer anorack for Miss B navy blue and with pockets so that is OK.
Back home fry up for breakfast, then off to Corstorphine Hill with the Wonder Dog. Had a lovely walk all the trees are starting to bloom, the daffodils are still there and the bluebells are coming lovely colour combo. Ruaridh met a couple of dogs and had a wee play, lovely walking on the south side of the Hill cold on the north side due to the haar!
Back home cup of tea, spoke to mum she was happy to have seen relatives yesterday especially two of her nieces Sheila and Jo. from Wigan.
Cleared out some rubbish from the bookshelves still lots to do!
Graham has made Minestrone soup for dinner followed by ? sardines on toast.
Layla telephoned they have bought Miss B a sandpit-great. Bye.

Bicycle!

Today Layla and Bella arrived over for a visit on Layla's new bicycle, lovely couple they made the wee one sat on her seat in front of her mummy looking quite the thing. Joe and Layla bought the seat in the Netherlands last year when on holiday and it is just the job. Had a play in the garden, Bella would love for Ruaridh to play ball with her but he is not taking her on, then a jump on the bed before we walked down to the park. Bella had a great time on the slide and other things, Ruaridh played with a greyhound so he had fun.
Back home had lunch then the two girls left on the bikefor home. As we were looking after Bella tonight I followed with Ruaridh in the car popping into Waitrose on the way to get some messages. Bella was fast asleep in the garden when I arrived at the house, sat otside for a wee while and did some knitting.
Graham and Joe arrived Bella and Ruaridh pleased to see them, inside to play as it was getting cold, played with the animals, then we had a lovely dinner of veggie burgers in buns and chips. After which Layla and Joe left to go to the movies, Bella and moi finished making Ruaridh's dog biscuits then we did jigsaws until a very sleepy girl got ready for bed. Grandpa carried her upstairs, she brushed her teeth two stories, two drinks of water! then dreamland. Goodnight.

Finds!

Had a lovely walk down to the shore with Ruaridh today, the weather stayed fine in the main just a few drops of rain as we walked along. Ruaridh was using delaying tactics on the cycle path today especially when he spied another dog, so it was a wee bit slow and stop. Once at the shore though he set off on the beach and had a good run. I sat on the beach for a while and skimmed and threw stones for the Wonder Dog. To the lavatory for a pee then started back home. Saw a lovely wee ladybird wellie on the shore but as always only one!
Ruaridh had a great play with a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy-huge he enjoyed it.
Arrived home had lunch then I made bread and piles of dog biscuits for the dog.
Making pizzas and coleslaw for dinner.
Spoke to Layla.
Bella had a great time at playgroup then they were out to lunch with friends.
Mum is also good her sister-in-law Emily is 100 years old tomorrow so a few of the relatives are going to see her!
Up early as Garry B is on his way back (slowly) to the Western Isles. Good to see him again.
Must, must get on with my knitting. Bye.

Fun!

Over to the family's house later this morning as I was looking after Bella this afternoon whilst Layla had a meeting. Lovely sunny day drove over with Garry B, and the wee one was having a great time playing in the garden. Managed to have our lunch outside in the sunshine, even though the clouds were gathering, cheese sandwich, salad and potato salad lovely! Bella enjoyed playing in the minute bit of sand at the bottom of the garden!
After Layla had left we got ready to go a walk with Ruaridh, Bella was in great form and walked quite a long way, we had to pass through what used to be the long train tunnel and she had great fun shouting her name Bella and listening to the echo! as did moi! Got ice-cream cones at Porto-Fi on the way home delicious Bella really enjoyed hers, however by the time we got to the studio to drop Garry B off she was fast asleep!
We walked home and the two of us with Ruaridh sat in the garden, Bella still fast asleep. Layla arrived home she seemed fairly pleased with the outcome of her meeting! When Graham and Garry B arrived we left for home.
Made a veggie pie for dinner with mashed tatties and peas.
Spoke to mum she appears to be in good form had afternoon tea at Cathie P's.
Spoke with Betty O she and Bob sound to be in good form.
Going to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

The FISH has landed!

