Tomatoes

Put a small amount of tomatoes (from Layla's allotment) along with some garlic and olive oil, salt and pepper into the oven to roast, had dinner did the dishes and totally forgot about the tomatoes until I came to write my Blog. Remembered them, rushed into the kitchen opened the oven door to see the lovely tomatoes lying in the dish as black as coal! Hate when this happens as I don't like to waste food, and they taste yummy roasted. Must set the timer on my iPhone next time as long as I remember what it is set for.
Graham needed the car today so Ruaridh and moi walked over to visit with Layla and Bella, noticed lots of rosehips on the cycle path, hopefully we can collect them to make rosehip syrup. Went to meet Layla and Bella off the bus, Bella had been to a toddlers gym and she liked it especially the monkey bars.
Had a lovely lunch then we set off to the allotment, had a good afternoon there picked some of the produce that is still left, then started to clear some of the debris form the raised beds, autumn is here! Ruaridh roamed the allotment and Bella found a wee container and watered the plants:)
Back to their house, phoned Graham, he came over to pick me up, first though he played with Bella, and when we left she walked Ruaridh down to the car, holding his lead very firmly.
We had tomato sauce and pasta with salad for dinner-lovely.
Blipped and blogged, watching Mark Lawson interviewing Richard Wilson on BBC 4 love him. Bye.

Theatre

This evening we went to see The Steamie at the King's theatre an amazing performance full of laughter, nostalgia and often poignant. The actors were very good and the audience responded to the show with lots of laugher and applause. A group of women went to the show, we used to go out about twice a year however with the coming of babies, travel, work moves away we haven't met up for ages.
Karen who lives close to the theatre invited us for a pre theatre supper, soup, bread, cheese, salad and a delicious plum crumble went down well. I know we all enjoyed the show and most said how they missed going to the theatre.
Up with the larks well almost Graham back to the studio today, saw to Ruaridh then breakfast, Graham left to get the bus I had a wash before taking the Wonder Dog to Ravelston Woods, a good but uneventful walk. On he way home the fine rain started and we got soaked.
Made bread, had lunch, made Graham's dinner which he didn't have so tomorrow tomato sauce and pasta! Spoke to mum she is fine been to get fitted for her NHS hearing aids!
Cleaned the bedroom, had a shower and washed my hair, then Chris arrived to drive us over to Karen's
To all the 'girls' thanks for coming a most enjoyable evening.
Looked at the wedding photo's of Jamie and Laura then to bed. Goodnight.

Dental Hygienist

Awoke this morning thinking it was about 0630h when in fact it was probably 0730h got up for a pee, then back to bed, got a surprise a wee while later to learn it was 0830h Ruaridh was up and ready for the garden and his breakfast. Made the early morning cuppa back to bed for a read, Graham not in work today working from home! had breakfast together then I left to see Margaret the hygienist.
Took Ruaridh with me to the dentist's as we were going straight down to the shore and beach afterwards. Good to see Margaret told her about my crap tooth and she advised me what to do. Left the dentist after treatment from Margaret down to the beach with the Wonder Dog, had a great walk along the beach in warm, sunny weather. Ruaridh just raced along as if he couldn't believe it, had a super time throwing stones for him to search for.
Back to the car, set off picked up Graham's shoes then down to Waitrose, Graham phoned to say he was walking down to meet us, met up with him in the store, got our goods, paid then home. Had lunch then John H phoned to say there was still water coming in through one of the new windows, asked him to try and eliminate same.
Phoned mum she is OK, visitors from Australia for the afternoon. Phoned all the women re The Steamie tomorrow evening. Did some ironing, spoke to Layla she is fine good day at work for her.
Lovely dinner of veggie prawn risotto and salad made by Graham, delicious.
Doing my blog, then the dishes before bed. Bye.

