Bank Holiday

Graham had a day off today so it was really good to have a lie in after of course getting up to see to Ruaridh. Went back to sleep and woke up when Graham arrived with the morning cuppa.
Had breakfast and then a wash before jumping into the car to go and get some messages and take the Wonder Dog for a walk.
First to get Ruaridh his dog food and a new bone, then to the shore and beach where the wee fellow had a great time running into the sea after stones, he also had a long(ish) swim when he followed a golden labrador into the sea. Well done Ruaridh!
Had a good walk then back to the car and to Waitrose to get messages.
Home and lunch, then I listened to Claire Short on Radio 4's Archive on 4 Meeting Myself Coming Back! Excellent!
Then I cleaned the bathroom and the stairs and hallway. Made the dough for the bread and pizzas,
when ready made the pizzas which we had for dinner with coleslaw lovely. Spoke to Layla she is fine going out with her chums tonight, Bella at the zoo today with her daddy. Made the bread. Popped over to see Patricia on a business matter had a chat then home.
Just waiting for the bread to finish baking then bed. Goodnight.

? Holiday Day

Today was a holiday day or do very little day, got up with Ruaridh at 0815h fed him and let him out then made the early morning cuppa and went back to bed and dozed. Got up and made a fry up for breakfast, tried out the new veggie sausage fried which tasted very good.
After a wash took the wee fellow to the park and Ravelston woods had a good walk saw some fungus that could have been puffballs however as we were not sure left well alone.
Spoke to mum she appears to be in good spirits had been to church and enjoyed the service. Also spoke to Layla, Bella is much better and got her new kickers!
Dithered about doing my blip and trying to catch up with some comments. No lunch eating bits and bobs throughout the afternoon-mistake!
Helped Graham make dinner cauliflower cheese, roast potatoes and peas tasted good.
Quite tired to bed. Goodnight.

Not In!

Up with the Wonder Dog at 0730h fed him and let him out then once again crashed back into bed. Slept in until 0935h Graham got up and made the early morning cuppa. In touch with Layla, Bella appears to be somewhat better poor wee sausage, but Layla is not going out today trying to get Bella to rest.
After breakfast had a shower and washed my hair, then Graham decided to go up town and try out his new camera. I decided to go and see if my chum Jane C. was in if not I would leave a letter for her with my phone No's as I had lost/misplaced hers!
Set off with Graham and Ruaridh over to the east side had a great walk through Inverleith Park lots of grass for Ruaridh. Graham went up town, Jane wasn't in so I left my note, then bumped into a neighbour who gave me Jane's numbers. Layla texted me to say to go over, however then she texted to say they were asleep so I deided to come back home and not disturb them. Lovely walk back.
Spoke to one or two chums on the phone, then Graham came back, cuppa and a piece of Birthday cake, then did my blip. Jane C phoned good to speak will see her later.
Lovely dinner pasta, tomato sauce and salad made by Graham.
Been catching up on commenting on blip. Tired. Bye.

Beach bums!

Layla had a workshop this morning and I was looking after Bella, as I had a dental appointment I couldn't miss, Bella came over to ours. She had decided this was a PJ day so arrived in her PJ's. We had a wee play jumping on the bed then got ready to leave for the dentist, put Bella and Ruaridh into the car the off.
Bella was very good there, she said she didn't know that my dentist was the same as Mummy's and Daddy's and hers! She sat very quietly on the big chair and looked after my bag. John found a hole in my tooth temporary repair then a couple of sessions of ?root canal Rx after our holiday!
After this we drove down to the shore and beach where it was very windy but warm. Bella, Ruaridh and moi had a great time there, we made sand pies and emptied water over the PJ pants! Saw not one but two wee tunnels and when we shouted our name we heard it echoing down the tunnels.
Before going home Bella blew lots of bubbles and because the wind was so strong it blew them far, far away. A fun morning.
Bella informed me when she arrived at the house she had not cleaned her teeth in the morning, so I said after the beach we would go to the dreaded supermarket and buy some raspberry toothpaste and a new tooth brush. we did this and she chose a vivid pink toothbrush-lovely. Layla was at the house when we arrived home so we had lunch and a chat then they left.
I made bread dough then did piles of ironing. Then Ruaridh and moi went to meet Graham off the bus.
Soup and a veggie bacon and tomato sandwich for me, a boiled egg and bread roll for Graham =dinner tonight oh +the cuppa. Bye.

