Canal

Bella and moi had a lovely time dawdling along the canal on the south side of the city, we were going to meet her mummy at work. Bella loved watching the swans and moorhens, also asking in a loud voice why the people were not wearing a helmet when cycling! The swans kept moving off so we followed them up and down a few times, think they wanted something to eat! Haven't been over this side of the city for an age so was surprised to see some lovely apartments built on the waterside with their own pontoons, also saw an old church for sale with a lovely round window.
Up and about fed Ruaridh and let him out into the garden, had breakfast with Graham then after he left got ready and took Ruaridh to Ravelston woods. Met Ziggy in the park and he had a good play, the haar was still down so a quick walk through the woods.
Back home dealt with some business matters then cleaned the lounge and the stairs and hall. Had a late lunch then took the Wonder Dog for a quick walk to the park, lucky for him Kelsey a wee BT bitch was there they had a great play.
Left to go and meet Miss B she had a big balloon as one of the bairns had a party. We met up with her mum at her work place, also met Donald good to see him again.
Home, Graham and Joe were there, a lovely chinese meal courtesy of Graham for dinner--delicious.
Bella had fun with the 'treasures' and sitting in the garden with Grandpa and Ruaridh eating pancakes and singing!
Going to have a cuppa then bed! Bye.

The tree!

We have a tree that overhangs our back garden but belongs to a neighbour, as branches tend to fall off and some neighbours have restricted light, this evening we are going to ask him re maintenance of the said tree!! Watch this space- nothing to report on our second visit as the people were once again not available! One of the neighbours is now going to write a letter and we will take it from there.
Up and breakfast with Graham then after he left did the dishes and set off in the haar with the Wonder Dog to the shore. The haar was very heavy at the beach with a strange light, the ocean was flat and no birds singing. However Ruaridh had a great time chasing anything and everything, I bumped into an old colleague and it was good to have a chat!
Back home over to the dreaded supermarket to get a few messages, then got stuck into the making the bread and pancakes, spoke to Layla poor thing her car was trashed last night--Bastards.
Lunch then finished yesterdays Blog, finished the bread and started on the pizzas which we were having for dinner.
Graham arrived home cup of tea, made the coleslaw then went round to the neighbours re the tree--no joy.
Made the pizzas which tasted delicious with the coleslaw.
Phoned mum she is fine hoping to get down at the end of the week!
Going to do the dishes. Bye.

Studio

Layla has decided to give up her studio meantime so today Graham not forgetting Ruaridh and moi made our way over to help out! The loom was dismantled and packed into Joe's car and all the bits and bobs made it into the boot of our car! Bella, Ruaridh and moi had a few walks around the grounds of the workspace andsaw some ducklings with mummyand daddy duck as Miss B put it1
Took the loom over to Layla's work were hopefully they will be able to make good use of it. What an amazing space Garvald has now, it is such a lovely building and so well appointed inside. Good to see it.
Piled into the cars and went to Asda for lunch Bella loves the fish and chips there! bumped into Ros and Maddy with Sally Ros's mum, second time in a week I have bumped into Ros!
Back to the studio to clean it and get the stuff ready for Joe to take to the house. Took Layla and Bella home then left for ours.
Did some ironing, soup and tinned salmon sandwiches for dinner.
Watched part of a 'faith' programme on Channel4 then a Swedish movie later couldn't be bothered to stay and watch it till the end, bed and book calling. Goodnight.

Glastonbury!

Wished for the first time ever that Graham, moi and Ruaridh had hired a campervan and gone to the Glastonbury Festival, we sat this evening watching Crosby, Stills and Nash live and sang along with them, then Neil Young my god what a performance. The big Canadian gave it all he had and more we were gobsmacked he was superb and he even brke into a smile. The rest of the evening we have been watching BBC4's programmes which have all featured woman photographers--brilliant.
Up with the Wonder Dog then back to bed to sleep on. Fry up for breakfast then a wash before taking Ruaridh for a walk in the park and Ravelston woods, it rained!
Quite a good walk, back home as Layla and Bella are popping over for an hour or two. They arrived about 1500h Graham took Bella to get her new hair clasps, she was happy, so happy she stripped off when she came back and run around in the skud. She then went through numerous boxes looking at the treasures in each one. The family were going to visit friends for dinner so the two girls left about 1700h.
Spoke to mum she appears to be OK, will try to get down and visit her soon.
We had pasta and tomato sauce, salad and homemade bread for dinner.
Then we sat down to watch TV. Bye.