Rest Stop

Today left the Glen on a grey drizzly day to head back to the city, this weather was with us until we hit Pitlochry not that we visited the town drove on by. It then became much warmer and we saw a wee bit of sunshine. Had a 'rest stop' on the Spean Bridge--Dalwhinnie road to have a pee, cup of coffee and a scone. Also to grab a photo and let Ruaridh have a run around.
Arrived in the city around 1730h straight over to visit the family, good to see them again, Miss B is changing every time we see her now, played with her, her vocabulary is getting much bigger, somethings she says crack me up! Joe came home from work and we had a lovely meal made by Layla thank you it was delicious.
Drove home did my blip, later had tea and toast then bed very tired. Goodnight.

Stacking Logs

Today dawned with a little bit of sunshine coming in through the window, couldn't believe my luck the wee fellow had slept until 0845h. Up with him, made the early morning cuppa then back to bed to have a read. Up and about made a fry up for breakfast-delicious, then Christine our neighbour popped in with some cake and shortbread that was donated by a company for the Macmillan nurses coffee morning. She also bought some tablet that someone had made, that was delicious.
She stayed and chatted for a while no gossip really, when she left I had a lovely shower and washed my hair. Then I made a soda bread, before going to help Graham who was sawing the logs, my job to fill the log baskets and stack logs in the greenhouse. Also attempted to tidy the shed, and put the rotting plums (shame) in the compost.
Then John H the builder came to check a window, hopefully he will look to the house when we are away.
Down to the beach took John and Auria some cake and shortbread biscuits, apparently they missed these at the coffee morning. Had a good walk along the shore, Ruaridh chasing leaves, hurried back home as the rain was starting.
Phoned mum she is fine, she went to Blackpool today with her friend. Goes on Tuesday to get her ears tested by the NHS, Anne is going with her.
Left over minestrone soup and pizza for dinner, will have supper later. Bye.
Edit Photo courtesy of Graham!

Visitors

Today we had a visit from John and Auria, another couple of hours of swapping stories, eating scones and drinking tea. I had thought they wouldn't arrive until about 1400h but the camper van pulled up outside sharp at 1230h, just as we were getting ready to take Ruaridh to the beach Had a good visit and they were delighted with the renovation that we are doing to he house.
Ruaridh was doing a Minnie-ha-ha as his walk had to be put back to accomodate our visitors but we eventually got ready and followed J&A down the road.
Very blustery at the beach as Graham was trying out his new camera with the new adaptor and some old lens, Ruaridh and moi set off to walk along the beach. The wee fellow disappeared, when I found him he looked like he was attempting to get into a tub that had been washed up onto the beach in the gale on Monday night. He couldn't manage himself so too bad he had to leave that adventure. The two of us had a good walk, he loves chasing the wee leaves, when we got back to Graham he said he was cold so we got ready to come home.
Had a mug of hot chocolate then I made a vegetable stew for dinner with mashed tatties, carrots and turnips, rather good very filling. Did the dishes, now as per usual bopping about blipping and blogging. Going to finish my wine then to read in bed! Goodnight.

Story telling

Awoke this morning to another grey, rainy day. Up with Ruaridh and made the morning cuppa, I was very tired last night but awoke this morning feeling quite refreshed. Back to bed and read until 1000h, new read recommended by Graham. Porridge again for breakfast followed by toast and marmalade, very hungry in the mornings these days! Cleaned out two drawers in the kitchen table, also defrosted the chest freezer my gosh it looks great. Wash then set off for the beach, very grey down there had a good walk Ruaridh as per usual chasing leaves and running after thrown stones. Lots of debris on the beach due to the gale/storm on Monday night.
Set off back to the car John and Auria an older couple invited us into their camper van for another cuppa, spent a great afternoon listening to their tales of having camped on the beach for the last twenty years. Some were hilarious, bet some ears were burning in the Highlands.
Left and arrived home ravenous again must be the air, had tea and toast. Mum phoned she is OK although lost her hearing aid this morning, got an appt.? to get new ones on Tuesday next.
Spoke to Layla, she and Bella are fine playgroup this morning.
Graham made a lovely dinner, smoked haddock and mushrooms in a cream sauce with pasta delicious.
Once again between blipping and blogging, going to do the dishes. Bye.