Graham's Birthday

Awake with the larks this morning as today is Graham's Birthday, though the larks were a wee bit early so had a doze until 0745h. Wished Graham Happy Birthday then up to make a cuppa, feed Ruaridh and let him out. Then back to bed with the cuppa and to give Graham his pressie. Bought him a camera that he has wanted but did nothing about he appears to be delighted with same. Got a card and money off mum. Layla and Bella phoned and sang Happy Birthday-lovely.
Made breakfast and he couldn't get the battery to work in the camera so I suggested he go back to the shop where I bought it and see what was wrong. Graham left and I had a wash got a call to say battery in the wrong way!! so all OK.
Took Ruaridh to the park and woods he had a great play with Yoshi then a good walk. Back home got the roasted tomatoes sieved, Layla and Bella were going to the studio with some fairy cakes and Grandpa's presents a lovely mug painted by Miss B and a drawing she did of Grandpa, and from them all a new Gamp! Then they arrived here for lunch and to decorate the birthday cake and for the Birthday party. We also had a rumble in the attic and found some amazing toys and books that had been Layla's!
Lovely tea party when Graham and Joe arrived, Bella had iced and decorated the cake beautifully, we sang Happy Birthday and the candles were blown out!
Took Ruaridh to the park and up Strachan Rd then got ready to celebrate at Chop Chop an amazing Chinese restaurant one of the best I have been too. The food was delicious, beer good and being with the family meant a lovely evening.
Not to late home, tired crawled into bed. Goodnight.

Busy Day

Today turned out to be a wee bit more hectic than I had planned mainly due to the down pouring of rain we had this morning. Graham had a meeting this a.m. so I suggested that we go over to the east side together as I was going over to see Layla and Bella anyway. Had to get everything ready quickly so that we could be away as the meeting was for 1030h. Had a shower and washed my hair then breakfast before jumping in the car with The Wonder Dog and off!
Arrived at Layla's after dropping Graham off, we decided to go to the allotment by car as it was still raining hard. Stopped at Leith Links to give Ruaridh a walk-the heavens opened and we got soaked, met a man and woman searching for a key, difficult job to find it in the long grass wonder if they did! On to the allotment got cucumbers, tomatoes and raspberries delicious also courgettes and got really wet. Back to the car smelling rather damp and on to Asda to get messages. Got most of what I wanted forgot the milk!
Back to the house had a lovely lunch, then I read some stories to Bella and we played with the farmyard animals, Bella helped her Mummy make fairy cakes for Granpa's birhday! When her Grandpa came Bella did some amazing dancing and a few tipple-tales, she was very excited. Left and came home fish and chips with peas and parsley sauce for dinner--tasted delicious!
Made a Birthday cake for Graham, then roasted some tomatoes with garlic, chili, sugar S&P to be made into a sauce for use by the family.
Wrote a couple of emails then bed as it is Graham's Birthday tomorrow. Bye.

Autumnal

Today was the first day for a while that there was little or no noticeable humidity, awoke to a sunny, warm, morning but with a little breeze a lovely day. Up and about to see to Ruaridh, fed him and let him out then back to bed for half an hour. Up to have breakfast with Graham then after he had left up to have a wash. Got my act together and we set off for the park and woods.
Had a lovely walk, sunlight was falling between the trees and leaves and flies were caught in the streams of light as they flew across the paths. Ruaridh had a great time playing with Yoshi, Barney and Mana and loved it.
Back home dithered about doing nothing in particular, then over to the dreaded supermarket to get some messages, as the weather was good didn't mind going too much. Arrived back home cleaned a bit of the fridge before sitting outside to have lunch, then had about an hour soaking up the sun and catching up with the newspaper! (Saturdays). Phoned mum she and her cleaner had a problem with a ? bird of prey with a small bird in its beak, couldn't understand what had happened as mum's phone went wonky. Anyway they appeared to resolve whatever it was!
Started to do some of the garden would say I managed about a third of it, then off to meet Graham off the No 13 flyer(bus).
Spoke to Layla she is fine over to visit them tomorrow should be an allotment day depends on the weather.
Graham made a super tea of pasta and mushrooms in a cream sauce with salad and bread rather yummy.
Finishing now as I must do the dishes. Bye.