Mementoes

Cleaned out one of the bookshelves today amazing what one finds hidden in some books. I found lovely postcards in my guide to Florence, a post card from a very old friend long dead, the entrance ticket to a swimming pool in Ericeria, Portugal, and a card from an old chum in Canada who I have not heard from for an age. Good to see these things!
Up with Graham had breakfast then after a wash took Ruaridh to the park and Ravelston woods, he had a great play and walk with Barney, I had a nice chat with Liz.
Back home made the bread dough then started the above job. Had a late lunch gave Patricia her wine a a wee pressie for getting her degree! saw her garden now it is cleared looks great.
Just waiting for the loves to bake, rolls already baked.
Don't know what we are having for dinner, a toss up between veggie paella or pasta and tomato sauce, we will see.
Spoke to Layla, her and Bella are OK going out to lunch maybe see them tomorrow.
Going to do some knitting. Bye.

Cycle Path!

Ruaridh and moi had a lovely walk over to see Layla and Bella today. The sun shone we walked over to Inverleith Park where all the big pink tents of last week were being packed up and taken away. Ruaridh was delighted as there was much more grass to run and jump on, we also met a lovely Border Terrier called Ruby a lovely wee thing but as is the wee fellow's want he did not play with her! A short walk on the road then we were on to the cycle path. Truly an amazing place at this time of the year, lots of wild roses, trees so green and the birds chirping away, really enjoyed it today Arrived to see Layla and Miss B walking down their street Bella came to meet Ruaridh and moi, lovely to see her. We played in the garden a while then whilst Bella had her pasta soup and minimilk we had a coffee. Then into the car and off to the allotment.
Lovely time sent there Bella helped me to transplant the leeks, then helped her mummy plant peas and beetroot. We then noticed a bird in the sink full of water Layla managed to get it out I think it was OK, Bella a wee bit concerned that it had lost its mummy and daddy, reassured her the wee bird was back with them!
On to Asda where we had lunch Bella really enjoyed her fish and chips and we had chips, before doing some shopping! Back to Layla's did some drawing with Bella then Graham came and we left.
Called into Waitrose to get the rest of the messages then home to find Patricia's gardeners had dumped their bark in the courtyard bah!
Leek quiche, new potatoes an broad beans for dinner.
Just done the dishes going to do some knitting. Bye.

Haar

Walked to work this morning in the haar, it was quite thick in places but did clear eventually around midday. Just done the one day, it was good as always to catch up with the staff and patients and although it was a long day it flew by!
Sad news as one of my colleagues informed me that a former colleague's son had died in Australia. I was fond of Bo and we had good times together. She is in my thoughts at this sad time for her and hubby.
Spoke to Layla a couple of times Bella and her are OK and enjoyed the sunshine this afternoon.
Spoke to Graham who decided to work from home today, Graham and Ruaridh came to meet me and we walked home together.
Fish chips and peas for dinner lovely.
Tired now, just had a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Scorcher.

Awoke to brilliant sunshine this morning and the whole day has been a scorcher! Up with Graham, breakfast, then a wash before taking Ruaridh to the woods and park. Wow quite a gathering of dogs and owners when we arrived, Ruaridh had a play with Jock and Barney then we set off for our walk. Had a lovely walk met an elderly couple with a friends labrador had a good chat with them, then on our way.
Back home got stuck into the gardening, strimmed the grass and tidied up the garden, then started to get the dinner ready for tonight as the family are coming.Spoke to mum she appears fine.
Had a shower and washed my hair then lunch before taking Ruaridh for a walk to the park before I left to pick up Miss B.
We had a wee picnic at the Meadows sitting amongst the university students, Bella was in her element and doesn't miss a trick. Got the bus and Aunty Ros got on at the West End good to see her, haven't seen her in an age. We are all going to a wedding at the end of July so that will be fun.
Home, grandpa and daddy were there and of course Ruaridh, Bella got her new tap shoes and immediately put them on and gave us a wee dance!
I made dinner veggie risotto, salad, olives and homemade bread. Quite good.
Bella loved it outside in the garden with grandpa and Ruaridh, family left about 2030h. Did the dishes. Must go to bed as I am working tomorrow. Goodnight