The sun shone--

--for about an hour today when we arrived at my favorite beach at Lower Breakish on the Misty Isle. Awoke this morning to the rain still tumbling down but the wind appeared to have slowed down somewhat, up with the wee fellow made a cuppa then back to bed until 1000h to have the luxury of reading there.
Porridge and toast for breakfast then after a wash into the car and over the sea to Skye (well over the lovely bridge), as we had to get messages and visit the vets for Ruaridh's worm tablets. Stopped on the way to let the dog have a pee, (he was whining) managed to break his car harness and no pee.
To the Co-op got the messages then to the vets, £18-50p for a new car harness my gosh that is expensive, however it appears to be more comfortable for the Dog Pasha.
The SUN came out and we headed for the beach had a lovely walk in amazing warm sunshine. The colour of the mountains and the ocean was amazing. The wee white shells glistened on the sand like tiny jewels. Ruaridh played with a Lab. pup and nicked the dog's stick a no no! walking back to the car the rain started, sun still shining a rainbow appeared Pure Magic.
Back home ravenous, boiled egg and lots of lovely bread and butter. Made the bread dough, then when ready the bread. Graham made a pot of lovely minestrone soup for dinner feeling full now!
Don't know if we are having anything else will see. Bread rolls ready, bread still baking. Bye.

Winds and rain

That was the weather today with little rays of sunshine to brighten up the day for ten minutes or so. Up with Ruaridh about 0745h fed him then he dashed into the garden did a pee and poop and straight back in again, he is a fair weather dog! Back to bed snuggled down cozy and dozy and went to sleep for another hour, Graham wakened me with a cuppa.
'Struggled up' made breakfast, porridge and toast, then enjoyed a shower and hair wash, before setting off to the beach with Ruaridh in the rain.
Walked along to the Misty Isle and got soaked lots of dramatic photographs due to the weather, Ruarih had a great time chasing leaves and all that moved in the wind. Walked back to the car in the sun and wind and our clothes dried.
Back home had lunch spoke to mum she appears OK, tried to sort out some business hope it works this time! Once again attempted to catch up on blip, well nigh impossible!
Dinner pasta in cheese sauce with cucumber and olives delicious.
Bopping around blipping and blogging, going to do the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

Quiet

Th family left for Edinburgh today and the house this afternoon and evenig has been very quiet. Had a lovely time with them, fun and adventures, lots of stories read and told and games played. Bella is also a great wee helper she has helped me do the dishes, put tea leaves in the teapot and coffee in the cafetiere. Also when she is here she puts out Ruaridh's food, what a wee lassie!
The weather has been atrocious today heavy rain and strong winds from the west. Went down to the village shop then on to the beach, the rain lashed down our backs were soaked but our fronts were dry! Ruaridh had a great time chasing leaves.
Came home had a late lunch, didn't do much some blipping, commenting etc. Layla phoned at 1640h to say they had arrived home safely and that Bella was playing with Eve.
Made the dough for pizzas and got all the ingredients ready, then made them along with coleslaw for dinner tasted good but we got full very quickly-to many crisps.
Settled down for the evening the wind is howling outside, poor Layla phoned to say her new chest freezer had switched off whilst they were away, all her good work baking and cooking from the week before wasted, damn what a shame!! Just going to have a cuppa then bed. Think the weather will be pretty crap for the next few days! Goodnight.

Soaked sorry no blip yesterday-forgot!!

Yesterday after breakfast we decided to go down to the shore again to catch fish, the weather was a wee bit 'iffy' however I decided that it would not rain and did not put my waterproof trousers on, BIG mistake. To the village shop first for one or two messages, after we had got to the small pools and attempted to catch fish it started to blow very cold so we decided to return home. Good job we did as walking back the heavens opened and we got soaked , not only soaked but the rain was icy.
Back home made scrambled eggs and sliced sausage for lunch Bella had beans and sausage, then unfortunately a cup of coffee was knocked over and went onto Layla's leg, her quick thinking prevented a bad scald. Twenty five minutes under the cold shower and her leg appears to be OK. As this happened crofter Mcqueen's new mobile home arrived looks 'cool as'!
Layla was well enough to make a delicious dinner of pasta, roasted veg, foccacia and salad. which we all enjoyed.
Spent a lazy evening didn't even read when I went to bed. Goodnight.
Sunday weather still hellish, had a big fry up for breakfast then decided to go down to the beach, had a surprise meet up with Auria and John who we have known for quite a while good to see them. Bella had great fun looking in rock pools she saw crabs, sea anemones, seaweed, Joe flew his kite. Graham shot a movie and I just messed about enjoying the shore.
Went back home Bella fell asleep, I made cheese scones just going to make tea and coffee when three people arrived two of whom belong to blip. Quite enjoyable.
Made vegetable risotto for dinner with green salad and foccacia lovely. Read stories to Bella who then fell into dreamland. Catching up with blipping and blogging. Goodnight.