Big Mistake!

Ruaridh and moi set off for the shore and beach today, the weather was sunny and warm. This was the first time in an age I had done this walk due to various circumstances, the idea being to walk there and get a bus back from Cramond village. First part turned out fine, we had alovely walk along the cycle path then down to the shore. As the tide was out decided we would walk on the beach towards the sea, Ruaridh found a golf ball and had a great time chasing it when I threw it. We were the only ones on that part of the beach and had to paddle some of the way, eventually arriving at Cramond lavatories for a pee. As no dogs are allowed in the toilets had a word with the guy from the council who was hanging about, I asked for a rail to be put in situ to tie the dog on the lead to. 'Och that's a bonnie wee dog just take it in with you,'said he!!! C'est la vie!
Ruaridh and moi then climbed the hill and went for the bus, to my horror(myself and the wee fellow were knackered) the bus didn't go were it used to damn so we ended up walking another two to three miles.
Arrived home gave the dog his lunch and and then I had a huge drink of juice, tasted delicious. Made bread from the dough I had prepared earlier, changed our bed and washed the linen then had lunch. Had a chat with Patricia my neighbour, also phoned mum who appears to be in good spirits.
Made leek quiche, new potatoes, carrots,and neeps with broccoli for dinner tasted great.
Layla phoned making arrangements for Graham's Birthday on Thursday, decision still to be made to go out for dinner or have it here.
Tired now to bed. Goodnight.

Theatre

Two or three weeks ago I was listening to Woman's Hour on radio 4 with Jenni Murray my ears perked up when I heard them discussing a little known play by the late Sylvia Plath. Even better it was being performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, called The Three Woman the first revival it is in fact about three women's different experiences of childbirth. Eloquently written in the best Plath style as a poem, it is quite poignant and evocative when you realise this was written in 1962 a year before she committed suicide. Also one has to appreciate the way of dealing with the issues brought up in the work may be dealt with in a different way now, personally I don't think so but others might!
Layla and moi trotted off to see the play and we both enjoyed (if that is the word to use about a Plath work) the play. Graham looked after Bella and when we got back to Layla's saw that they had a great time building a big house with her wooden bricks. Nice lunch of a sausage sandwich and a lovely coffee then home via Waitrose as I needed some messages.
Quite tired must have been the walk yesterday! Done my blip caught up with my Blogs, just to do a bit of ironing then read. Graham is making dinner pasta and a sauce of some kind with salad sounds good. Bye.

Street Party!

Today was the day for the street party on the family's Street! Up and about quite early Ruaridh fed and out, then back to bed to read. Eventually crawled downstairs and made a fry up for breakfast which tasted delicious. Had a wash went to the shop to collect the Guardian, made a rice and veggie dish to take to the party. Then along with Ruaridh we set off to walk to the event. Walked down to Inverleith park where a cricket match was going on then carried on to the cycle path, then up to the street party. Lots of delicious food spread out on tables, plenty of wine, beer, etc and most important lots of lovely people to enjoy themselves. Not to forget the Disgazebo courtesy of Joe where the young and not so young had a great time dancing!
Once again one of the occasions where you meet up with old friends and new, no matter the chat was good and Graham and moi enjoyed ourselves.
Decided to walk home through Stockbridge picked up a bottle of Red on the way, not very hungry as I had eaten well at the party. So for dinner crisps, cheese on toast and a cuppa followed by M&M's and a small glass of red wine whilst watching Orson Wells in The Lady from Shanghai(1948) a brilliant murder mystery! then to bed. Goodnight!

Fringe Jaunt!!