Walking along the shore at Cramond today saw this large piece of what appeared to be pink granite/sandstone, turned out that the fish had landed. It was a lovely sculpture of a fish by local sculptor Ronald Rae, apparently there are others at the Parliament and in the gardens at Holyrood Palace. First one I have seen, and brought here by local people who raised the money £35,000 I believe.
Had a great walk with the wee dog he had a super time lots of dogs to play with and some stone throwing into the sea, also a long walk what more could a Border terrier ask for? Also met June sister-in-law to Sybil, Layla's next door neighbour, she was waiting for a chum as they were going out to lunch.
Back home did my blip, then had my lunch, made the white sauce for the dinner before setting off to get Miss B.
Bella appears to have had a great day at the 'little school' we had a lovely walk home across the meadows in the sunshine. We found a feather and let it blow in the wind, then we listened to a man playing the drums, last but not least we danced to the music from the guitars. Down in the Grassmarket we did In and Out the Dusty Bluebells through the bollards lots of laughs. Did some shopping met Layla then more shopping. Got the bus home Graham had gone to meet Garry B who is staying for a couple of nights.
Played with Bella in the garden then got the pasta al forno ready for dinner which we ate with a salad and homemade bread, when eveyone arrived.
Lovely evening, tired must get a dishwasher. Bye.

Big Cheese!

Yesterday when we arrived in Edinburgh from the Glen there was a card left by postie to say I had a parcel to pick up as it would not go through the letter box. No kidding! I went down to the collection point and whoa there was a huge parcel and in it an old Dutch cheese, what a lovely surprise. One of the Dutch 'blippers' Orchid had visited a cheese factory taken a photo, and put it up on blip. Graham had commented that I loved Old Dutch Cheese and voila here I am with a huge cheese. It is delicious by the way, Ruaridh and moi had some for lunch with the last of my homemade pickled onions hmmmm, can still savour the taste.
Thank you Orchid you are a star and what a lovely surprise you gave me!
Into Ravelston woods this morning after having a shower and hairwash, a nice walk it was so peaceful, daffodils still here and bluebells coming. Ruaridh met Phoebe and had a little play then a good play with a Springer called Baxter.
Into the car and to the bank, post office and Waitrose couldn't park on the top far to hot for the dog! L
Lovely sunny day continued, after my lunch did some clearing of the front garden, Ruaridh sat out and appeared to enjoy himself.
Going to make a veggie risotto for dinner with a warm broccoli salad.
Got to clean a bedroom as we may have a visitor tomorrow.
Dinner was good. Going to knit. Bye.

Warm sunny journey!

Left the Glen today in lovely warm sunshine. Had a busy morning as is the norm when we leave either house, always last minute things to see to, today was no exception. Anyway soon we were on our way, stopped at the top of the hill to let Ruaridh have a walk in the woods, the sun was peeping through and lightening up the woods.
Back in the car and on our way had a lovely journey, hardly any cars on the road which is unusual when the weather is good but better for us. On the Spean Bridge/Dalwhinnie road we decided to go and visit the wee church and graveyard at the top of a hill. Joe, Layla and Bella had visited it on their way up north and said it was worth a look, which it was.
A small church, gravestones on either side of the hill, the 'men of the cloth' were buried at the top!
Continued on our journey arrived Edinburgh around 1730h straight to the family's house. Lovely to see them all again and Miss B was looking lovely, as were her fish which fascinated Ruaridh.
Had a chat and a delicious chinese meal cooked by Joe then hit the road for home.
Tired put all the things away then did my blip and started this Blog and nearly fell asleep, so to bed. Goodnight.

Arrived!