Feathers and Fluff

On the way to the shore today saw quite a lot of pink feathers and fluff, left overs from The Moonwalk in the early hours of Sunday morning, they must have come off the bras of the women/men doing the walk.
It was very humid today and when we got to the shore a heavy drizzle started, not the best weather for a good walk. We trudged on, went to the sea to throw stones for The Wonder Dog which he enjoyed! Ruaridh as is his want found and started to eat a salty sole, had to tell him off as a couple of weeks ago he ate part of one and then proceeded to barf it up! Walked on to Cramond and then back.
Lunch then waited for Fergus the tree surgeon to come to give us an estimate re a tree in a neighbour's garden. He came and the price was favourable.
Spoke to mum she is fine apart from malfunctioning hearing aids, however she is away to the choir this pm.
Cleaned the bathroom, hoovered then went to meet Graham from the bus.
Made dinner pasta and cheese sauce with salad lovely.
Spoke with Layla, Bella and her are feeling much better.
Got to iron a couple of T-shirts then bed. Goodnight.

Fathers Day

Turned into quite a hazy, lazy day. As usual Ruaridh's clock has perfect timing and sure enough this morning he was wanting up at 0730h to be fed and let out into the garden. Shook myself awake and got downstairs to do the business. Went straight back to bed and to sleep, think the Wonder Dog came up not to sure. Awoke about 1000h and made the early morning cuppa! Then Layla texted Graham a photo of Miss B to wish him Happy Father's Day from her and Bella!
Up and about had breakfast, then after a wash got ready and took the wee fellow up Corstorphine Hill the weather was warm and sunny great as it is Midsummers Day! Had a super walk through the woods though Ruaridh didn't meet any dogs to play with. Saw the remains of one or two bonfires that had been lit last night for the Summer Solstice!
Back home had lunch, then lazed around doing nothing, well I lie I did my blip and spoke with Layla, Bella is better from her fever.
Graham made lovely minestrone soup for dinner followed by some delicious sardines (Hyacinthe Parmentier) in extra virgin olive oil on toast with the inevitable cuppa.
Watching James May's Moon Landing on BBC2 very interesting. Bye.

Meeting.

As The wee one and Layla were not feeling 100% today Graham and moi along with Ruaridh went along to the allotment. Graham to do the greenhouse and moi to do a bit of tidying, we arrived in brilliant sunshine and had one rain shower. It was fun to do and Layla's allotment is looking good. Met a woman there who also has an allotment, she is an artist and was interested in blipfoto and maybe doing the Moonwalk next year! Always amazes me that you can immediatly have a rapport with some people and with others it just would not happen! Nice to meet you!
We then popped in to see the family with strawberries for Bella, who when we left was feeling a little perkier taking Ruaridh for a walk on his lead from room to room!
Had a great sleep last night, awoken by the Wonder Dog who needed out and fed, back to bed slept on woken by Graham with a cup of tea drank that, asleep again until 1000h fandabby!
Up and about fry up for breakfast tasted yummy.
Wash then away to the allotment.
Made bread had a late lunch, just sipping a G&T, dinner later fried rice with vegetables!
Hoping to catch the walkers on the Moonwalk later this evening as they are scheduled to walk past the bottom of our street. Good luck to all!
That's it for today. Bye.

The Moonwalk Edinburgh.

Set off for a visit to Layla and Bella today with the Wonder Dog, walking. It takes about an hour to walk from our house to theirs, it is a good walk and Ruaridh gets space to be off the lead at Inverleith Park and on the cycle track. Today however he was somewhat curtailed at the park as huge Pink tents were in situ for the annual Moonwalk that takes place tomorrow through the night. It is done in aid of breast cancer and many people participate, would like to do this next year with Layla. Training ++ good luck to all the participants.
Had a great sleep up and about with the Wonder Dog fed him and let him out, then back under the duvet for a while. When I got up had a shower and washed my hair. Graham still has a sore stomach and feels nauseated so he stayed in bed until later. Had my breakfast then got organized and set off, great walk met a woman called Sarah who had a Border terrier called Hector nice chat with her, mainly about yes you guessed Borders!
Arrived at at Layla's she was still feeling queazy but a little better, Bella was fine we played for a wee while making pretend pancakes and potatoes, which Bella then gave us for lunch! we then had our proper lunch. Later went down to the co-op to get some messages also got some foot care stuff from Boots. Back at the house and Bella had some stories read to her then she fell asleep. Layla woke her about an hour later, then Graham came stayed for a wee while, Bella walked Ruaridh down to the car.
Went to Waitrose to get the messages then home. Pasta with courgettes in cream sauce for dinner courtesy of Graham. Lovely.
Going to do the dishes then hopefully to bed quite early! Bye.

Wind, sun, rain!