Fishing

Today after a lovely breakfast we decided to go fishing, Graham had bought Bella a lovely pink fishing net yesterday and she had brought her lovely see through bucket up to put in the little fish and crabs that she caught:)
Graham and Bella along with the Wonder Dog left to go and fish in the river, I made dough for the bread, then had a shower and washed my hair. We then all trotted off to the Wetlands behind the shore had a lovely time and Bella caught fourteen very small mackerel in many of the small ponds that are there. Ruaridh had a great time running after stones that were thrown where the fishing was not taking place!
After letting the fish go went back home had lunch, read stories and played with Bella, mainly football outside Bella somewhat disappointed that Ruaridh wouldn't play! Phoned mum she is feeling OK got tested for ? new hearing aids today.
Bella delighted when her daddy Joe arrived she disappeared with him to feed the neighbours horses Sprite and the one she has named Madame Fi Fi Foo Foo:) Good to be all together again!
Fish and chips with parsley sauce for dinner lovely. Evening playing with Miss B then chatting when she went to bed. Good evening. Tired, to bed Goodnight.

Shrooming

Today we were up early, Ruaridh always likes to make a noise when we have the family staying, although he had been fed and out in the garden today was no exception. When I got back into bed he did nothing but whine so I decided to get up. Bella came downstairs and we made her porridge which she appeared to enjoy.
Then Graham and Layla came down and we all had breakfast, it was decided that we would go shrooming over at Plockton once we were all ready. So into the car we all get including the Wonder Dog and off we set. Arrived at the woods as soon as we started to climb the midges came out, found lots of Chanterelles which we picked, came back to the car as the midges got so bad, then we set off for Kyle to get the messages. Got what we wanted, back to the woods as Layla had left her bag there luckily it was drove back home.
Had lunch then read and played with Bella, she helped me with the logs and then did the dishes.
Graham made a lovely meal of rice to eat with the Chanterelles in cream sauce, delicious! Bella had fish with her rice!
Read to Bella at bedtime, to bed started reading a new book. Goodnight.

Visitors

Today we travelled to Inverness to meet Layla and Bella off the train. Lovely day warm and sunny, Ruaridh was very well behaved in the car for the whole time we were away.
Went up to get the messages at the 24 hour Tesco which I normally hate today wasn't bad. Went to the cafe there and enjoyed fish and chips with Bella, half way through Graham decided he didn't like his macaroni and cheese so I had that and he had my fish, great lattes by the way.
Good journey back to the cottage, apart from when we got there I managed to stand in some cow shit that covered my croc shoe, didn't realise until Ruaridh was licking my croc, then turned and saw it bah!
Played, Bella washed the dishes then we had minestrone soup for dinner with crackers, breadsticks and crispbreads. Lots of snacks between lunch and dinner!
Bella had her bath now in dreamland where I am going! Goodnight.

Lots to do.

Quick blog as we have had a busy day, even on holiday it doesn't let up. Graham still busy with work hopefully will let up in the next day or so, hope so as the family are coming up tomorrow.
Breakfast, wash then down to the ferry beach with Ruaridh, met a nice couple in their camper van, then a good walk on the beach, Ruaridh in for a swim running and jumping after stones.
Lunch when we got back home, then strimming the front grass, clearing rubbish putting what could be construed as being dangerous in a safe place etc etc.
Cleaned the bathroom, got the bedroom ready for the family. Christine came over, poor woman hope she gets her difficulties resolved.
Spoke to mum still not resolved the problem of the leak--tomorrow is another day.
Lovely dinner leek quiche, roast tatties and carrots eaten at 2130h must try to eat earlier!
Just going to do the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

Damson Cheese!

