Samhain

Or as we would say Summers end. This evening is Hallowe'en and we arrived up at the cottage around 1530h after a somewhat uneventful journey though we did come through heavy rain on the A9. Had a surprise visit from three young guisers and one of their dad's a neighbour whom I failed to recognise in his amazing face make up! One of them told a joke then the three of them sang a lovely song in Gaelic. Lucky for me Bella had left a packet of chocolate drops on her last visit, they shared these and I gave them some pennies, they appeared to go away happy.
Put all our messages away and made up our bed.
Graham made lovely roasted butternut squash risotto with salad for dinner.
Quiet evening couldn't get the TV to work bummer we rarely watch it but there were a couple of programmes we would have watched tonight. Sods law!
Bella went as a buzzy bumble bee to her Hallowe'en party
To bed early. Goodnight.

Artist

Today as I waled over from the studio to the family's with the Wonder Dog I met this woman artist who looked very young. I got chatting to her and found out she had a twenty-two years old daughter.
She had been an art student at Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee and an Art college in Liverpool.
Today she was using the most amazing 'chunky' pastels, she told me they had been made by a guy in the Lake district who mixed his own pigment-wow.
They had been very expensive but she picked up the ones she was using cheap--like 10p each at an Art shop in Carlisle, what a find! An interesting ten minutes.
Arrived to find Layla and Bella busy baking and cooking, they had made minestrone soup which we had for lunch delicious. Also on the agenda was bread and wee fairy cakes for Megan's Hallowe'en party tomorrow evening, Miss B goes as a bumble bee! Spent time playing and reading with the wee one, then when Graham arrived we spent a bit of time with the family before heading off to Asda to get our messages for the N/W. We head up to the Glen Tomorrow.
This morning managed at long last to get my new wellies my birthday present from Graham lovely.
Burgers, chips and baked beans for dinner. after which we had had chocolate and a glass of Red.
To bed long journey tomorrow. Goodnight.

Work

OMG had to be up early this morning as once again I had to hit the road as I was working. Up, shower, breakfast, fed the wee fellow, made the sandwiches for Graham and myself then left.
Exams had changed and only two of us on today, however it was a great day time flew by and lovely to see staff and patients.
Exams run over for some reason, but we managed and the unit was left straight for the staff who are working tomorrow and I arrived home at 1830h.
Ruaridh had a boring day and for some reason refused to go a walk! however he appears OK tonight!
Not much to say, Graham made a lovely paella for dinner, I'm now catching up on things that I would have done today, thank goodness for the dishwasher!
Hoping to do some knitting. Bye.

Cycle Path

Graham needed the car today so later this morning Ruaridh and moi set off to walk over to visit Layla and Bella for a trip to the allotment. It turned out to be a lovely morning after a shower of rain earlier, no dogs on Inverleith park for Ruaridh to play with but he had a good run anyway. Then onto the cycle path which in the sunlight looked lovely, still plenty of rosehips on the trees and the leaves on the trees golden and red. Met a guy who was walking five dogs but the wee fellow just ignored them
Arrived at the house, Bella had on her lovely new coat her mum had knit for her with handmade ceramic buttons by Sue, read her an amazing story that was first written in 1947. Had lunch then to the allotment spent a good time there, turned over a bed, dug up some tatties, got a courgette and some onions and a bag of tomatoes, not many left now but they still taste good. On the way to their house went to Asda got one or two messages. Graham met us back at the house, stayed for a while then left for home.
Pasta and tomato sauce with salad for dinner.
Watched Andrew Marr's 'The Making of Modern Britain' on BBC2 very interesting. Goodnight.

Chestnuts!