Yes the skip did arrive today despite my misgivings, delivered about 0930h by a lovely man who I believe delivered the last one! Another sunny day with no wind very warm. Quick wash, then breakfast before Graham and moi worked very hard filling the skip with all the rubbish from the second'Room of Doom'! Although it was very hard work it didn't take too long then off down to the village shop and the shore to relax and teke the wee fellow for his walk.
Really enjoyed the walk we went to a different part and Ruaridh as usual enjoyed the stone throwing and skimming so much that at one point he stepped off a ledge of clay into deep water and had to swim for it!
Back home had lunch, made bread then cleaned our bedroom, sat outside for wee periods the weather is so lovely. I also think that the swallows have arrived though not as many as were here last year at this time, I have seen a couple on two occasions. Spoke to Layla, Bella now has her four fish, named Not-Now-Bernard-Monster, wonder what Ruaridh will make of them?
Graham made a lovely dinner of pasta with tomato sauce and mushrooms with salad, red wine and some rather nice chocolate.
Spent the evening doing very little, listened to a programme about Roy Wood which was interesting. Then did the dishes and to bed. Goodnight.
Edit:- This beach is in West Jutland Denmark.

The skip

Had a telephone call this morning from the council to say that the skip I ordered for last weekend almost two months ago will be delivered tomorrow morning. I am not holding my breath!
Had a lovely bath and washed my hair, another sunny day but with a cold wind blowing from the east.
Had breakfast spoke with Layla they are OK apart from the weather which is cold in the east, Bella and her are going to the allotment to plant the raspberry bushes.
Down to the beach had a lovely walk Ruaridh's leg appears to be better, he is running after skimming stones and jumping up for the ones we throw.
Had lunch, then did more mowing, also cleaned the front room. Christine is coming over for dinner this evening.
Made leek quiche with roast potatoes and peas lovely. Had a chatty evening!
Did a late blip and started this Blog too tired to bed! Goodnight.

Splash

Another lovely day, though with a strong easterly wind. Up and about with Ruaridh, got half dressed quickly as I thought I had seen our skip coming down the hill-joke it did not arrive. Later after a telephone call to the council to find out if our skip was coming we are still non the wiser, if I don't hear anything tomorrow I will go up the line management to find out what is happening!
Fry up for breakfast which tasted great. Then after a wash down to the beach with Ruaridh, he had a great time with the skimming stones and running in after thrown stones, he loves making a splash.
Back home cuppa, spoke to mum she appears fine, she got off the phone quick as Jennifer arrived. Got stuck into the mowing did quite a bit, then Christine arrived to borrow the wheelbarrow, stayed for a cuppa, we joined her snd I had some oatcakes.
Did a bit more mowing then sawed a few logs. Layla phoned Bella and her had been to the swimming baths, then as the sun came out they had lunch in the garden. Made some scones and also scotch pancakes for tomorrow
Had homegrown corn on the cob for dinner followed by sardines on toast with a cuppa. Lovely!
Not done much this evening so going to do some knitting then to bed. Bye.

Lunch outside!

Although it was sunny this morning when I got up, it was not very warm, saw to Ruaridh and hopped back to bed for an hour. Graham still feeling unwell, Ruaridh very much on the mend and taking his tablets in a small piece of cheese-fingers crossed two down five to go!
Had breakfast and a wash then decided to take the wee fellow to the sandy beach in the village, as we left the weather was much warmer. Lovely walk on the beach though once again the campervan and caravan fraternity are here. As it is free they tend to take over the whole area, and with their quads and scramble bikes can be damned annoying to say the least!
Got back home and as it was very warm had our HOT soup and bread rolls on the deck, don't know if I was sweating from the sun or the soup! lovely to be able to do this. Also did some more knitting getting there-slowly.
Then started to do some of the garden it was amazing, as I worked on a couple of the raised beds the bumble bees were going crazy on the blossom of the fruit trees, also the birds were singing. Got the one bed done and covered, then cleared all the suckers from the rosehip bush, and gathered lots of debris that had collected in the garden. Phew I enjoyed my cuppa.
Graham making veggie and prawn paella for dinner looking forward to that, then getting my feet up and relaxing. Bye.