Today worked hard. A lovely day warm and sunny, had a shower and washed my hair felt good, then got breakfast ready, poor Graham still got his sore stomach however he managed his breakfast. Postie arrived with my new sloggi bras couldn't get them anywhere in Edinburgh but found a good place on the inter-web. Great service both from the shop and postie.
Had to go down to the village shop as I forgot to bring up any yeast so have been unable to make bread! got other messages too. Then we all went to the village beach and had a lovely walk Ruaridh is in his element here and went swimming and running into the water after stones.
Back home made the bread dough, then got on with the strimming and mowing the grass is so damn ed long it is taking twice as long to cut and strim it, got quite a lot done today.
Had lunch then I started to make the damson cheese. First part done back to the strimming and mowing going to put S&M there thought better of it!
Now 2345h waiting for the second part of the damson cheese to happen! It should get very thick?
Made a soda bread and the white bread. Spoke to Layla she is fine work OK, spoke to mum the leak in her kitchen if from the flat above, Bart resolving same!
Graham made a lovely paella for dinner, he is away to bed.
going to give it a few more minutes then into the jars ready or not! Goodnight.

Strim strim strim.

Up earlier than I intended to be with Ruaridh!! Fed him and let him out then back to bed, dozed for an hour or two then up, made breakfast, poor Graham still not feeling 100%. Had breakfast then after a wash (good one) started to strim the grass oh my gosh what a job anyway I persevered and kept at it, finished about 1900h this evening and still lots to do. Had to give in the midges were biting like crazy, lovely sunset though.
As well as the strimming did a wash, made lunch then later this afternoon took the Wonder Dog to the beach. It was lovely down there very calm the waves gently lapping, I love the ocean.
Phoned mum poor thing there is a water leak either in hers or the apt above her, anyway Bart was in to have a look and is going to try and sort it tomorrow evening.
Layla and Bella had a very busy day baking and cooking for the new freezer!
Grham made lovely minestrone soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwich! lovely.
Kinda lazy evening looking and commenting in the blip world.
Going to make tea then bed!

Missed Blog by 40 minutes

Couldn't believe it when I looked at the clock 0040h damn missed my Friday Blog. Had a lovely day, up a wee bit later as Graham was not going into work until mid morning. Saw to Ruaridh then breakfast, after a wash the three of us were into the car and up town to get some veggie polony a delicious sausage. When I was going to get a parking ticket met this young woman nearly in tears, she was going for an interview and had left her wallet at home could I lend her the money for her parking ticket. She said she would send it back if I gave her my name and address and showed me the job description sheet. Poor girl I gave her the money and told her to put it in a charity box, wished her all the best for the job!
Got the sausage then over to see Layla and Bella dropping Graham off at the office. Got ready to go to the allotment to get the damsons off the tree overhanging Layla's allotment shed. Had a lovely time at the allotment, Layla gathered the damsons, I cleared part of a raised bed into the compost bin! Bella and moi picked the raspberries then as Bella wanted more had a wee walk to take some from bushes that overhang the path! Layla got the tomatoes, cucumber and I got a lettuce and some turnips.
Weather very warm and sunny over to Asda to have lunch and get the messages to take up to the cottage. Then back to their house, played with Bella then Graham arrived and he took over, as 'noise' was down below waited until Joe arrived home from the Airshow at Leuchers. Got ready and left for home!
Had a lovely veggie risotto for dinner. Phoned mum she had a nice lunch with friends. Tired tonight bed. Goodnight.
Slept well awoke Saturday delighted to be going up to the cottage, weather warm and sunny.
Up and about with Dog Pasha, breakfast, shower then finished all the packing. Loaded the car spoke to Layla she and Bella are fine going to the Botanics with some friends, Joe back to the Airshow.
Set off good journey in lovely weather arrived at the cottage around 1730h, garden like a jungle but what the hell, holiday at last!
Unloaded the car, put the foodstuff away went into the garden and noticed all the plums were lying on the ground blown off in the gales earlier this week! Collected as many possible as the midges were biting like crazy, going to make jam.
Lovely dinner Layla's tomatoes, chilli's, garlic in olive oil with pasta fantastic, green salad and homemade bread.
Going to bed. Goodnight.