Today met up with Layla and Bella to watch some of the street theatre at the Fringe Festival. Had a lovely day first stop was the cafe in St Andrew's Square where we had juice, coffee and muffins. Bella loved running about on the grass and doing her Tai Chi movements watching an expert, who was funded by Essential Edinburgh. Lots of fun in the sun.
We then moved on to Jenners to buy some new stripy wellies, then onto the street theatre. Saw a guy on a monocycle who was juggling with fire rods, excellent apart from the fact when he finished he asked that people put a fiver each into his hat! Layla quickly worked out the guy could have made roughly £1000 in twenty minutes with little or no expenditure!
One or two shops then home, Ruaridh delighted to see me, he had his dinner and run about like crazy, then we went for a walk to the park and around Strachen Rd. Saw Patricia my neighbour had a chat, on the way home the rain started, managed home before the downpour!
Graham home he made dinner veggie paella with broad and runner bean salad, lovely!
Phoned Liz all is OK, Justine is improving slowly an Cammy has started high school.
Going to do the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

Couldn't get going day!!

For some reason this morning I could just not get going, after breakfast and a wash felt like chilling out by sitting around, however no joy. Gave myself a shake and set off with the Wonder Dog to the park and Ravelston woods in the sunshine, by the time we returned home the heavens were opening. Had a good walk met 'Ecky and Jock, Ruaridh loves to play with the wee cairn and today was no exception, the two dogs ran about and danced around and had a great time. Bumped into Liz with Barney back from her holiday on the Greek Island of Lesbos said they had a good time!
Back home still had to keep shaking myself, went to pick up Graham's suit and also some plain flour.
Made the bread dough and cleaned the lounge. Spoke with Layla, she and Bella are going over to Granny K's to see Lee, Jessie, Daisy and Lola before they return to the Midlands. Had a late lunch then made the bread.
Made the dough for the pizzas we are having for dinner tonight and got the vegetables ready. Went down to meet Graham off the bus via the park, Ruaridh had a wee play with a cocker spaniel (don't know if the owners approved but heh I'm worried) Met Graham it was once again raining hard came home. Cuppa and half a bread roll then I set to, to make the pizzas and coleslaw. Had the pizzas for dinner with the coleslaw tasted good. Spoke with mum she appears to be OK.
Going to catch up on some reading now. Bye.

Gas Engineer Day Two

As you will see from yesterday's Blog we were once again without hot water, however at 1030h today the phone rang and Gary the engineer was on his way to find and sort the problem! Turns out something was short circuiting and this was causing problems with the hot water switch firing off. He fixed it, so fingers crossed it continues to work.
Once he had left Ruaridh and moi set off to get fish from Kevin the wet fish man, got some lovely haddock. On the way back went onto the park and Ruaridh had a run. Back to the house collected everything and set off to see Layla and Bella in the car. Stopped at Waitrose to get some messages then drove over to the house.
Had lunch, lovely pasta soup and crackers which Miss B also enjoyed, then drove over to the allotment. Very warm but never really saw the sun today, cleaned the onions and then Bella and moi did the first stage of storing them on the shelving, hopefully they will dry then we can string them! Bella worked really hard and appeared to enjoy it. Got lots of produce before going back to the house to make strawberry jam. Bella and moi cut up the strawberries, the last I heard from Layla the jam had not set!! Phoned mum she was very chirpy!
Graham came over then we left for home. Fish and rice with creamy tomato sauce for dinner, lovely.
Did the dishes then nothing much. Goodnight.

