G&T

Since we are on holiday and it is so hot we have been enjoying a G&T before dinner, this evening was no exception. After a hard days work, today I felt I deserved it and it tasted great! Awake early this morning laid abed and Graham arrived back upstairs with a lovely cuppa, no Wonder Dog he was in a huff as it was too early for his breakfast! I got up at 0800h to feed him and let him out, then back to bed cuddled down with Graham and this time Ruaridh joined us slept until 1000h.
Up and about busy today as this evening we are expecting Adam, Kelly, Jack and Maeve to arrive on their way back to London from Harris. Their ferry was late getting into Uig-Skye so we offered them accomodation. Looking forward to meeting them.
Did more strimming, had a great time at the beach with the wee fellow, he was so happy to be in the cold sea as today was very hot again, he went after sticks and stones his swimming was very good.
Back home alfresco lunch on the deck, made bread and lots of rolls for our guests.
Organized bedrooms, cleaned most of the house, had a shower and washed my hair, then it was time for the G&T mmmm!
Graham made a delicious dinner risotto with asparagus, peas and lemon lovely.
Relaxing having a cuppa waiting for the gang to arrive their ferry was delayed leaving Harris!
Meanwhile I will say Bye!

Cuckoo

Heard my first cuckoo of the year today, after the first one I never stopped hearing them. Up quite early, let Ruaridh out into the garden then gave him his breakfast, made the early morning cuppa. When Graham got up we had breakfast it is really good to sit and relax over this, rather than have to rush.
Started to do the grass cutting (of which there is loads) Graham did the mowing and yours truly started the strimming with the new strimmer. It was very hot, blue sky and hardly any wind too hot to work so we decided to go down to the beach. Ruaridh was beside himself he loves the beach here, he ran around, went after skimming stones, ran into the river and just appeared to enjoy himself. Delighted to see the sea pinks are still here took some lovely photos for blipfoto, guess what I have forgotten my cable to transfer them from my camera to the computer so had to find another image!
Carried on with the strimming it was so hot drank lots of water, the grass is beginning to look better. Spoke with Layla, Bella and her had been to Taste of Scotland she said it was OK and they are all fine.
Just had tinned salmon sandwiches, salad and beer for dinner, but the big thing we were able to sit outside to eat it yeah!
After this we headed off for Graham to shoot his video but too late the light had gone.
Just going to have mushrooms on toast and a cuppa. Goodnight.

The Glen!

Travelled to the Glen today for a stay of about ten days. We left Edinburgh in the warm sunshine arrived here in the mist and drizzle. The garden is now verging on becoming a jungle but sunny weather is forecast for the next few days so here's hoping it can be tackled/attacked! The plum tree looks good hopefully lots of plums this year. The greenhouse is overgrown, the 'second room of doom' looks lovely just waiting for the velux windows to be put in.
Ruaridh has been running round the field and garden, he appears to be happy, though there doesn't appear to be as many rabbits, thank goodness. Graham got the stove going, I put all the food away phoned Layla left a message to say we had arrived. Phoned mum she did well at the warfarin clinic and her arm is no worse.
Had a G&T Graham made a delicious dinner of pasta with courgettes and cream, salad and bread. Watched a programmme on BBC4 Michael Wood on Beowulf, the story and language of the iconic poem. Excellent. Then a cuppa and bed.Goodnight.

Allotment Day!

As I have mentioned before on my Blog Wednesday appears to have become allotment day, Ruaridh and moi were over at Layla's and Bella's early today, they were out visiting a neighbour. I waited on the steps and phoned mum to see how her arm was she had a good night but the arm is sore as she is very thin and the graze is quite close to the bone! however she was cheery.
Played with Bella in the garden at football when lo and behold a Red Balloon floated in, Bella caught it and was delighted as the one she got on Friday had burst!
We set off for the allotment, the sun shone some of the time and no rain, we got quite a lot done. Ruaridh was beside himself as he attempted to get at some live/dead thing under the shed, kept him occupied for ages. Bella watered all the plants in the greenhouse, then we had lunch before planting some dwarf beans. Lots of hand washing goes on under the cold water tap with the soap!
Left about 1500h after doing a big watering, walked home Bella eventually fell asleep, arrived back at theirs saw Megan and Eve. Sat outside and had a coffee Graham phoned they were back in Edinburgh after a meeting so he came over and we left soon afterwards.
Into Waitrose to do a big shop we are now going up to The N/W tomorrow looking forward to that.
Smoked haddock quiche (left overs) chips and broad beans for dinner. Made bread, did some ironing, strted to pack and get the food ready.
Had a shower and washed my hair now to bed. Goodnight!