New Red Shoes!

Today I spent at home being very busy, after breakfast and a quick wash into the car with the Wonder Dog and down to the shore and beach. Weather warm and sunny had a great walk, Ruaridh enjoyed running after the sticks and stones that I threw for him and appeared to enjoy his walk.
Then down to Waitrose to get messages as we are heading to the cottage this weekend hopefully for a two weeks holiday. Poor Ruaridh then I went to the retail park to drop off the empty bottles and old newspapers, before going to Homebase and TKMax the wee fellow was not amused and would not look at me when I got back to the car!!
Home had lunch, roasted some tomatoes for dinner, defrosted the freezer and cleaned the inside of the car! Went to meet Graham off the bus via the park. Home had a cuppa then I went up town, got two of the vouchers I wanted and a lovely pair of new red shoes.
Back home made dinner pasta and tomato sauce, salad and bread lovely.
Phoned mum she is fine had her hair done today. Did piles of ironing, tired to bed. Goodnight.

Wet Leg Day!

Up early as Graham had lots of meetings in Glasgow today, saw to Ruaridh then had breakfast, after which Graham left. Did the dishes then had a lovely shower and washed my hair-felt good! Got organised and as I had to get fish from Kev the fishman went to get some money from the machine. Walked back via the park Ruaridh had a great time running for sticks then his doggie chum Jock appeared, they had a great time playing.
Got the fish, then back to the house to get my things before jumping in the car to go and see Layla and Bella. Took the fish over along with some Seville Oranges that have been in the freezer for months, put them into Layla's new freezer as I must defrost ours tomorrow!
Off to the allotment with our picnic lunch, had a good walk over Ruaridh had a great run on the Leith Links.
Arrived at the allotment weather warm and sunny, sat down and had our picnic which tasted good. Then cleared some produce that had gone to seed and put it into the compost bin. Layla and Bella collected tomatoes and potatoes, Bella and moi nicked some raspberries as Layla's ones aren't ready yet. Bella concentrated very hard on filling the bucket with water, until the wee minx turned the hose on her Granny amid lots of laughter, R) trouser leg soaked what the hell, dried soon in the warm sunny weather we had today.
Eventually back to the house Bella fell asleep, Graham on his way from Glasgow. We had a drink and I got my produce then home.
Fish and chips for dinner delicious.
Watched Jonathan Meades Off Kilter Tour of Scotland on BBC 4 good took us to Aberdeen! Bye

Vege Bears

When we were up in Aberdeen earlier this year we visited Newton Dee one of the Rudolf Steiner villages just outside the city. Here I bought some Vege Bears for Bella, great, as they have no gelatin in them. I tried to purchase them in Edinburgh but didn't try hard enough as after I had ordered them on the internet for £1-39p a packet + £6-00 P&P I found then in Holland and Barrets for £1-29p a packet and obviously no P&P! Oh well!
To the park and woods today met Yoshi and Ruaridh had a great play, then another walk as Layla came on the bus for lunch today and we went to meet her.
Soup and crackers for lunch, then the rain came down torrential, cats and dogs the lot. Waited for a wee space in the downpour then went for the bus to go up town as Layla had messages to do and then to pick up Bella.
After Layla got Bella we went to a cafe and Bella had juice and croissant and we had lattes. Then jumped on a bus, off at the West End whose bus should we get home Grandpa's, the No.13 flyer, Bella thought this was great.
Aubergine parmigiano for dinner with salad and bread.
Then a play and a read from a couple of books (one I've not read in years) then Graham took Layla and Bella home (as Joe was out with a chum.) I did the dishes and spoke to mum who appears to be fine and busy! Goodnight.