1000 moments recorded on blipfoto!

Today I recorded my 1000 blip, I have posted 1 photo a day for 1000 days without a break in that amazing diverse community known as blipfoto. In that time there have been changes in my life, and other peoples, we have laughed and cried together and I have travelled from one side of the Pacific round the world to the other side through peoples photo's. Keep on Rocking.
Another day Ruaridh is much better and we gave him his tablet in a lump of cheese which he took no bother. He rested well today and as he appears to be able to weight bear we are hoping to take him down to the beach for a while tomorrow.
After breakfast and a wash, as Ruaridh is house and garden bound, went to start doing some gardening, turned over two-thirds of a bed then sawed some logs. Spoke to Layla her and Bella had a lovely morning with Corrina, Logan and Sadie. John arrived and we got the velux windows sorted and all the other things that might go boom in the night, no hopefully the second room of doom shouldn't take too long now, fingers crossed.
Spoke to mum she had been out for lunch with a friend, still c/o pain either in her back or chest but it is getting easier-asked her to keep in touch.
Aubergine parmigiano with pasta and salad for dinner lovely. Poor Graham, he had put his glass of wine on the window ledge-Ruaridh rushed behind the sofa got caught in a wire and whoosh, I heard a shout from Graham and there he was with the glass of wine all over him!
Must get on with my knitting. Bye.

Injured

Slept through until 0745h this morning! couldn't believe it! Got up to feed Ruardih and let him out what a lovely morning, warm and sunny even the automatic vents in the greenhouse were open! Graham was full of a cold and feeling mince so he stayed in bed a while, I had a lovely leisurely bath and washed my hair great. Made breakfast then made the dough for the bread before setting off to the woods with Ruaridh.
Had a lovely walk, lots of primroses and all the trees springing into life, as I had not put any cream on my face and the sun was beating down, I got burnt! Took our time and when we arrived at the bottom of the track, Ruaridh was sniffing at something, when we noticed he was holding his L) off the ground, he could not weight bear. Don't know what he had done, however Graham had to carry him back to the house. Got the bread ready Ruaridh was all over the place and appeared to be getting distreesed so onto the vet, time 1515h if we could manage the 30 mile trip to the Isle of Skye before 1600h Alan the vet would see him. 30 miles in 40 minutes on single track and country roads? we made it.
Alan the vet is great and he gave the wee fellow the once over thinks it is a sprain, two shots an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, followed by a seven day course of anti-inflammatory tablets.
Fingers crossed he takes them. Did a small shop at Broadford then home.
Ruaridh being very good. Had leek and potato soup followed by pizza that Layla had left for dinner- lovely.
Did a little knitting Graham feeling mince again so he went to bed early. I followed to read my book. Goodnight

Quiet

After a hectic morning the family left for Edinburgh. Believe it or not the Wonder Dog actually slept through until 0730h this morning, Graham and moi wondered what was wrong-nothing. Got up and gave him his breakfast then let him out, by this time Miss B was up and about and delighted with what the Easter Bunny had left her.
First the Easter tree with lovely wooden eggs and a fairy, then lots of Easter chicks, plus hotcross buns made by Layla for breakfast-delicious. After our breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast and the hotcross buns with a delicious cup of coffee it was time to see if the Bunny had left anything in the garden. In lovely, sunny, warm, weather what a surprise Miss B got the Easter Bunny had been very busy and left lots of chocolate eggs, rabbits and chicks in the garden, Bella went on her treasure hunt and was very pleased with the result. So was Ruaridh who also managed to find one of the chicks!
After this we all got ready and went down to the shore to see if we could find any seals, no joy but spent a lovely hour on the rocks looking for them, Ruaridh had a great time roaming over the rocks new smells for him! Soon it was time to say bye bye to the family as they were going home!
Very quiet back at the house got some tidying done, spoke to mum she is fine everything went OK at Jen's baptism.
Layla phoned to say they had got home OK.
Courgettes in a cream sauce with pasta and salad for dinner-lovely.
Going to do some knitting, maybe the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