Missed--

-- my Blog yesterday by two minutes, damn! Up early yesterday as I had booked the gasman to come before we went to the cottage as we had no hot water! Booked a between 0800h/1300h visit guess what 1300h arrived no engineer. Phoned the centre and created, within minutes I get a call from the engineer to say he will be there in five minutes. Had an almighty discussion with customer support may as well talk to a bloody wall! Whilst waiting for the guy to come in the morning made bread and ironed.
The boiler was fixed. After lunch Ruaridh and moi jumped into the car and headed off to the shore and the beach. Had a lovely walk to Cramond, Ruaridh chased leaves, had a play with a Jack Russell and run into the sea after skimming stones, warm and sunny. After this to Asda getting fond of the place like the way the guy on the door welcomes you! Got my messages then went over to the family's.
Joe's sister Jessie her partner Lee with their two girls are visiting from Wolverhampton along with Joe's mum Karen we were all invited to dinner. Enjoyed Joe's Mexican dinner with a bottle of beer, lovely to meet up with all again, thanks to Joe, Layla and Bella for a lovely evening.
Home tired to bed Goodnight.
Today Ruaridh had a lie in so when we got up time for breakfast, Graham left for work I had a wash then out to the park and woods with the Wonder Dog. We met Yoshi and they had a great time playing, a good walk then back home.
Made the sauces for the dinner tonight for pasta alforno. Cleaned the kitchen floor, then cleaned the bathroom just going to have a shower would you believe no hot water again. I was livid managed to have my shower by switching on the CH, and this in turn triggered the hot water. Phoned the gas centre met a bit of a brick wall, however managed after a hassle to get a two hour slot watch this space!
Took Ruaridh to the park, then away to get my bus to get Miss B. Got the tickets for the show Layla and moi are going to on Sunday then picked up Bella. We had a lovely walk down by the canal and saw the barges Bella liked the green one and thought she should go on it! Down to meet her mummy then to ours for dinner.
Graham at home, quickly got the dinner ready pasta al forno, salad, homemade bread, chocolate and coffee for afters. Joe arrived and we ate.
Bella had a lovely time reading with grandpa and doing circus tricks with her daddy, also her vegebear sweets arrived today, she loves them. Family left, I did the dishes must get a new dishwasher. Having a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Birthplace

As all of Joe's family are in Edinburgh today was the day we all went to visit his birthplace, a wee shepherd's cottage high in the Lowther hills.
First though Miss B awoke and was full of beans, helped me make the morning cuppa then we got breakfast ready and she helped make the coffee. Made sausage sandwiches for our picnic, then had toast and coffee for breakfast, quick wash for Bella and moi, then in heavy rain into the car Bella Ruaridh, Grandpa and moi! d
Rendezvoused at Karen's house, Bella delighted to see her mummy and daddy, she went with her daddy and Layla came with us. Good drive, parked and set off to walk into the hills. Super walk, we met a guy panning for gold! then we came to an amazing waterfall and the bairns had great fun running under it, some in clothes some almost in the skud and the sun shone! Ruaridh had the most amazing time running up hill and down dale, he has been knocked out since getting home.
Arrived at the cottage still has four walls and a roof, but quite derelict inside, very remote in the hilly moorland. Had a super picnic and lots of photos taken, before we set off for home. Good journey home.
Vegetable risotto and salad for dinner, followed by M&M's mmmmmm!
Going to do the dishes then bed after a cuppa. Goodnight

Party time

--In more ways than one. Tonight Graham and moi went to a party thrown by Yoga expert Ro. Layla along with Steve had done the catering and delicious it was, Joe and Bella were there too and lovely for us Bella had decided to have a sleep over with us! Good to meet old friends and new, and the star of the show was a Belly dancer who was good. Bella enjoyed herself then we left, on the way home we stopped for fish and chips at the request of Miss B who had brought her own supply of Tartare Sauce and Tomato Ketchup with her from St Annes on the Sea!
We all sat down and enjoyed the fish and chips, then Graham read to Bella before she got ready for and tumbled into bed. Two books and a wee song and she was fast asleep!
Earlier in the day didn't do much a walk with Ruaridh in the park and Ravelston woods which we enjoyed.
Up quite late but quite tired when bedtime came. Goodnight.

Rain

Later today we left the Glen to return to the city! The new sash windows at the front of the house are all in situ and I must say what a difference it makes to the look and warmth in the rooms. Had a good week up at the cottage with visitors, John H working, Christine visiting, cleaning, cooking and of course not forgetting taking the Wonder Dog for a walk. Weather not too bad until yesterday when it poured, meaning we couldn't get the garden done, this will have to wait, looks somewhat like a jungle again ah well.
Good drive down not to busy arrived home around 2130h, nothing much to report. Chips, egg and beans for a late dinner with bread for a chip buttie, not forgetting the big cuppa.
To bed to read almost finished the book I'm reading not too bad. Goodnight.