Best of Buddies

Over to Layla's this morning as she had to see the practice nurse and didn't want Bella to go in with her, she is recovering well from her procedure but is full of a cold. Up with the Wonder Dog had his breakfast and a roam in the garden, then we had breakfast and after a wash got into the car and off to the east side! Graham took Ruaridh to the studio for an hour or so, and I walked over to the house.
Layla was looking much better and Bella was in good form setting up the hairdressers straight away and the two of us went on a 'cushion train' to London! Over to the surgery Layla was very quick and then to pick up Ruaridh. We walked back to the house and had lunch, lovely corn chowder and cheese scones which Bella had helped her daddy to make.
After lunch we decided to roam the cycle path in search of blackberries. Got Bella ready she and Ruaridh waited on the top step, when I looked out there was Bella giving Ruaridh a big hug! next time I looked they were sat on the steps with Bella's arm around the dog, got a couple of images too good to miss!
Got down to the path no blackberries worth picking, some shriveled, some still red and the black ones small and hard! better luck in a week or two!
Walked down to Asda the wee one fell fast asleep, Layla waited outside with her and Ruaridh, I got the messages then back to them and then to the house.
Bella still fast asleep, so Layla put her on the sofa. Waited for Graham to come, he and Joe arrived Bella had just woken up so waited a wee while then left for home.
Leek quiche, roast tatties and peas for dinner, going to make bread and do the dishes. At the moment watching a programme on BBC 4 about Scottish Art. Bye.

Drama

Down at the shore today and Graham helped in the rescue of a rather large lady who had wandered with her dog Max inadvertently onto the mud flats. She appeared to have stumbled and when I saw her she was on her knees and unable to get up. Neither Graham or moi had on our wellies, fortunately a young couple were nearby and the woman had hers on. However due to the situation it was thought better that the young man put them on and attempt to go out on the mud, once Graham saw that he wasn't sinking too far he also went out. The dogs of course thought this was great and that the woman was playing with them, eventually got them away from her, the young guy managed to get her up and Graham walked back with her. The poor woman was quite embarrassed and shocked, however we walked her to her car with her dog and she said she would be OK.
Otherwise a good walk and Ruaridh had a great play with the woman's dog.
Bought a new ironing board and did some ironing. Layla phoned poor thing has a bad earache but she has taken analgesia so hope that helps, Bella is OK, going over tomorrow. Late lunch then phoned mum she is busy with the church at the moment, lots of things happening.
Rice and vegetables with prawns and sauce for dinner.
Catching up with blip. Going to do the dishes. Goodnight.

Missed

Today missed taking two good images, one of the Airbus A380 a huge aeroplane that flew right over our heads, then a golden fox walked out in front of us in the woods of course the Wonder Dog gave chase. I didn't have my camera ready on both occasions. On the plus side today met an old friend Saeed and his lovely seven year old daughter Olivia, I haven't met him in an age, he looks good and we exchanged mobile no's as they are looking for a house in our area!
Quiet day had a lie in after seeing to Ruaridh, poached eggs on toast for breakfast tasted good. Then a shower and hair wash before taking Ruaridh for a walk in the woods. Windy today some people say cold but I didn't notice. Graham away to town to take photos.
Dinner tonight minestrone soup and sandwiches could be salmon or sausage! and the cuppa. Think Graham has a movie so a quiet evening
Layla is feeling better, and Bella can now say Hippopotamus well done Bella.
Going to have a cuppa and read the Guardian. Bye.

Asda

Over to the family this morning, once again Graham took the Wonder Dog to the office and he would bring him over later in the morning. Layla appeared to be feeling a little better and had her breakfast, Bella was still in her PJ's. We did three jigsaws this morning before Miss B got dressed, then Grandpa and Ruaridh arrived and we all walked over to Asda (as the rain had stopped), to do a shop for ourselves and the family. Got all the messages and then back to Layla's to have lunch, we had the minestrone soup that Graham had made the night before and it tasted delicious!
Graham left and we read and played more games, then Bella, Ruaridh and moi went a short walk to post a letter, Bella had great fun stamping in the puddles.
Back home Layla had a bath and I changed her dressings, she was still sore, but Bella was able to sit on her knee and had a story. Then Bella did my hair she is very good but quite expensive!
Graham and Joe home quite late so Bella watched more Charlie and Lola great stuff!
Came home had a lovely dinner of courgettes in cream sauce, pasta and a salad. Before dinner phoned mum she is fine apart from the weather which is wet and windy!
Joe is off for the weekend so it will be lovely for the family to have time together. I will see them Monday!
Just going to finish my wine then hit the sack. Goodnight.