Eventually the SUN

Ruaridh is as regular as clockwork in wanting his food so up at 0745h again this morning to feed him and let him out into the garden. Miss B was up too so her and I had a lovely time reading stories and playing! Then when everyone arose from their beds we had breakfast, Christine arrived to ask us to take some linen to the village for her. After breakfast Graham, Bella, Ruaridh and moi went over to feed the horse but he was having non of it! It was decided that Graham and moi would drive to the village leave Christine's linen get one or two messages then meet the family with Ruaridh down at the river, so this is what we did.
Spent a pleasant time there, Layla made a wee sailboat with two wee gnomes in it, out of wood leaves and some sheep wool. Bella set it to sail down the river she also had a great time throwing stones for Ruaridh.
Back home lunch then Bella had a nap, when she woke we played in the garden at football, daddy and grandpa chasing Bella and carrying the mud from the flower pot to the pan! she is full of energy!
Graham made us a delicious Chinese dinner rice, sweet and sour vegetables and mushrooms in oyster sauce yummy!
Bella asked me to read her a story and put her to bed, a pleasure to do this. Thought she had gone to sleep but she suddenly rolled over eyes wide open and asked me to get mummy. I did as I was asked when Layla went up she was fast asleep! Goodnight.

Beach Bums

'Never mind the weather as long as we're together' was relevant for us today here in the Glen! Up early with the Wonder Dog who wanted fed! so Joe and Layla had a lie-in and Bella and moi had a good play and read stories. We all had breakfast together then decided regardless of the weather we would go down to the beach, calling in at the villlage shop on the way. Got the messages and set off for the beach, it was freezing the sun hardly came through but we saw lots of rain, Bella and Ruaridh loved it!
Joe flew the kite and then made tunnels for the water to run back to the sea. We made sandpies, sand seahorses and sand fish and did not worry one bit about the weather! Eventually though we made our way back home to have sausage rolls and a big cuppa, the wee one fell fast asleep!
Joe said he would make dinner and made a delicious one of cheese pasta, chips and peas which we all enjoyed. Did some knitting in the afternoon and played with Bella we had great fun transporting mud from the plant-pot to pan, and on to the deck!!
Another fun day Bella ia a joy to have around she is lots of fun.
Quiet evening then to bed. Goodnight.

Football with Miss B

This afternoon we drove back to the Glen to meet up with the family. Had quite a good drive up and it was great to see them all, Bella was in top form and appeared to be really enjoying her holiday. The deck was taken over by her as her 'football' pitch and Bella and moi had a fun time playing football until dinner was ready, Ruaridh was not too impressed!
Layla had made a delicious dinner, spinach with potatoes, prawns in garlic sauce, chickpea curry rice and nan breads-lovely.
Up quite early as Graham had to go into the studio for a wee while, I took Ruaridh into the park and Ravelston woods he had a great time playing with Ziggy his new pal, had a good walk then he met a lot of his pals on the park and played with them. Back home did some cleaning and then packed so we could be off when Graham came home. had aome lunch then left the city around 1445h.
Good journey up stopped at the canal area to stretch our legs and have a pee. Weather not too bad arrived at the Glen around 1845h lovely to see everyone, think Bella was surprised to see us arrive.
Had a lovely evening and so to bed! Goodnight.