Busy Day!

The Wonder Dog was up at 0300h and 0630h so was I. Back to bed to doze then up with Graham, breakfast, wash, then out with Ruaridh, went to the park and Ravelston woods. Weather was warm and sunny and once again the woods looked lovely, met his wee chum Yoshi and they had a great play.
Walked along to Strachan Road as I usually do and saw this amazing tree/bush with the most beautiful yellow/orange flowers, have walked past here almost every day for weeks and haven't noticed it before!
Back home cleaned the bathroom and washed the kitchen floor, started the dinner as the family are coming tonight as I get Bella today. Had lunch sat outside with Ruaridh it was so warm. Then took Ruaridh for another walk to the park and round the block, before going to get the bus. Also made some phone calls about the knitting wool I need, maybe John Lewis have it.
Caught the bus to town, went to the knitting wool shop no joy there. Went for Bella she is such a joy, we walked over the meadows to get the bus home and watched the leaves falling off the trees and blowing in the wind, she ate her fruit salad. We walked from the bus to the house and she practiced her 'bunny hops', Ruaridh was waiting for us and his dinner, Bella gave it to him! She looked at the treasures again and in the drawers, watered the plants in the garden, then her mummy came, not long after Graham and Joe arrived, we had tea and coffee.
Roasted vegetables and pasta for dinner with salad and homemade bread. Bella did some drawing and looked through her grandpa's magnifying glass (which had been his dad's)she loved it.
Phoned mum as she had left a message to say she had a stumble and grazed her arm, any way she made it to the surgery and the nurse dealt with it, a special bandage. Advised her to take paracetamols and go to bed early. Will phone her in the morning. Bye.

Ice-cream!

Today was a Bank Holiday Monday, Graham was off work which was great so after a late start (we stayed in bed until 0945h) we had a leisurely breakfast, before getting ready to go to the shore with the Wonder Dog. It has been a lovely day sunny and warm, met lots of people at the shore not many we knew but lots of dog owners. Ruaridh had a great play with a grey Schnauzer all the way down the prom, then a good walk on the beach.
At Cramond the ice-cream van was there so we decided to have a cornet, we sat on a bench by the sea to eat it (well that is what one does on a Bank Holiday isn't it ?) Tasted good!
Back home then over to Homebase to buy a strimmer, we also bought a trowel and some lovely plants for the garden here in Edinburgh.
Had lunch when we got back to the house, did some work in the garden planting hostas, putting more little stones down and general tidy up.
Spoke to mum she is OK.
Spoke with Layla they are all fine
Graham made a lovely dinner asparagus risotto with lemon and a salad.
Going to do some ironing. Bye.

Late Breakfast

Awoke around 0730 this morning with the Wonder Dog wandering around, up to let him out then decided to feed him so that I could go back to bed and either read or crash out. Graham by now was awake so we had our early morning cuppa after which I read the paper and snuggled down for an extra fifteen minutes. Graham thought it would be good to take the Wonder Dog before breakfast this morning, OK but I had a banana and coffee before setting off!
Went up Corstorphine Hill the sun was shining and it was warm, lovely walk, strange to see the woods so green. Quite a few people out walking.
Home fry up for breakfast used the extra virgin olive oil tastes delicious.
Really just meandered about this pm. reading, blipping, spoke to Layla they are all fine.
Graham making asparagus soup for dinner followed by ? what.
Relaxing sort of day, hoping to finish the sleeve for Bella's coat then one more and sew up! Bye.

Friends!