Early morning call from Layla to say the lurgy had caught up with her and she had been vomiting for most of the night, as Joe had to be in work to get ready for a meeting could I go over and see to Bella. Graham said he would come over with moi, then go to the studio so a quick wash and a cuppa, fed Ruaridh, grabbed some bread and pancakes then the three of us jumped into the car and away we go!
Arrived at the house poor Layla had been up most of the night and was now sore and aching, Joe was away, Miss B was stood at the top of the stairs in her PJ's. Graham left for the studio, made sure that Layla was OK then Bella and moi had our breakfast, pancakes and peanut butter for her, pancakes and cherry jam for me. Then she chose the clothes she wanted to wear and we got ready to go to her playgroup at the local church.
Great experience lovely people who run it, Layla's chum Corrina arrived with her wee girl Sadie, but strangely enough the children play with the toys but rarely with one another. Had a cup of coffee women were asking about Layla, then it was juice and biscuit time that went down well. Two women came from the local library they were amazing trying to get the children interested in books. One was shadowing the other, Helen read them a story then they got musical instruments and it was singing time, great songs think the grown-ups enjoyed singing them more than the bairns.
Time to leave, over to get paracetamol for Layla, Bella is good at walking now, walks for ages. Back at the house Layla was OK still feeling sick! Bella had another pancake and juice, I had a drink then we set off with Ruaridh to the shore.
Oh my gosh how the wind blew, the waves were crashing onto the rocks, when the sun shone it was very warm when the rain came down it was icy! Walked along and the heavens opened, Bella back in her pram to keep cosy and warm Ruaridh and moi got wet! lovely walk Ruaridh had a great time with new smells.
Made our way back home Bella was in good form, finished her pancake had some juice, granny had her toast and coffee then we read some stories. She played with her dolly and got into her dressing up box she looked like a wee lamb at one point see blipfoto.com/BB.
Soon Joe arrived home he took Bella downstairs and then they called me, lo and behold Bella gave me the most beautiful bunch of flowers, I was so chuffed, thanks guys, a lovely thought. Though being with Bella is thanks enough, I so enjoy her company!
Home, Graham not feeling too well so he only had tea and toast for dinner I finished the remainder of the pizza with some chips lovely.
Tired now so going to do the dishes have a cuppa then bed.Bye.

Wills

Today was a day for visiting the lawyer to change our Wills mine was made about eight years ago with Layla, Graham made his about twenty-five years ago so we wanted to bring them up to date. Our two previous lawyers closed their businesses down so hopefully we will be lucky with the new one, he seems very nice. Miss B came with us and wanted to know everything that was going on! later we went to a toy shop and she got a tiny windmill and some more bubbles. Then her Grandpa bought her a little dog that looks like Ruaridh.
Up with Graham this morning, breakfast, wash then out with the Wonder Dog to the park and Ravelston woods. Met Liz and Barney on the park had a chat whilst Ruaridh had a great time playing with Barney. Good walk in the woods, down on the park who should Ruaridh meet but Jock, had a chat to Ecky then walked on in the rain!
Back home sorted some business matters, made pancakes had lunch then got ready to go.
Caught my bus met up with Graham, Layla and Bella and went to the lawyers.
Came home on the bus caught the no.13 great little bus!
Spoke to mum this morning she appears to be much better.
Graham came home I did some ironing, dinner veggie and prawn paella made by Graham, lovely.
Just going to have a cuppa then to bed. Goodnight.

Walking the Dog

Regardless of tendonitis in my L) foot I decided to take the Wonder Dog down to the shore, I'm so happy I decided to do this as we had a lovely walk. We set off in brilliant sunshine and met a nice young woman and her cocker spaniel Alfie, she was good to chat with but Ruaridh did not play with the dog. Down at the shore it was lovely, the tide was in but Ruaridh managed to get down onto the beach and have a good run, there was a light wind, the colours were amazing.
On the way down to the shore saw lots of wild flowers, also saw balls of brown sheep wool that had felted itself on the barbed wire. Walked along the beach, took some photos of the beach grasses they looked lovely in the sunlight. On the way back met a young woman and her baby son who had a wee Border terrier puppy Ruaridh played a little but as he was much bigger I eventually took him away.
On the way home we felt the first spots of rain, but got home before the big showers.
Had lunch, made pancakes and started to make the dinner. Got a call from work seeing if I could do a couple of shifts, I can do one.
Up this morning breakfast with Graham, when he left I had a shower and washed my hair felt good!
Think we are having leek quiche, chips an peas for dinner that is on the agenda ill see if Graham wants it.
Mum phoned early this morning she appears to be sorting her problems out? Spoke to Layla she is fine and Bella is better.
Going to start the other sleeve of the duffel coat.
Going to see a neighbour with Patricia and Angie re a big tree in his garden tonight Bye.