Jack of all trades King of none!

Well not really but yesterday and today has been a wee bit like that! Sorry no Blog yesterday not too much to say and very tired. Had to get up early Wednesday morning as John H was coming to fit the windows in the living room, and 'stuff' required to be moved! Had breakfast and a wash, then Graham did some work then helped John to put in the windows. Spoke with Layla she, Bella and Joe are going to the mosque in Edinburgh for lunch and to meet some fellow blippers!
Then Graham and moi took the Wonder Dog to the beach once again he had an amazing time swimming and chasing skimming stones. Back home made lunch cheese, salad and bread, Christine our neighbour came to visit, wouldn't stay for dinner, she is having a difficult time at the moment, however we had a chat. Cleaned up after John left. Graham made dinner pasta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil and chilli in olive oil delicious. To bed early for me.
Today dawned with the sun streaming through the velux windows, up with Ruaridh then crashed out again until 0930 when Graham arrived up with the morning cuppa. Got up about 1000h wandered around in my PJ's enjoying the sun, John arrived in time for a cup of coffee, Graham and moi had breakfast. Washed made the bread dough then down to the beach with Ruaridh, lovely down there slight breeze but lots of sunshine.
Back home made the bread then a light lunch. Helped Graham to stack the logs he had been sawing, these are from the beech tree that came up from Edinburgh, do we have logs! Spoke to Layla, she and Bella had a nice visit with Sue, going to Granny K's tonight as the London family are visiting. Spoke with mum she had been to the clinic, all OK there and to the hairdresser.
John was finishing today cleaned up which took quite a while. Made dinner leek quiche, new potatoes from Layla's allotment and peas delicious. Very tired going to make a cuppa, wash the dishes and bed. Goodnight.

Apologies

Sorry no Blog for Sunday or Monday, Sunday the family arrived back from The Great British Seaside Holiday and ame to us for dinner. Lovely to see them all looking so well and Miss B was in great form! At 2045h with Ruaridh and a packed car left for the Glen. Arrived at 0030h after a good journey!
Awoke Monday morning John was coming later to put in the new windows in the lounge, and later in the day we were expecting 'blip' visitors from Orkney. Breakfast, shower, hair wash then down to the shore with the Wonder Dog. Good walk with lots of stones thrown into the water for the wee fellow.
Blippers arrived about 1530h good to meet them all, scones and coffee outside on the deck and a good chat. Dinner----tomato sauce, pasta salad and homemade bread followed by plum crumble and custard for 'pud'.
Late to bed.
Up this morning to get breakfast more eating and chatting then in a downpour of rain the family left to go North for more of their holiday before heading home. Layla phoned had a chat with her, she and Bella were going to the beach even though the weather was crap! John arrived to finish the lounge windows.
Had a wash then took Ruaridh for a long walk in the woods, walked through rain, drizzle and into the sunshine. The dog had one or two adventures but only disappeared for ten minutes on the last stretch. Home very hungry had a piece of pizza and a mug of coffee.
John finished the windows they look super.
Dinner rice and vegetables with sauce made by Graham lovely.
Very tired only had five hours sleep each of the past two nights, going to bed quite early tonight. Goodnight!

Memsahib home.

Today was the day that mum would be returning home, it has been lovely having here for the week. I think she has enjoyed herself. Up bright and early cider vinegar and honey for mum and moi, then I cooked the pancakes for breakfast. As today was not a work day we were able to sit over breakfast which is always pleasant. Had a wash, then phoned for a taxi as we thought this the best way to get to the station due to the Fringe Festival having started and I needed to do some shopping after getting mum on the train. Arrived in plenty of time, contacted the journey care then as the train was running late went to have a drink. Train not delayed too long so mum was able to board and settle when it arrived and the train left on time.
Went to Jenner's to purchase a new bra and to try and get an umbrella for Graham, unfortunately the ones in stock did not match his requirements. Went to various other shops no joy, so jumped on the 'methadone express' as I was meeting Graham on Leith Links to go to the allotment. Met up with Graham and Ruaridh and to work. Tomatoes are doing well, got cucumbers, courgettes, potatoes, lettuce leaves, runner beans and broad beans. Watered the greenhouse and the beds that required it then over to Asda to get messages as we head to the N/W tomorrow evening and we are hopefully having visitors on Monday. Phoned mum she arrived home safe and sound to be met by Layla, Joe and Bella.
Home very tired, got the messages organised and a cuppa with a sandwich and crisps. Had a doze, then as Graham was making dinner set the table. Lovely meal of courgettes in cream with pasta and salad of broad beans, runner beans, cucumbers and tomatoes delicious. Bye.