Today we met up for lunch with Reiner and Lilly friends of over twenty-five years hailing from Hanover. Graham and moi last saw them eleven years ago, Layla more like twenty! I met them at the station and then we went to the restaurant we had booked. Layla and Bella arrived soon after and Reiner and Lilly were delighted to see them as was Layla. Bella as is her want with new people took her time, loved the Paddinton Bear book they bought her though.
Sadly lunch was a disaster we were chatting a while then we ordered, then I noticed people who had ordered after us were being served! Three times I asked the waitress where our food was just coming I was told. Meantime Graham arrived he thought we had eaten and finished and only ordered a coffee. this was well over an hour after ordering!
Then the ? manager came over and offered us drinks on the house our order had not been processed! we refused and said just bring on the food! Eventually it arrived only to find Layla's mussels were old and stale, we could only complain as by now our lunch was on the house! It looked a good venue we will not be going back!
Lovely to see our friends again hopefully we may get over to Hanover in the not too distant future.
Reiner and Lilly met the Wonder Dog and thought he was great.
Back home made bread and pizzas, had to throw my first pizza dough away must have been dreaming and put too much liquid in!
Watched Hitler: The Rise Of Evil on Channel 4 must remember and watch the conclusion next Saturday. Bye.

Cafe Andaluz!

Today with my blonde hair met Layla and Bella in the town. We did some shopping got Miss B a new fleece for the bike to keep her cosy, then went to have lunch at Cafe Andaluz on George St the tapas was delicious. The place was very busy but we got a table straight away, the company was great, the food delicious, staff excellent and for Bella the lavatories were superb in fact the sinks were so big she could have had a bath in one:)
We had Tortilla Espanola, Patatas Bravas, Ensalada Andaluz, Gambas Pil Pil, a huge bowl of olives and lots of crusty bread-delicious.
Was going to look for shoes but too full so another day.
Up early as Graham had to be at the studio for a meeting saw to Ruaridh, had breakfast, put some washing in then after a wash set off to the park and Ravelston woods it was so peaceful in the woods the sun shone and we met no-one. Walked around and bumped into the people with the Red Setter, the dog had gone over the cliff edge on Tuesday but luckily had landed on a ledge and had been rescued by the Fire Brigade no ill effects!
Into the car and down to Waitrose to do a shop before going to the town, Ruaridh loves sitting in the car on the open top car park. Messages away Layla phoned attempting to meet her at 1230h which I did .
Ruaridh delighted to see me on my return. Believe we are having a M&S dinner for two this evening watch this space! Dinner was lovely farmed salmon with a ginger sauce, new potatoes and broad beans, a huge trifle cals 1000 and we demolished the lot with a bottle of Chardonney. Bye.

Treasures

Layla and Bella cycled over to ours later on this morning after playgroup. Bella needed to pee so up the stairs we go, then she wanted to look at the baby over the way (he wasn't there), then jump on the bed. Wait though, what's that said she pointing to an old Indian box on the shelf, I lifted her up and what a time she had going through all the boxes and wee bags that contain jewelry and hidden treasure. Rings, bracelets, earrings kept us occupied for a good half an hour.
After that we went to the play park with Ruaridh. Bella had a great time playing on the swings and the slide Ruaridh had a wee play with a dog, he had already been in the woods earlier and had a good run around with wee Jock!
Back home for lunch, baked beans and chips, cheese on toast. Then whilst the wee one had a sleep Layla highlighted my hair very blonde-lovely.
Graham and Joe arrived from a meeting, Bella went home with her daddy in the car, Layla cycled.
Fish, rice and tomato sauce for dinner.
Did some ironing, Reiner phoned they are at Dalgety Bay hopefully see them for lunch on Saturday.
Did some knitting getting there, now to bed Goodnight.

Fun at the allotment.

Looks like Wednesdays are becoming allotment days, I really enjoy meeting up with Layla and Bella, not forgetting Ruaridh and spending time with them and working the allotment. Over to theirs quite early this morning, had a good laugh with the wee one as she attempted to bounce round the garden on her big ball. Took some homemade pancakes for her, then Layla made lunch and off we go--walking, had a good walk and the sun shone.
Bella and me watered the plants in the greenhouse, Layla found a wee mouse running around in the compost bin, by the time I got Bella there to see, it had gone. Ruaridh smelt something 'cause he was never away from the compost area, but don't know if he caught anything. We then had lunch which was delicious.
Bella and moi did some weeding, watered the petunias and washed our hands at the tap a few times.
Bella did no go to sleep so we decided to leave, as you guessed she fell asleep on the way home!
Sat with Layla and Bella (asleep) in their garden, had a lovely cup of coffee. Texted Graham who was at a meeting not knowing when he would finish, decided to come home for dinner good job as Graham phoned to say he would be home around 1900h.
Left Bella playing with Eve, who was reading to her.
Arrived home, made tomato sauce and pasta for dinner with salad, olives and homemade bread. Met Graham off the bus. Dinner was delicious. Bye.