Cleaning Windows

Today decided that as I could hardly see through the windows it was time to clean them, got to the last one and the heavens opened it was almost monsoon rain and bounced off my lovely clean windows, ah well!
Up with Graham this morning as he was going to the studio, had breakfast then when Graham left had a wash before taking the Wonder Dog to the park and Ravelston woods. Met up with Sheila a dog walker and she had a new dog with her, she told me that she volunteered for the Cinnamon Trust that cares for the pets of elderly and terminally ill people. She takes this wee dog out once a week as the owner cannot do this now, other people do it the rest of the week. Amazing!
Spoke with Layla she was at home with Miss B as Joe was still poorly. Back home dealt with some business matters, spoke to mum who appears to be on a bit of a roll again re noises in the night ? what.
Hoovered then took Ruaridh for another walk he didn't appear too keen but encouraged him!!
Graham arrived home we had a cuppa. Made scones, for dinner we had pasta with tomato sauce, salad and homemade bread. This is meat free Monday, Graham got he message on Twitter from Yoko, Paul McCartney and family supporting this too!
Going to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Surprise for Dinner.

About 1700h as the rain lashed down I thought I heard someone at the door sure enough a lovely surprise Layla and Miss B. Layla had phoned earlier and said now poor Joe was vomiting and she had to cancel the dinner party that she had organized for this evening. She had prepared the food and what to do with it now, she said she might bring some over I said that would be lovely but only if she felt up to it.
Bella was in good form and hadn't been sick today she made a beeline for the 'treasures' in our bedroom and investigated them! She had a pancake and appeared to enjoy it, at first when she arrived I thought a ladybird had flown in as her face was painted like one! We had coffee then they left and Graham and moi enjoyed the food that Layla had brought over, tasted delicious.
Took Ruaridh to the park and Ravelston woods as my L) foot is still not 100% and gets quite sore. he had a great time met a lab. puppy and played for ages, then another dog on the park.
Lunch when we returned home, then I did some ironing, then cooked the pancakes which tasted delicious.
Suddenly very tired, going to have a cuppa then bed to read. Goodnight.

The Dump!

This morning Layla telephoned, Bella was feeling much better and Layla wanted to get some of the garbage out of her studio and to the dump or as we say now the recycling point! Had our breakfast and I had a wash then with the Wonder Dog in the car we left to meet Layla and Bella. Got the garbage in the car then saw that Graciela and Graeme were at her workshop, went over to see them, lovely to have a chat hopefully we can have them over for dinner soon.
On to the dump, dumped the stuff then on to B&Q to see if they had any hostas no joy. We left for home as did Layla and Bella, they are all going to Donald's birthday party tonight, which I am sure will be lots of fun!.
We took Ruaridh to the park and Ravelston woods had a lovely walk missing the rain and the Wonder Dog had a great time playing with a labradoodle called Dylan. Had lunch then read some of the paper before for some reason having a sleep! wakening up made bread and batter for pancakes, then we decided to have pizzas for dinner so started to get them ready. G&T then dinner.
Watched a programme on BBC2 about Manet very interesting.
Going to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Sun

Over to stay with Miss B this morning as Layla had an appointment and Joe was at work! poor wee sausage just before Ruaridh and moi arrived she barfed up her apple juice. Joe said she had slept all night but felt 'wobbly' this morning then after her drink she was sick. However she then had some toast and kept that down, Layla was home earlier than expected so Bella got dressed and donning her wee sparkling shoes we went to play in the sandpit.
We then went over to the allotment Ruaridh loved it, he is attempting to find some live thing under the shed no success yet! lots of scuffling though. Bella just not herself but she did wash her hands. We watered the plants in the greenhouse it was very hot in there, then gave all the raised beds a good watering. Layla planted her corn.
We then left and before long Bella was fast asleep, arrived back at their house Layla carried her in and she slept on the sofa. We sat in the garden and had our lunch Layla's lovely rye bread and cheese with apple juice. Nice to do this and have a chat!
Bella awoke after a couple of hours, still a bit out of sorts, then Grandpa arrived and slowly she began to be more her wee self. We left to come home, pasta with cheese sauce and a salad for dinner.
Spoke to mum she is better today but wondering how Bella was, tried to put her mind at rest, especially with the wee video Joe has sent her.
Just going to hav a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Poorly