Baking!

Spent time baking today! Up and about with the Wonder Dog then got breakfast ready we all ate together today which was really nice. Mum appears to have enjoyed her sojourn here in Edinburgh especially her food,I think that is more about having her food made for her and having company to eat with more than anything else.
After breakfast had a wash then took Ruaridh to the park and into Ravelston woods, we had a lovely walk. Some volunteers were running a playscheme on the park for the kids, the sun was shining and everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. The woods looked great lots of sunspots and flies caught in the streams of sunlight stretching across the paths.
Back home got stuck into the baking, first a soda bread, then the dough for the everyday bread and a batter for pancakes, phew. Graham phoned to say he was going to an exhibition did I want to go, I said no, glad I did as when he arrived later in the day no-one else was there!
Lunch outside again mum really enjoyed this. She had a nap and I caught up with some things, baked the bread. Then we walked up to the shops as she wanted to buy some things, good job we took the umbrella as the heavens opened.
Took Ruaridh for a walk Graham phoned to say he was on his way home.
Leek, pea risotto for dinner with salad, chocolate for afters. Lovely. Had a chat with mum as she leaves for home tomorrow, to bed quite early to read. Goodnight.

Out for dinner!

The memsahib wanted to take us out for dinner so we thought this evening would be the best time to go. So I booked a table for the three of us at Pizza express in the West End and a lovely evening was enjoyed by all. I always come out of Pizza express feeling happy and content with the food and drink, tonight was no exception the staff were great and it was good to be out for dinner.
Up early with Ruaridh stayed up got breakfast ready, cider vinegar and honey for mum and moi before breakfast. Breakfast together then Graham left for the studio, I had a shower and washed my hair, mum got ready then with the wee fellow we piled into the car and off to visit the family's house before going onto the allotment.
Mum loved the garden at the house and had a chat with the neighbours, over to the allotment spoke to the guys in the next allotment they said not to water, checked the onions they appear to be OK will leave for Layla and Bella to pull up. Watered all in the greenhouse it looks good.
Called at Waitrose to get some messages mum liked it. Home lunch outside again lovely afternoon, mum slept I did some ironing. Then down to the park and onto the bus stop to meet Graham, home had a cuppa, out for 1900h.
Lovely dinner home tired to bed. Goodnight.

Fishman day!

Wednesday is the day that Kev our wet fishman arrives in his van. Today was very hot when mum Ruaridh and moi set out to get the fish. Mum sat on a form with the dog and I joined the queue, quite a lot of people waiting. I turned around and this chap was stood behind me who I recognised, could I remember where from or what is name was --no! I researched in my brain and eventually remembered his name was Ken and he owned a cocker spaniel and we had last met him about two years ago when he was walking the dog in the woods. Made myself known and we had a chat. Got the fish for dinner and with mum and Ruaridh headed for home.
Decided to have a lazy afternoon, had an alfresco lunch in the back garden then whilst mum had a nap I lopped some of the overhanging branches off a tree and tidied the garden a little. Got everything ready for the dinner then Ruaridh and moi went via the park to meet Graham.
Cuppa on our return to the house, then I got the dinner started fish and chips with peas and parsley sauce it was very good.
Did my blip and started this blog very tired away to bed to read. Goodnight.

Another allotment day!