Treasure Days

Spent some hours down at the shore today with Layla, Bella and Ruaridh. The sun shone and it was quite warm. Ruaridh and moi set off on the cycle path had a good walk to the shore, visited the lavvie at the cafe really strange inside lots of green and mirrors! Then met Layla and Bella and the wee fellow was delighted to see them. Bella walked from the cafe to Cramond, we walked on the beach and had a fun time collecting shells, feathers and some dead flowers in one of the dog's poop bags!
Also Ruaridh had fun playing with new doggy friends, and running into the water after stones.
Went to the cafe at Cramond after looking at the ducks, had lattes and Bella a hot chocolate sat outside in the sun. Then we watched a couple of swans flying up and down the River Almond what a noise their wings make.
Back to ours minestrone soup and toast for lunch, two bowls of ice-cream for Miss B. coffee for Layla and me. They left and I started to make pancakes then realised I had not enough S.R. flour!
Phoned mum she is OK friend round for lunch. Took the wee fellow to the park then to meet Graham, he loves to do this. Then I went to George's to get the flour.
Finished making pancakes, Graham making paella for dinner.
Going to watch the conclusion to 1066 on Channel 4 tonight. Bye.

Excellent Programme

Last night we watched the film 'Unloved' on Channel 4, about a child's lonely experiences of coming into the care system. You were never really told much about her family conditions, but the child actress Molly Windsor was brilliant in the role of the child. Well worth watching.
Up quite early with the Wonder Dog, fed him and let him out. Breakfast with Graham who then left for his bus, guess what no bus Edinburgh holiday-Saturday service!
Out to Ravelston woods met lots of people out with their dogs Ruaridh had a wee play with Jock.
Back home did the dishes, then went up to the bank, and over to the dreaded supermarket to get messages.
Had lunch, made pastry for the quiche and some scones.
Took Ruaridh to the park then to post a letter.
Made the smoked haddock quiche, roast potatoes and broad beans for dinner rather good!
Spoke to Layla they are fine.
Watched Dispatches about Banking very revealing. Also 1066 about the Vikings and Normans in England, very good. Both on Channel 4.
Going to have a cuppa then bed. Bye.

Blogging Again

Had a lovely visit with my mother over the past three days. Although the weather was not too good we managed to avoid the rain and got out and about. On Friday discovered this new cafe called The Garden Street they have lots of delicious cakes and a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate and cake of choice costs only £2.50p we had latte and scones yummy. Had a good rest and got on with my knitting.
Good journey back to Edinburgh yesterday Graham met me, then Ruaridh came out to meet me when I got home. Lovely dinner of asparagus risotto with a wee glass of wine!
Up with the Wonder Dog this morning then back to bed with a cuppa to read the paper. Up, boiled egg and toast for breakfast, then a shower and hair wash before taking the wee fellow to Corstorphine Hill. Lovely in the woods lots of sunlight, and everything is so green.
Back home light lunch, changed our bedding, made bread, read some of my book.
Graham making minestrone soup for dinner followed by ? what a surprise.
Spoke to mum, her church was chaotic this morning- change difficult to cope with at any age more so I guess when you are nearly ninety!
Going to have a read before dinner. Bye.
Edit:- Hoping to watch 'The Unloved' on Channel4 tonight at 2100h good reviews on Newsnight and the Guardian.