Getting ready this morning to go and take Miss B to playgroup when the telephone went it was Layla to say no rush as Bella had been vomiting during the night and was poorly. Layla was due at an appointment with a member but had to cancel it, however she still wanted me to go over. Poor wee Bella she was laid on the sofa with her mummy, watching Miffy but appeared to be quite bright. We read numerous stories, before going out to take Ruaridh a walk.
Had a lovely walk in the sun Bella wrapped up cozily fell asleep in her pram, we walked along the cycle path then had to turn back as we felt rain!
Layla made some lovely rye bread whilst the wee one slept, then we had lunch, when Bella awoke we played a little and read more stories. Unfortunately she was sick again later in the afternoon and had to have a bath.
Graham arrived about 1800h and both Bella and Ruaridh were pleased to see him, then Joe arrived so we left.
Went to Waitrose to get the messages, then home to have vegetable risotto and broccoli salad made by Graham. Lovely!
Phoned mum she had been feeling the cold no wonder no central heating on, asked her to get it on.
Going to bed now after a cuppa. Goodnight.

Tendonitis

Woke up this morning feeling great, breakfast with Graham then a nice shower and hairwash. Spoke to Layla before taking Ruaridh to the park and Ravelston woods. Got ready and set off just onto the main road when wham a burning pain shot through my L) foot when I placed it on the ground I could barely weight bear. Damn thought moi that is all I need, decided to keep walking sometimes this appeared to help the pain sometimes it didn't, got to the woods and met all the dog walkers on their way home poor Ruaridh.
However further on met Suzanne with her Border terrier Poppy had a chat about her holiday, but no play between the two Borders in fact further on they had a go at one another!
Ruaridh chased a squuirrel up a tree took a great photo of him attempting to climb the tree for blip with the iphone blip app. however I didn't save it properly, Bah! Ruaridh had a great play with his wee chum Dylan.
Went to get fish off Kevin, had a chat with the women there. then managed in pain to walk home.
Phoned the Dr got an appointment for this afternoon. Decided to clean our bedroom did half then Ruaridh and moi had our lunch, then finished the bedroom, up to the Dr's. Nice Dr she thought I had tendonitis due to long walks with a dog! in flat old shoes she could be right. Anyway now got my tubi-grip on and swallowing my anti-inflammatory drugs here's hoping.
Fish, chips and peas for dinner lovely.
Made bread, done my blip and caught up with my Blog, spoke with mum she appears fine, busy with lots of birthday cards!
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Gruffalo ?

Spoke on the phone with Layla early pm said that her dad was in Waterstones oh she said if he is still there could you ask him to get a cd for Bella called The Gruffalo and friends. Thought I hadn't heard her correctly--I had, however Graham had left the bookstore so on my way up town I popped into Waterstones and bought her the cd. The Gruffalo looks somewhat similar to a buffalo so there we have it!
Up to Ravelston woods Ruaridh didn't meet another dog to play with, however we had a lovely walk it was very peaceful with the sun breaking through the trees and causing the shadows to dance. Children from the local primary school were in the woods doing a project of some kind they were listening intently to their teacher on what they had to do.
Back home made part of the dinner as the family come this evening, did some cleaning, had lunch phoned mum who is complaining of the cold weather, then took Ruaridh out again as I pick the wee one up today. Another walk in the woods this time a good play with Bobbie a collie dog on the park, then I left to get Bella. Had a lovely walk over the meadows Bella chased me and did her bunny jumps. On the path going up to the main road a couple of guys were 'busking' one playing a drum the other a guitar Bella was fascinated with the drum and tapped her foot, I took a photo of them, to view blipfoto.com/BB.
Arrived home safe and reasonably sound fed the dog then we set off for the park to wait for grandpa and mummy. Ruaridh sat at the bench and Bella had a lovely time on the swings if not the slide. Soon Graham and Layla arrived, left for home tea and coffee then I got the dinner ready whilst Grandpa and Bella played with the treasure box. Joe arrived and we had dinner. Pasta, roast veg, salad and homemade bread lovely. Then we had some circus tricks before the family left to go home around 2100h.
Washed up, did my blip then bed after a cuppa. Bye.

Golf Balls!