Raining cats and dogs!

Awoke to the rain this morning and am going to bed still listening to the rain! When I was wee my paternal granny used to say when it was raining hard and for a long period, it was raining cats and dogs! I remember looking for them, today I said this to Bella she said "Where are they Gran" took me back.
Over to the family's about 0930h Graham took Ruaridh into the office for a while, as Bella had been poorly during the night with a croupy cough and Layla was still feeling pretty sore. Joe left for work and we played upstairs drawing many carrots in different colours. Bella seemed a bit better, no fever so well wrapped up against the weather the two of us set off to pick up Ruaridh, it rained and it rained. Came back through the wee park and we decided if it was dry tomorrow Bella and moi would go to the play park!.
Layla was fast asleep when we arrived back, she woke up an we had lunch, then went back to bed whilst Bella and moi played lots of games and did jigsaws and laughed at the bare wee teddy bear, as Bella was changing his clothes, Layla slept.
We read and played more games, then when daddy and grandpa arrived Joe organised the showing of'Charlie and Lola' on the TV, Bella loves this and it is excellent she sat with her grandpa watching this and got very dozy. In fact before we left she had fallen asleep.
Arrived home had shepherdess pie and beetroot for dinner.
Very tired did my blip caught up with my Blog then to bed. Goodnight.

Bella Day

As Layla had to go into hospital for a minor procedure today and Joe had meetings Ruaridh and moi had a Bella Day. Arrived at the house early so that Joe could get away, Layla having decided that to get a cab was the easiest option for all concerned had left the house very early!
We had a lovely time drawing then she got dressed and the three of us set off for the allotment. Had a good walk, although it started to rain before we got to the allotment, however it had stopped by the time we got there, Ruaridh had a good run on the links thoughhe did manage to find some goodies to eat on the way!
Bella picked lovely flowers for her mummy, then into the greenhouse to pick lots of tomatoes cucumbers and a big green pepper. We didn't stay too long and the walk back home was uneventful.
had quite a late lunch of baked beans and chips which we both enjoyed, then read a lovely story about a family trying to find a bear! did some jigsaws then sat outside and guess who came home Bella's mummy. Poor Layla was quite sore and went to bed, had a wee chat with her, then Joe brought Bella up, Graham arrived and we decided that as they could manage we would leave.
Had a lot to do so got stuck in. Made bread, made two sherpherdess pies one for the family and one for us, and roasted the ripe tomatoes we had collected.
Scrambled eggs on toast with a big cuppa for dinner. Spoke to mum she had her ears syringed today all went well, she sent lovely freesia to Layla.
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Canals and Barges

Today when Bella and moi met up we decided to walk by the canal, we both love to do this as it is here we see not only wildlife, ducks, coots and swans but also lovely painted barges. Bella told me today she would like to have a holiday on one, maybe try and arrange a day trip on a barge sometime?
Walked along the canal and then past the lovely library, before going down to Layla's work to meet her.
Got the bus to ours it was packed as it had suddenly started 'to rain cats and dogs' managed OK and we were soon home. Graham had got home and given Ruaridh his dinner, however he still gets excited when he sees us. Bella helped me to make a salad and weigh out the pasta for dinner as we were having roasted vegetables, pasta and salad for dinner, which tasted rather good.
Before dinner Bella had a great time playing with her daddy and grandpa doing her tricks!
Phoned mum she is fine appears to be having quite a busy life at the moment.
Coffee and chocolate and a couple of veggie bears for Bella before they left for home, Layla has to be up at the crack of dawn as she goes for minor surgery tomorrow and has to be in the hospital for 0700/0730h.
Ruaridh and moi had a great walk in the woods this am, met Barney and Liz and walked round with them.
Rather tired bed calls as I have to be on the road early tomorrow. Goodnight!