Petunia

Layla calls herself Lonely Little Petunia on the daily photo journal blipfoto that we all subscribe to. Today when I was in Homebase buying a watering can and some tomato plants I saw these lovely Petunias on sale so bought them for her. Spent a lovely afternoon at the allotment with Layla, Bella and Ruaridh we had a good laugh as well as working quite hard. Bella and moi planted her sunflower seeds, we transplanted plants, weeded some beds, fixed windows into the greenhouse, had our lunch and generally had a good time.
Ruaridh and moi went to Ravelston woods and park this morning, met Yoshi the brown working cocker spaniel and that was that, Ruaridh and he had a great play on the park, we all went into the woods eventually we had to leave Yoshi as time was going on and we were going to see Layla and Bella.
We left the allotment and phoned Graham to meet me at Layla's, had a play with Bella and a cup of tea when Graham arrived then home.
Fish, chips and peas for dinner lovely. Phoned mum looking forward to seeing her tomorrow, maybe no Blog for a few days as I will be in the Red Rose County. Still feel a wee bit mince but somewhat better not had to take as much analgesia today.
Going to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Warm East-West. Freezing West-East.

That was the weather today that the Wonder Dog and moi experienced on our walk down at the shore. Had a good walk down, it was lovely when we arrived there, always find it peaceful and relaxing walking on the beach here, never that many people mainly folk walking their dogs! Froze on the way home but warmed up with a cuppa once in the house.
Up early with Ruaridh who wanted out and fed. Had breakfast then made the dough for the bread before setting off with Ruaridh. On the way back from Cramond walking on the beach met a nice young Asian woman walking her own and her neighbour's dog, Ruaridh had a good play with them and we discussed the freezing wind!
Back home made bread and rolls then had lunch before doing some ironing.
Over to the retail park to get some messages and have a look for plants.
Back home again!-made sweet potato soup spoke to Layla she is fine. Graham was late home after a meeting. After the soup we had tinned salmon sandwiches and a cuppa.
Still feeling mince full of a cold, cough ugh! eating paracetamols, fluids++ now on smoothers!
Away to bed. Goodnight.

Tit for Tat

Politicians and bankers what a shower in this country, now the Speaker of the House is apparently trying to shelter his flock. Morals and ethics appear to have gone down the drain in the UK. But what the hell!
Ruaridh and moi went to Ravelston woods and met up with many dogs and of course their owners. Had a great walk with so many different people, Ruaridh appeared to enjoy himself but is sometimes a bit taken aback by a pack of dogs and today he was the smallest but he got stuck in!
Home and then over to get the wee fellow's food then down to Waitrose to do a weekly shop. Waitrose even though a supermarket always has quite a calming effect on me. Love the wide aisles and the fact that unless you wish to be bothered no-one bothers you.
Once home decided to clean the fridge out, a job I hate doing but got to be done-ticked.
Did some washing then had lunch outside with Ruaridh. Had a read the sun was really warm but a cool breeze.
Came in and fried the aubergines for the dinner tonight Aubergine Parmigiano what a lovely colour they looked as they cooked in the oil. Tasted good along with tagliatelle, salad and homemade bread.
Still full of a cold, phoned mum I think she registered a degree of concern about me going down with this cold, suddenly talking about that 'flu'. I told her I would be going down if I feel like I do now, she said she would get the TCP ready. On that note I will say, Bye.

Vogrie Country Park

Spent a super time at the park with Graham, Layla and Miss B not forgetting the Wonder Dog, poor Joe had to work. It started to rain just as we arrived and we even had one clap of thunder, however we had a lovely walk and found a lovely copse where we had our lunch supplied by Layla. Soon arrived at the playpark and Bella had a great time on the slides and seesaw helped by her grandpa! Ruaridh had a great walk, had to keep an eye on him as notices in the park stated that a couple of deer had apparently been killed by dogs!
Then the big adventure to the garden centre, why we went on Sunday afternoon who knows it was packed. Bella fell asleep in the car and was transferred to her pram when we arrived at the centre, she was oblivious to the crowds lucky her!
Fine at first then as we were going round finding tomato, cucumber hosta plants, Graham started to get fed-up. Nuff said.
Got the plants and saw plants that we would like for the back garden alongside the hostas.
As soon as we could we left, thank goodness.
Back to Layla's to pick up the car, then home via Waitrose where we picked up Indian food and beer. Graham made delicious rice and it was great not to bother cooking.
Still feeling mince full of a cold and cough, eating paracetamols! Goodnight.