Although we had a long journey yesterday, as the sun was shining Ruaridh and moi set off for the shore and he appeared to be happy to do so, sometimes he can stop walking on the cycle path and that can be a drag! He met a chocolate coloured labrador called Rollo and had a great time playing with him.
Then when we got to the shore the tide was out so we could walk on the beach to the sea. When we got there what did the Wonder dog find not one but two new golf balls. He had a great time getting them from the sea when I threw them in only thing was he tended to leave one and moi had to paddle in to get it. Walked on the beach to Cramond went for a pee then Ruaridh and me shared an ice cream with raspberry sauce before setting off back home.
Good walk back then we had lunch in the garden, spoke to my neighbour Patricia she graduates later this month and got a 2/1 for her degree, well done! Dried some washing, then made some bread.
Spoke to mum this morning she appears to be OK was away to her choir with Irene.
Sweet Potato soup followed by tinned salmon sandwiches for dinner with the big cuppa of course.
Politics is becoming nitpicking and boring, sort the economy and expenses, health and education i.e. attend to the social and economic well being of the citizens and you're on a winner! Bye.

On the road

Left the Glen for Edinburgh at about 1600h today and arrived in the big city around 2030h. Weather sunny but still a cold wind in the Glen, Graham mowed quite a lot of the grass again but we decided to leave the strimming. I did some tidying and hoovered after having a leisurely bath and hair wash that felt good.
Up about 0730h with Ruaridh who wanted out into the garden and to have his breakfast, he then decided to lay outside in the morning sun. I went back to bed but hate to leave him outside as he sometimes disappears on an adventure and then we have to shout and whistle and in his own time he comes trotting back. So I went down to make sure he was OK and there he was dozing in front of a warm stove! So back under the duvet for me!
Had breakfast about 1030h then did what I had to do re the cleaning! Soup and toast for lunch.
Good journey down though slow at times due Graham states to folks going out for a run:) Hit some rain on the way down, but sunny in the city.
Spoke to Layla they appear to have had a nice time though poor Joe has a tooth abscess. Looking forward to seeing Miss B this week. Spoke to mum apart from feeling the cold and the church service being to long again she is OK.
Pizza and chips or dinner. Listening to the crap about the European elections the turnout is so low who voted! I did. Goodnight.

Champers!

I made pizza and coleslaw for dinner this evening, followed by plum tart and custard, to be rather decadent we opened a bottle of champagne and it tasted delicious. Now I'm ready for a sleep which I have just woken up from to find Graham is away to bed, and Ruaridh snoring on the sofa!Just making a late night cuppa then I'm away to bed too.
Another mainly sunny day but colder, with a few drops of rain. Had a lie in this morning followed by a fry up for breakfast tasted rather good. Then a quick wash and off to the beach with the Wonder Dog. Great walk Ruaridh performed his tricks jumping for stones and eyed up a mother duck and her ducklings but didn't go in after them this time! The sea pinks look amazing a whole field/area covered in them they look lovely blowing in the wind. Amazing seaweed on the shore.
Back home had lunch, finished the greenhouse found Ruaridh who had disappeared on an adventure! Made the plum tart, got all the ingredients ready for pizzas, did some ironing and on and on!
Pizzas tasted good as did the plum tart with custard and the champagne was just the drink to have!
Going to bed now with my cuppa. Goodnight.
Return to the city tomorrow ah well!

Greenhouse Clearance!

As we left in somewhat of a hurry at the beginning of last October we kind of left the greenhouse, hoping to be able to 'do it out' when we came back up, or for a visit, well as you can guess it never got done. Last time we were here the greenhouse was storing all the timber for the second room of gloom renovation so we couldn't get in. When we came up this time the greenhouse looked like a jungle was growing there , this afternoon it was cleared by moi, Ruaridh came in to have a sniff and tomorrow I will cover the soil with black material and leave it until we come back here to live.
John H came up this afternoon and finished the second bedroom it looks really lovely especially with the velux windows in.
Back from the beach where we just about managed to miss the rain, we had lunch. Weather very strange today sunshine and rain separate and together, giving us amazing colours in the Glen deep greens and yellows.
Left over quiche, great roast potatoes and peas for dinner lovely.
Spoke to mum she is fine and sounds good.
Brown will stay on as Prime Minister, can't say I particularly like the man especially after Iraq but to change leaders now would be stupid. I also believe members of the cabinet have behaved in an unprofessional manner to appease their own egos or there is more to come out about expenses! He appears to have a threefold plan regarding the economy, the fallout about expenses, health and education and the home office. lets see what happens! Bye.

Sur la plage!