Massage

This afternoon I went for a massage--always enjoy this and feel good.
Up this morning with the Wonder Dog, had breakfast with Graham then when he left upstairs for a shower and hairwash. Put a wash in then got the Wonder Dog ready and off to the park and Ravelston woods. Weather 'iffy' some sun, some drizzle, however we had a good walk and bumped into Christina an elderly woman who has a Border terrier called Poppy, she and ruaridh do NOT play!
Back home saw to a business matter, then did a pile of ironing before getting ready to go down to Stockbridge. Took Ruaridh with me as he prefers to be left in the car rather than the house? first stop Waitrose to get some messages as we are heading up to the Glen tomorrow for a wee holiday. Will be good to see the family, the weather has been pretty wet but Miss B appears to be enjoying herself.
After went for my massage, before this took Ruaridh for a walk I have never seen as much dog s--t in my life, in what is supposed to be an upmarket area bah!
Good to see Fiona and catch up. Back home ravenous realised I hadn't had lunch! tucked into toast and marmite with a big mug of coffee. Got the dough ready for the bread, Ruaridh and moi went down to the park, and to meet Graham off the bus.
Made the bread, for dinner pasta with tomato sauce and salad.
Going to have a cuppa and do a little knitting. Bye.

Mother india with Lena!

This evening I was out for my annual dinner with Lena an old chum, we normally go to Pizza Express but this evening we had a change and went to Mother India. The food and Kingfisher beer was delicious and you always get a good crack with Lena, we managed to catch up on the past year in three hours.
Took Ruaridh down to the shore this morning it was sunny but very windy, as it is the school holidays it was also very busy. However we had a great walk, Ruaridh had lots of leaves to run after, and into the sea after the skimming stones.
Back home finished reading 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' very good first half, to me dwindled off towards the end.
Had lunch then as I felt tired laid on the sofa and fell fast asleep for half an hour, haven't done that in an age. Spoke to mum she appears to be OK. Did one row of knitting must do more tomorrow.
Left to go and meet Lena via Boots the Chemists. Had a chat with Allison whilst Lena got ready, then off to get the bus and our meal

Cleaning the Walls!

Today for some reason (don't ask me) I decided to wash the walls in the kitchen, phew don't know if they look cleaner but I know they are! It was hard work but I'm glad I did it.
Up early with the Wonder Dog he now appears to want to eat between 0730h-0800h and then of course he has to go into the garden.
Had breakfast with Graham then he left for work, Ruridh and moi did bits and bobs then got ready to go to the park and Ravelston woods. The woods were practically empty, we had a nice walk then lo and behold as we were coming down to the park wee Kelsy the Border terrier pup arrived, Ruaridh thinks she is the 'cats' pj's and they had a good play. Down on the park some guys were getting the area for the new tennis court ready, they told us they had a 4 months old Border Collie in their van who was not happy with other dogs. Kelsey did her best and the dog ventured out but quickly returned to the van if the dogs attempted to play with her! Had to leave, hope she was a bit happier by the time they left.
After doing the cleaning of the walls, had lunch then cleaned the kitchen floor. Attended to some business, got lovely photo's of Miss B on the beach from Layla, glad the weather was OK.
Went to meet Graham off the bus, on the park met Ziggy and her owner never got to the bus, Ruaridh and Ziggy played and played, Graham came onto the park then home.
Fish and rice with tomato sauce for dinner lovely.
Done some knitting now to bed after a cuppa and oatcakes. Bye.

Corstorphine Hill

Up with Ruaridh at 0800h fed him and let him out in the garden, made tea for Graham and moi then back to bed Ruaridh came too. Dozed for a wee while then read more of my book.
Made breakfast, a fry up tasted delicious. Finished, thought I had time for a shower and hairwash before the family arrived on their way up to the Glen, just managed before Miss B arrived.
She was a tad upset that Graham, moi and Ruaridh were not going up with them, but happier when we said we would be up in the Glen on Thursday. She is going to look out for the owls!
Took Ruaridh to Corstorphine Hill he had a play with a wee Cairn Terrier called Rosie, we had a great walk-felt good.
Back home light lunch then did some more knitting, spoke to mum she is OK has been to church. Layla phoned to say they had arrived safe and sound and the sun was shining, Bella was enjoying the garden lots of flowers.
Having Minestrone soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and a big cuppa. Just enjoyed a G&T!! Bye.

Do very little day!