Took mum over to the allotment today, as Layla is on holiday I am looking after it. Got organized at the house with mum and Ruaridh in the car and off we set. First stop was to get rid of all the empty bottles and old newspapers, then put diesel into the car before heading off to the east of the city.
Pulled over at Leith Links and mum sat in the car whilst Ruaridh and moi had a walk around the links he appeared to enjoy this even run about for a while.
Then back to the car, got mum and to the allotment, the road on the street where you get to the allotment is all smashed up as they are replacing it, will take about two weeks! Everything fine at the allotment mum thought it was fantastic, picked a cucumber and a couple of courgettes also all the ripe raspberries that are tasting delicious. Lightly watered the greenhouse produce, Ruaridh had a great time running around, met a lovely lady who said we could pick some of her raspberries.
Drove back home had lunch, then mum had a sleep and I made more courgette and potato soup and got the dinner ready for tonight.
Did my blip, then to the park with the Wonder Dog before going to meet Graham off the bus. Met Ruaridh's wee Border friend Totem and they had a play, met Graham saw Fergus the tree surgeon and had a chat.
Home early dinner well for us, cauliflower and cheese sauce, new potatoes, carrots, neeps and broad beans from the allotment delicious. Dessert of the day homegrown raspberries, ice cream, maple syrup and shortbread biscuit. Enough Goodnight

Courgette and potato soup!

Yesterday whilst going to the allotment to water the greenhouse and pick some of the produce noticed this huge courgette that we had missed when we were there on Thursday. Didn't know what to do with it so decided to follow Layla's example and make courgette, potato and onion soup. It tasted delicious when we had it for dinner.
Took mum her cider vinegar and honey with a cup of tea this morning. Then started my breakfast with Graham and finished it with mum when Graham had left for the studio. After that a quick wash and to the park and woods with Ruaridh, had a good walk and good to see a playscheme for the bairns happening on the park!
Ruaridh missed Jock and the spanish dog but didn't appear to be in a play mode today! Back home did the dishes then over to the dreaded supermarket with mum to get some messages she wanted. Walked over in lovely sunshine, managed to spend too much though I did get a new battery toothbrush for half price.
Back home had a light lunch then mum went for a 'nap', two hours later she awoke for a cup of tea and a biscuit! Made a soda bread. Took Ruaridh to meet Graham off the bus via the park.
Had our dinner early the soup and tinned salmon sandwiches lovely.
Layla phoned they sound to be really enjoying their holiday-good.
Tired and a busy day tomorrow. Goodnight.

Memsahib up for a visit.

As Joe, Layla and Bella wished to go to mum's in the Red Rose County for a week's holiday she is having a week here with us in Edinburgh, She arrived safe and sound at about 1630h in Edinburgh after an uneventful train journey.
Up and about as usual, telling lies I was up with Ruaridh then back to bed and about 0930h Graham arrived with my cuppa! When I did surface again I had a shower and washed my hair managed it quite well after having it cut for the wedding! Made a fry up for breakfast which did taste good then got the sauces ready for the lasagne which we are having for dinner this evening. took Ruaridh to the woods he had one adventure but quickly reappeared.
Got ready went over to Asda to get some last minute messages, then to the allotment to water the greenhouse and get some produce. then to the station.
Mum looked well and the family had taken her to the train. Home had a late light lunch, then i made the dinner which we had later lasagne, salad, homemade bread, then we had some chocolate. Lovely.
Mum went to bed and we soon followed as I was rather tired. Goodnight.

Supposed --

-- to be a do very little day but as per usual that didn't happen. Up early with the wee fellow, fed him and let him out, cuppa then back to sleep I wish, must have dozed but no real sleep! Up made breakfast, had some of the raspberries I picked yesterday lovely, then scrambled eggs in a roll with a big mug of coffee. Had a wash then took Ruaridh to the woods, where for the first time ever he disappeared on a couple of adventures, he was so hot when he cam back he sat in a very muddy puddle in the park and yes got covered in mud, the watering can was useful on our return home.
Had lunch them strimmed the grass at the front of the house, lopped some of the branches from the bushes. Changed the bed linen, did the ironing.
Graham made rice and vegetables with a sweet and sour sauce lovely.
Tired going to bed soon. Goodnight.