New Computer

Yesterday I received my new computer and very cool it is too! So today started to use it and Graham showed me how to use Lightroom, will take a while to get used to same but hopefully I will.
Up early with the wee dog who has been a wee bit of a pest today lots of whining for no apparent reason, fed him early and let him out.
Weather dreich so a walk in Ravelston woods, back home played with my computer some more, sewed up more of Bella's duffle coat had a light lunch phew! Then decided to make some scones. Spoke to Layla she is fine, had a chat with Miss B on the webcam did lots of wiggly fingers! Spoke with mum I think I need to go down eight weeks since I was there.
Read some of the paper, up to the wine shop for a bottle of red to have with our dinner of pasta and tomato sauce with mushrooms, salad and bread. Lovely.
Watched Mark Lawson interview Ian Hislop on BBC 4--fell asleep.
Going to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

"Ladies of Leisure"

Two good programmes on Radio 4 today and a good play. The Reunion was an interview with three people who were taken hostage in Beirut in the late 1980's and the woman who campaigned for their release. Brian Keenan, John Mcarthy, Terry Waite and Jill Morrell spoke to Sue Macgregor. It was a very touching and poignant programme.
Then at 1130h Ladies of Leisure took us to a woman's only hotel in Saudi Arabia quite an eye opener. Interesting to hear that life there for women was less restrictive before the 1970's.
The play was a true story of a woman suffering from bi-polar illness who started to write a blog about it, over voiced at times by some of the comments she got. Very good.
Had a sore throat this morning, felt a bit mince so didn't go over to see Layla and Bella. Took paracetamols and after breakfast took Ruaridh a walk in the woods. Met Barney and Liz also a big boxer that Ruaridh for some reason appeared to dislike!
Got loads of knitting done, just to get the sleeves knitted then the duffle coat will be ready.
Spoke with Layla they are fine out for lunch with Rowena. Spoke with mum told her I would be down next week, booked my train tickets.
Graham going to be late home so took Ruaridh for another walk in the woods saw no-one.
Graham arrived home with my new computer it is cool. Paella for dinner made by Graham followed by M&Ms. Late blipping. To bed. Goodnight.

Garden

This afternoon put my iPhone into the BOSE sound dock and tuned into Gallagher and Lyle, then went into the garden to try and finish the back area, which is now almost done. Hopefully we may be able to get some plants on Sunday- watch this space!
Ruaridh and moi into Ravelston woods met up with Liz and Barney had a chat then met the singer Ecky and Jock but too windy to record him. Went over to the dreaded supermarket as I needed messages, lost my glasses case there so then popped into the opticians to buy a new one!
Made bread then as Graham was going to be late home made pizza dough and homemade coleslaw for dinner.
After one or two false starts Ruaridh and moi went to meet Graham off the little bus, first we went to the park and met up with Rosie and Cooper haven't seen them in an age. The wee dog as per usual going a bit crazy when he spied Graham.
Home finished making the pizzas tasted good for dinner with a bottle of red wine.
Early night. Goodnight.

Greenhouse clean!

This afternoon along with Layla, Bella and the Wonder Dog I hesded over to Layla's allotment. The weather changed from sunny to wind and rain but we worked on and got work done. Took compost with us for the beds in the greenhouse, but before we started work had a lovely lunch. Bella was a great help pulling out the weeds, and Ruaridh just sniffed but he didn't find anything. The greenhouse looked really good when we had finished hope to get cucumber and tomato plants this Sunday.
Took Ruaridh to Ravelston woods and the park he had a great play with Barney, then he met Jock the wee cairn. Ecky jock's owner bored me with a story about the docks then suddenly burst into song 'Let the Four Winds Blow' by Fats Domino, said this was a favorite with a group of dockers and they used to sing it sitting on the docks.
Got fish off Kev just back from his honeymoon in Miami.
As you can guess had fish and chips with peas for dinner tasted delicious.
Did my blips then to bed. Goodnight.

Warm, wet and windy.