The other day whilst wandering around the dreaded supermarket I spyed a tin of chestnuts, decided to try them for the Christmas day pie, but used them in a veggie pie I made today. Must say it was delicious. Onions, carrots, mixed peppers, veggie sausage and chestnuts made up the filling with a little veggie stock, shortcrust pastry to hold it all together and the family enjoyed it along with roast potatoes, peas and onion gravy for dinner. Made a pastry apple for Bella but she declined to eat it and enjoyed her veggie burger. We usually have Italian food when they come for dinner so this pie made a nice change!
Very wet today out with Ruaridh in the woods got soaked, met Colin with Ziggy Ruaridh had a great play! back home got the dinner ready. Then did a stack of ironing before having a shower and washing my hair. Lunch, back for quick walk with the dog to the park before going to meet Miss B.
Bus up town, popped into Real Foods, then got Bella, walked along the meadows for the bus, what a dreich day.
Arrived home Bella fed Ruaridh who got very excited when we came in.
Graham and Joe arrived we had a cuppa then Layla arrived, Bella played and chatted, she is on the 'go' all the time these days. Had our pie dinner, family left great to have a dishwasher again dishes done sparkling!
Tired away to bed. Goodnight.

Lots to do!

Up early this morning as I had to be over at Bella's house as Joe had to go into work for the morning! Arrived there at the back of 0900h, with Ruaridh, Miss B in good form. We got the farm animals out and made a farmyard, then we decided it would be good to go for a walk. We heard someone shouting Bella, Bella it was Eve Bella's chum from across the road she came with us.
Had a lovely walk along the cycle path showed Eve the birds nest we found when collecting the rosehips, the girls decided to go to the play park so off we went. Ruaridh had a good walk, then a run after squirrels on the park, he then waited by the railings whilst the girls played. They appeared to have a great time climbing and sliding, sadly some idiots set fire to some of the equipment so it had to be removed!
Back to the house did some jigsaws, then Joe came home, he and Bella were going to the Zoo for lunch he dropped me and the dog off at home. Made dough for the bread, made a filling for a pie for dinner tomorrow. Spoke to mum got her Christmas visit organised as the cost of the tickets is going up. Have to get someone to pick her up at Preston on her way back!
Had lunch, made the bread then took Ruaridh for a walk to the park and up Strachan Rd.
Spoke to Layla she is tired.
Graham home cuppa then I had to go to George's for some flour. Made a lovely leek and pea risotto for dinner with salad.
Booked mum's tickets. Also today spoke to John H the paint has arrived so he is going to start on the windows outside!
Tired myelf now Ruaridh is snoring on the sofa by me. Goodnight.

Clocks Back!

As reported yesterday we had Bella stay overnight on the night the clocks were put back an hour. She slept like a dream until 0600h new time when she awoke, that was that, no amount of persuasion would get her back to sleep so in the end we had a Paddington bear story. Eventually I gave up and got up Bella had a huge bowl of shreddies for breakfast then we played snap and read until about 0930h when her Bampa got up. We had our breakfast and she had half a roll.
Slowly we got ready to take Ruaridh and Bella to the play park it had to be slow 'cause one minute it was raining the next fine. Layla phoned they were coming over for her and going to see the movie "UP" We went to the park Ruaridh had a great time playing with two Border terriers and another dog, Bella had a good time on the playpark but all the things were wet! however she managed one or two!
Back home bumped into Joe and Layla, they came in and had coffee Bella had beans on toast with Bampa. Then they left.
Spoke to mum she had been out to a birthday lunch and enjoyed same. Had a sleep then over to the dreaded supermarket for cream as we were having salmon in cream, pasta and salad for dinner delicious.
Watched Ray Mears surviving in different conditions in the wilds of Saskatchewan on BBC2 very interesting.
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Ceilidh

This evening we went to the Ceilidh the wedding party for Steven and Corinna who were married yesterday! We had a great time lots of lovely people, good food and drink. As Bella was staying overnight with us and wanted to leave, we left about 2030h, the time we had there we enjoyed immensely.
Ruaridh delighted to see us back at the house, Bella and Bampa fed him then both sat down to a bowl of shreddies. Bella was very tired and asked to go to bed, got her into her PJ's, cleaned her teeth read Captain Pugwash! sang a little song and soon she was fast asleep in her mummy's old bed! Sweet Dreams.
Had a bit of a lie in this morning, after I saw to Ruaridh, Graham made the early morning cuppa. Up went for the Guardian then made a fry-up for breakfast. After which got ready to take Ruaridh to the park and woods, then over to the dreaded supermarket. Good walk though no dogs in sight, back home Layla and Bella popped in with Bella's bed, after they left I made two smoked haddock quiche for the ceilidh.
Got ready and left, as I said had a great time meeting old friends and new. We even had a magician entertain us at the table he was excellent.
After Bella was in dreamland a glass of Red then bed as the clocks go back tonight, who knows what time bairns and dogs will waken!