Today was one of those days when it was great to do very little! Up and made breakfast then as Graham was having a problem with his new computer and had to go over and see Joe about it, I took Ruaridh for a walk in the park and Ravelston woods. We didn't meet anyone else, the weather was changing very quickly from sun to rain however the two of us had a lovely walk.
Back at the house got some more knitting done on Miss B's duffel coat, read the Guardian then when Graham came back we had pizza for lunch.
Really did not do very much went over to the family's to collect the now functioning computer, Bella was having a great time playing with her new playdough. Stayed and did one or two jigsaws then said bye.
Prawn and veggie paella for dinner made by Graham lovely. Did more knitting then fell asleep on the sofa! To bed, reading a brilliant book 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. Goodnight.

The haar

Awoke this morning to find the haar had settled over the city. Up early as Graham was on the road with Joe at 0845h, breakfast then he left for three meetings throughout the day. Ruaridh and moi dealt with business matters then set off in the haar for the shore.
Although the haar was quite dense the walk to the shore was lovely, every so often the haar lifted and one got a glimpse of a veiled countryside. Ruaridh had a great walk no dogs to play with but a great run on the beach and running into the water after stones. The sun attempted to burn the haar off no joy.
However on the way back from the shore the sun broke through and it became very hot. Back home had lunch, made dough for the bread, went to the vets to get Ruaridh's worm tablets, did a pile of ironing, made the bread, spoke to mum i think she is better. Also spoke to Layla, Bella and her were making playdough. Made the dough for the pizzas.
Graham arrived home made coleslaw and the pizzas for dinner delicious.
Attempting to catch up with my Blog think I'm almost there, maybe one or two images to put in yet.
Just going to have a cuppa and roll then bed. Goodnight.

Haircut Day

Today was Ruaridh's haircut day, or that is how I explained it to Miss B. Up early with the Wonder Dog who was fed, out into the garden then back to sleep! Had breakfast with Graham then after he left for the studio had a shower and washed my hair. Got organised and took Ruaridh for a walk in the park and Ravelston woods. Back home got ready to go to Waitrose for the messages, successful there, carried on to see Layla and Bella, looking after Miss B as Layla is interviewing this afternoon.
Layla left, as the weather was warm and sunny Bella and moi sat in the garden and did jigsaws then we went inside to have lunch. As Ruaridh had to be taken to the doggie beauty salon we finished our lunch then set off. We went by the little park and Bella enjoyed herself on the swings, seesaw and slide, the park was full of little people enjoying the sunshine.
Left Ruaridh to get his haircut, then we met Graham and walked back to the house, Bella did not go to sleep! Back home and Eve came over to play, they had fun making pretend cups of tea and doing pretend cooking. Joe and Graham came and we left to pick up the wee fellow, who has usual looked gorgeous!
Back home made cauliflower cheese, chips, and peas for dinner.
Did some knitting then bed. Goodnight.

Cardigan

Today finished the cardigan that my mum (the Great Granny) knitted for Bella, yes we sewed on the penguin buttons that we bought yesterday, Miss B chose them! and very pretty she looks in it to.
Layla has a sore foot and this morning didn't think she would be able to weight bear, however when she got moving around it improved a little and she was able to keep an appointment. Bella and her arrived at the house in time for lunch, Bella played in the garden for a wee while putting pebbles into a flowerpot. We had minestrone soup for dinner and Bella ate the whole lot up. Then a sleep in her new bed. I went into the loft and Bella got some of her mummy's old toys!
When she awoke we went down to the playpark had a great time on the swings, the slide, and the seesaw. She was very happy to see her Grandpa come to meet her on the park, Ruaridh was beside himself as well.
Bella had a great time playing and chatting back at the house, we had dinner sheperdess pie and broad beans, Bella had ice-cream and two wee chocolate eggs.
They left about 2030h taking the hobby-horse with them Bella thinks it is great and loved riding it around the house, and trying to find a 'stable' to put it in!
Did the dishes and my blip now to bed to read. Goodnight.