Up with Graham as he was back to work today, had breakfast, then as Graham was leaving John H phoned to let us know what was happening with the cottage. He has done some work in the room and is hoping the velux windows arrive and the weather is good so that he can get that part of the work done! Phoned the bank our cheque is on the way!!
Had a wash then Ruaridh and moi set off for the shore, the weather was warm, wet and windy. Had a good walk and Ruaridh had a great time playing with various dogs and jumping for the stones I threw into the sea!
Back home did my blip then got another part of the dinner ready before having lunch.
Got ready to go and pick up Miss B, had to get some messages in town too.
Picked up Bella she had a good day, she stayed in her buggy until the university then walked as we had to go to the supermarket where she was a great help! Back in the buggy and down the town to meet her mummy.
Got the bus to ours Graham and Joe were home and Ruaridh had been fed.
Pasta al forno for dinner with salad and homemade bread. Bella entertained us as per usual a good night.
Phoned mum hopefully I can get down to visit her soon. Did the dishes now bed. Goodnight.

Strong Canadian Bread Flour

Graham got some messages the other week and bought some very strong Canadian bread flour it made delicious bread and bread rolls, so since then this is what we have been using! Up with Ruaridh at 0745h (what a regular little dog he is,) fed him and let him into the garden then we all trundled back to bed, actually I tell a fib-Graham never got up at this time, slept until 1015h great. Had breakfast, porridge with maple syrup, toast and coffee. Made the bread dough before taking the wee fellow out.
Up into Ravelston woods met a couple of Cocker spaniels but no real play, woods awash with bluebells. Back home made the bread and bread rolls, did my blip, sorted out some of my art things but have lost a wee tin, must try and find it. Had a cuppa. When the bread rolls were ready had one with another cuppa.
Graham made dinner fried rice with prawns and vegetables with brocolli in a lovely sauce.
Spoke to Layla they are all fine, did some knitting. Going to bed early. Goodnight.

Night Out!

Tonight Graham and moi are out on the town to see Bob Dylan have had the tickets for an age, really looking forward to gig!
Now writing it up on Monday. Great night, good seats and 'A Legend' he started the gig at 1940h and played almost non-stop for two hours. Times they are a changing though, when he appeared at first I didn't recognise him as he was on the keyboards, when I did thought the wee man looked great with a big hat and Mexican cowboy garb on!
He and the band did the business, though I was pleased I had listened to a Radio 4 programme that said he had changed his presentation of his works, and that his voice had become more like 'gravel'.
I thought this could be the last 'electric gig' and in future he may return to accoustic and possible smaller venues who knows. The way he presented last night brought out to me the poet in him! Great night Bob!
Ruaridh stayed with Joe, Layla and Bella and he had a great night.
Didn't go out for dinner as planned due to the times of the gig, too early-too late?
Home and to bed! Goodnight.

One Hour

Am going to attempt to spend at least an hour every other day drawing, months ago I said I was going to do this and it has not happened due to various reasons. If I had known I was going to be in the city for so long I would have made more of an effort to go back to Sara's art class. Should try to contact her and see if she is running any classes in the summer!? Anyway couldn't find any drawing pencils in the house so bought five for £1 at the now defunct local Art shop this morning.
Breakfast then a walk with Ruaridh in the park and Ravelston Woods, the bluebells are everywhere and with the sunlight playing on them the woods look lovely!
Back home started to clear the weeds from the back of the garden, hoping to get plants quite soon.
Light lunch, Graham is making courgettes in cream sauce with pasta for dinner lovely.
Hoping to listen to the Archive hour tonight Pete Seeger who is ninty this month, if I miss it! will catch it on playback. Bye.

Meal for two-£10!

Have you heard the news today oh boy-Marks and Spencer are doing their meal for two for £10. So this afternoon I hot footed to our local M&S and bought two fillets of wild Alaskan salmon, new potatoes, two fruit tarts and a bottle of Chardonnay for the sum of £10, we had this for dinner this evening it tasted delicious.
Had a shower and washed my hair before the Wonder Dog and moi set off for the shore. What a lovely walk we had today a mix of sun and rain but what the hell, down at the shore Ruaridh met Alfie a lovely long haired golden retriever what a play they had and I had a nice chat to Alfie's owner.
Back home did my blip then had lunch prior to going to M&S, Ruaridh collapsed on the bed. Also went to TKMax and bought two new knives as I had broken one on the Dutch cheese! Bought some wee brown cords for Miss B then to the dreaded supermarket for a couple of messages, bought a wooden chopping board too!
Home again finished the ironing spoke to mum she is fine. Then went to meet Graham off the bus.
Attempting an evening of relaxation:) Bye.