Hair Do!

As we are going to Stephen and Corrina's wedding party tomorrow evening I decided to get my hair done. Over to the hairdresser's for 0945h-phew as I had to take the wee fellow for a walk before getting my hair done. Ruaridh and moi had a nice walk along the shore and saw all the new builds and the ones that are not being built at this moment.
Went up to the hairdresser's was surprised that I got taken straight away, Iain was on the ball, I found out why as he started to cut my hair he is going to be a daddy! Congratulations to him and Danielle.
Left, quick walk with Ruaridh then over to Asda to get the messages! Like this store the produce is good for a fair price.
Home, made dough for bread then had lunch, did my blip, spoke to mum she appears to be busy but well. Graham home quite early after a meeting, dishwasher arrived appears fine, done a practice wash then washed the dinner dishes!
Made the bread, leeks in cheese sauce, roast potatoes and brocolli for dinner tasted fine.
Layla is fine said the wedding was lovely, ceremony and the meal, looking forward to the party tomorrow. Bella looked gorgeous in her brown coat and new shoes!
Going to make a cuppa then to bed. Goodnight.

Tea with the Queen!

After going up to town to get her new shoes for the wedding, Miss B came over to the house with her mummy, she was in great form. Had her crisps and carrot sticks, then we played a little before donning our coats getting Ruaridh and going to neighbour Patricia's garden to get some apples off her tree. We took the collecting basket and came home with it full, the apples taste delicious.
When her Daddy and Bampa came home she got her Bampa to play with her and suddenly was telephoning the Queen about going to tea. As reported by Graham on Blipfoto.com/A Dog's Dinner here is what happened:-
The meal will consist of toasted cheese sandwiches, cakes with cherries on the top and apple juice.
Bella had to ask her Majesty if it was ok for her to bring her Mum and Dad, and her Aunt Nicola and Uncle John along to the Palace
Here's the plan. She will be driving the car with Ruaridh travelling in the front seat, her Granny and Bamba will sit in the back , while the rest of her family will arrive in another car.
Not surprisingly The Queen said that would be fine.
Great imaginings!
Did the pickled onions this morning, then had a shower and washed my hair, before taking Ruaridh to Corstorphine woods we had a great walk the wee fellow had a few adventures with squirrels. He did however come back when I called and appeared quite happy to do so.
On the way back home came across what appeared to be an accident, a car turned on its roof with all the emergency services there. Don't know if anyone was hurt couldn't see and haven't heard, tomorrow maybe.
Had lunch felt tired had a nap.
Layla and Bella arrived when the guys arrived had dinner, pasta and tomato sauce with salad and homemade bread.
Family left they have the wedding of Stephen and Corrina tomorrow, hope the sun shines. Goodnight

Lunch!

Met Layla and Bella in the town today I had a little shopping to do and Layla also needed one or two things so of we set. Eventually got some of the shopping done, then it was time for lunch. Bella wanted fish and chips, easy one would say well try and find that in Edinburgh at lunchtime. Eventually we ended up in a mainly meat eating international joint, silly us!I guess we looked like a couple of rabbits tucking into our Caesar salad without meat. Lettuce and cubes of bread quite pricey for what we got, the kids plate was no better. Gave us a laugh, though we won't be visiting again!
Went to get Bella some shoes just as we got to the door of the shop, the two shop assistants came out and locked the door. Closed said we in surprise, lunch break said they and walked away, what a surprise!!
Told Layla I was going to Gap then getting the bus home, said bye to them both and headed off. Got Graham a new sweatshirt then home. Ruaridh pleased to see me, did my blip fed the dog who never ate the lunch I had left for him! Then we went for a walk to the park and round the streets.
Got the dinner ready, off to meet Graham then to the dreaded supermarket to get some vinegar and pickling spice for the onions.
Had dinner fish and rice with tomato sauce.
Phoned neighbour Patricia for a chat, poor her she wasn't well to-day, but otherwise OK.
Mum is fine and has paid for the new hearing aids!
Spoke to Sue in Canada she had phoned me yesterday and I didn't get the call, had a great chat good to speak!
Boiled the vinegar with the pickling spice.
Did the dishes tired. Going to make a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Pickling!