Today we had to go and replenish some food items so we went over to the Co-op at Broadford on the Isle of Skye to do this. After we got the messages we went down to the beach at Lower Breakish, this is one of my favorite beaches and although we have visited Skye for many years only discovered this place 2/3 years ago. The sun was shining but the wind blowing from the North was icy. As Graham was taking photographs Ruaridh and moi ran/jumped down to the sea which was freezing by the way. On the way back the Wonder Dog took off and leapt onto some rocks I thought he might jump into the sea but no what he had seen had vanished. We then found a sheltered spot and laid down on the sand for a wee while it was so lovely, calm and peaceful.
Drove home famished, scrambled eggs on toast with a big cuppa lovely.
Spoke to Layla and Bella this morning they are fine, looking forward to their weekend away.
Back home after lunch, cleared some of the slates from the garden into the garbage, sawed a few logs then made dinner. We had fennel with white sauce and parmigiano, pasta and salad delicious.
Done the dishes now to bed. Goodnight.

Service

I have been knitting Miss B a duffel coat for quite a while now and knew the other day I would not have enough wool to finish it. This is due to two things there was a mistake in the pattern and my tension appears to be bigger than what it should be! Tried to find the wool and eventually had to phone Designer Yarns in Yorkshire they were very helpful. Although they could not find me the dye lot that we had bought today I received two 50g balls of wool that is as near as dammit a match!
Not only did they do this so quickly they wouldn't let me pay for the wool or the packing/postage-that is what I call Service. Hopefully Bella will have her coat before she is too big for it!
Another gorgeous day but with a cool breeze, especially at the shore it was quite windy. I however had a lazy day, John came to finish some work outside, Graham was busy with a project. Did some knitting, then took the wee dog for a walk around the field.
Another alfresco lunch today, spoke to Layla they are all fine, going to Dudley tomorrow to visit Daisy and Lola and their mum and dad. Spoke to mum she is OK appears to be very cheery.
Down to the beach, very windy and quite chilly, Ruaridh loves it here and enjoyed jumping into the sea after stones.
Paella for dinner lovely. Watching Kate Adie on a return to Beijing twenty years after the Tiananmen Square Massacre, what can one say! well executed. Bye.

No swim

After our long paddle in the sea yesterday and finding it not too cold, I thought I might be brave enough to have a swim with the Wonder Dog today! No joy although it was lovely weather at the house, down at the beach was much more windy and cooler, even Ruaridh did not venture in like yesterday. We had a lovely walk and ruaridh did venture in after stones.
John H arrived and now we have two velux windows in the second bedroom to be renovated, the light is truly amazing so happy we decided to have them put in. Hopefully we will use it as a studio/bedroom, great to work in there.
Up quite early as for the first time this holiday Ruaridh was up with us in the early hours, though I never heard him Graham did and up he came. Fed him and let him out back to bed, then realised I had forgotten to take bread out of the freezer so up again and made the early cuppa! Washed and breakfast before John arrived, then mowed the lawn at the front. Another alfresco lunch on the deck tasted delicious, cheese and a big salad, with homemade bread, mugs of tea.
After the beach came home and made bread-loaves and rolls, also scones.
Asparagus soup for dinner followed by ? what, smells good anyway.
Hopefully the knitting wool will arrive tomorrow then I can discuss with Layla what she wants me to do.
Just waiting for the soup a lazy evening I think. Bye.

Paddling!

Sorry no Blog for yesterday don't know what happened though I swear I started it and saved it, but who knows as we didn't get to bed until sunrise on Sunday morning. Our visitors arrived what lovely people. First it was a cup of tea then we got onto the G&T's and the Dalwhinnie!! The bairns and their mum and dad were great and we look forward to seeing them again! Sunday morning we had breakfast and more chat before they had to leave to drive back to London! Just heard they arrived back at 0300h this morning
John arrived at 1000h this morning to start putting the velux windows into the second room of doom, he finished at 1930h and the room is beginning to look fantastic. He is coming tomorrow to do the second one! Spoke to mum she is fine away to have lunch then her choir.
I spent most of the morning attacking more of the jungle garden, Graham started to power wash the deck and the Wonder Dog charged round the field! It was very hot today. Had an alfresco lunch on the deck it tasted delicious really enjoyed it.
Went down to the village shop today for tonic water and I treat myself to a bottle of coca cola! Then on to the beach what a lovely hour we spent there Ruaridh was in his element swimming for sticks and running in after stones. Graham and moi paddled and the water was quite warm, who knows maybe a swim tomorrow??!!
Just waiting for the pasta which we are having with tomato sauce and mushrooms, just had our homegrown corn on the cob. Dinner was delicious. Layla telephoned they are all fine. Going to do the dishes then bed. Goodnight.