This afternoon started to peel the shallots we got from the allotment yesterday! Layla and Bella arrived half way through so I finished them before making the dinner.
Up early saw to Ruaridh, then we had breakfast before Graham left for the studio. Had a wash then got ready to take Ruaridh to the park and Ravelston woods, had a lovely walk bumped into Liz with Barney on their way out. Had a chat about photos and cameras, Liz's battery had run out just as she was about to take a photo, said I would give her a card for blipfoto.com:)
Back home cleaned the bathroom, did some hoovering and lots of ironing. Had lunch, made the dough for the pizzas then the girls arrived, did some drawing with Bella had a coffee Bella her apple juice. They stayed a wee while then when they left I finished the onions for the pickling. Took Ruaridh to the park and up Strachan Rd, then when I returned got the toppings ready for the pizzas.
Had the pizzas and homemade coleslaw for dinner.
Phoned mum she is fine, going with her choir on sing outs for the old folk!!
Tired to bed. Goodnight

BAFTA

Over to the allotment today with Layla, Bella and Ruaridh, where in the main I dug up the shallots. Quite a dreich day with rain threatening on and off. Still lots of produce at the allotment, tomatoes, potatoes and beetroot for the famous chutney were taken home today, as well as the shallots which hopefully at the end of the week will be pickled onions. One raised bed has had a rough turn over should be ready for compost next week then covered for the winter. Good walk round the allotments, it is amazing what people leave in the way of produce, on one so many raspberries-would have made pounds of jam!
Back to their house had a lovely lunch, then I read some stories to Bella, played a game with her and made some pretend cakes out of playdough.
Graham and Joe home after 1800h, today they were informed officially that blipfoto had been nominated for a Bafta at the Scottish Bafta Awards on the 8th November, fingers crossed! They deserve it!
Home late made a veggie risotto for dinner with salad-delicious. Layla's tomatoes are superb!
Phoned mum she appears to be OK told her about Aunty Mary having a fall and fracturing her wrist!
Going to bed. Goodnight!

Getting Rid of Old Stuff

Tonight we will put out our old mattress and dishwasher, for the free pick-up tomorrow by the city council garbage men. A household is allowed one free pick-up of up to six items a year which seems good to me. The new mattress is already in situ and very comfortable too, the new dishwasher arrives on Friday!
Uneventful day, up with Ruaridh fed him and let him out, then back to bed dozed, Graham made the early morning cuppa, read the paper. Up and about, fry up for breakfast which tasted really good, made the dough for the bread. Then I had a shower and washed my hair before taking the Wonder Dog for a walk. Pleasant walk in Ravelston woods Ruaridh had a good walk.
Back home, made the bread had lunch, got the 'stuff' ready to take out tonight.
Graham made super Minestrone soup which we had for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and a large cuppa. Yummy!
Watched 'The Last King of Scotland' about Idi Amin on channel4 OK not as goo as the one we atched last night 'Glory' about the first black regiment in the American Civil War-brilliant.
'Old Stuff' out. Having a cuppa then bed. Goodnight.

Fantastic Mr Fox

On picking up the Guardian this morning, noticed we had got a CD with Roald Dahl reading the story he wrote-Fantastic Mr Fox. Layla loved this story when she was wee and so did Graham and moi. Late this afternoon I was just about to download an image on my blipfoto.com/BB account when I looked up and sat there on the back yard wall was a Mr Fox, couldn't believe my eyes. Took some photos through the window what a cheeky chappie. Ruaridh meantime bless him slept through it all!
Up late, well after being up with Ruaridh at 0800h and making the early cuppa, back to bed until about 1100h. Spoke to Layla and Bella, Bella was playing in the bath, with her bath toys, without water whatever turns one on!
Had breakfast scrambled eggs on rolls, toast an coffee. Then a big walk in Corstorphine woods an amazing day, warm, sunny, wonderful colours in the woods. Ruaridh appeared to enjoy it.
Back home cup of tea, spoke to mum she is in good form with the new hearing aids.
Didn't do much this afternoon read a bit of the paper did my blip and so on.
Graham made dinner, salmon in a cream tomato sauce with pasta, salad and homemade bread delicious.
Listening to Don Carlos, Verdi's opera on Radio 3 Bye.

Autumn fun day!

Had a great day today with Layla, Bella and Ruaridh. Had decided to go over to theirs early glad I did as it was such a lovely day sunny and warm. On the way there I took back my wellies as they were too big, sadly they didn't have any in the right size or colour so I will pop in this next week and get something organised.
Graham had the car so Ruaridh and moi walked over from the studio. Once there got ourselves together and set off for IKEA as we both wanted some goodies there. Bella went onto the playground and played on the slide and then slid down a pole which she enjoyed!
Into the store after a while got our messages, Bella tried out some of the toys and the 'little' beds! Eventually back to the car and onto Vogrie Park as you can imagine Ruaridh was delighted one of his favorite places. Down to the cafe as we were starving by this time, Bella had the bairn's plate, we had broccoli soup which was lovely, the Wonder Dog got offered a chew and a bowl of water, now that is service.
Went to the playground and Bella had a fun time on the swings and three slides. Then we collected acorns and pine cones to make decorations with. Ruaridh had a great walk he loves it at this park had a play with a Patterdale, Bella thought it was great as they danced around.
Back to theirs, Graham came to pick me up, Bella fast asleep she dozed off in the car.
Left and went to Asda, got our messages then home.
Layla had given me some burger buns dough so we bought veggie burgers, I finished making the rolls and that is what we had for dinner veggie burgers in a bun with chips-great.
Did the dishes and my blip. Bye.

Mattress

This morning--early took delivery of our new mattress this is the most expensive one we have had in over 30 odd years and boy is it comfortable-Ruaridh has been testing it all day on and off:) We were advised to get this particular one by Joe and Layla who bought one a couple of months ago and say it is the most comfortable one they have ever slept on-watch this space a report will follow!
As the mattress arrived early Ruaridh and moi were able to go for a walk early in the park and woods,
Although it was warm it was quite dark in the woods this morning, had a good walk and The Wonder Dog got to play with a couple of dogs and had a great run around.
Back home top and tailed the rose hips we collected yesterday, now in the freezer. Hopefully will make the syrup next week. Phoned mum she has got her new hearing aids and is well pleased with them!
Had lunch then did a pile of ironing, spoke to Layla she is busy this afternoon, Bella enjoyed playgroup today.
Took Ruaridh to the park he had a great play with Ziggy. Came back made the dinner, then cleaned the stairs. Went to meet Graham off the bus he left his umbrella on it, hope he gets it back tomorrow.
Pasta and tomato sauce with salad and bread for dinner-lovely.
Watched a programme on "Red Lion" pubs on Channel 4 interesting!
Now going to bed. Goodnight.

Rosehipping again!

Up early this morning as Graham had to be on an earlier bus. Gave Ruaridh his breakfast and let him out, then had breakfast with Graham after he had left I did the dishes then tumbled back to bed for another hour. Read for a while then crashed out into a deep sleep for about half an hour, awoke and had a shower and washed my hair.
Then with Ruaridh in tow set off via the park to get fish from Kev. Back to the house organised, into the car with the wee fellow and down to Waitrose before going to see Layla and Bella.
Met them off the bus Bella had been to gym-nippers she really loves this. Had lunch and did some drawing, silly me drew over Bella's alien but the balloon I drew appeared to be attatched to his nose!! and that was OK.
Set off to get more rosehips must weigh them to see if we have enough for the syrup. Had a lovely walk on the cycle path lots of birds flying overhead, don't know if Ruaridh liked them, found a lovely old birds nest couldn't reach it, perfect in shape.
Back to the house via the shore and Asda. Read a story about ten times. Granny Karen came with a friend to take a mattress away for the friend.
Bampa came and there was a photo session with Bella's new tammy but she was giving very 'cheesy' grins, nae joy!
Back home had fish, chips, peas and parsley sauce for dinner-lovely.
Been blipping and blogging now to bed. Goodnight.

Dentist

Had a longish session at the dentist today, a molar has been bothering me for weeks now so today was the start of righting what is wrong. All the old filling cleared out, and temporary one in situ, as in November I will have root canal treatment and a crown fitted. Apparently the molar behind requires some attention so that will be looked at to, hope it's the two as the next session is two and half hours I guess my bank balance will be lighter after all the work!
After this Ruaridh and moi toddled off in the car to the shore and beach, had a super walk hardly anyone there. Ruaridh had a great time running into the sea after the stones I skimmed and threw in for him.
Back home made the wee fellow's dog biscuits, the recipe makes lots and he really likes them, after which I had my lunch. Cleared out some old papers and got lots ready to take up North for burning or shredding. Phoned mum she is on top form, had a laugh with her.
Graham home he made a lovely paella for dinner veggie and prawn.
Layla phoned still not found her bag.
To bed enjoying reading my Birthday book. Goodnight.

Ever felt daft!

We have had this intermittent bleeping sound coming from the area where the gas boiler is housed, sometimes there other times not. So thinking it could be serious I phoned the gas people and they said an engineer would call this afternoon. Sure enough two guys arrived and I showed them the boiler, something bleeped! Thats not the boiler said one that is a low battery in a smoke alarm, as I say ever felt daft. Someone bought the smoke alarm about a year ago and as is our want we didn't fix it up but put it on a shelf close by the gas boiler sure enough that was where the bleep was coming from. I apologised and thanked them for coming, I bet they thought daft woman-that would be right!
Up and breakfast with Graham, then after he left I had a wash and got Ruaridh ready to go to the park and woods. It was cold but sunny when we left, the woods were dark but rays of sunlight came through and lit up the trees and some of the paths. The colours of some of the leaves were amazing.
No dogs to play with, few people in the woods.
Back home made bread and the pastry for tonight's quiche. Had lunch, cleaned the sitting room, did a wash. Graham home later than usual so took Ruaridh for a walk on the park, he had a wee play with a Springer puppy.
Got dinner ready leek quiche, roast potatoes and peas delicious.
Watched a couple of programmes on TV, enjoyed 'Life' with David Attenborough on BBC1
Now tired to bed. Goodnight.
Most important Graham and moi have been married 36 years today!

Purchasing

Today was the day we eventually got around to purchasing a new mattress for our bed here in Edinburgh. Joe and Layla bought a new one a few weeks ago and say it is the best thing since 'sliced bread':) So with Ruaridh in the car off we drove to the Bed Shed a huge warehouse on the east side of the city. At first we couldn't find it, a wrong turn, phoned Joe he directed us and we soon found it. On entering I went into the wrong department, the bed people share their space with a furniture company??
The young woman serving us was very good told us to try the mattress out etc, it has a memory! as Joe and Layla are impressed by theirs and Bella loves it to jump on we were sold, arrives here on Thursday
After that went a walk on Portobello beach went down by the council run dogs home, horrible to hear them all barking, Ruaridh stopped to listen with his head cocked on one side poor dogs. Lovely walk and the wee fellow had a great play with a Springer spaniel and another Border!
Home for lunch then blogging and blipping, reading yesterday's Guardian. Spoke with Layla earlier they are away to Logan's Birthday party well Bella is.
Graham making dinner mushrooms in cream sauce and pasta, will be delicious.
I'm going to attempt to suss this hat out. Bye

Another do nothing day!

Great, had rather a lazy day today after a somewhat hectic week! up with the Wonder Dog then back to bed, Graham up later with the morning cuppa. Had a read of my new book--very good. made a fry -up for breakfast which tasted delicious haven't had one in a while. Then a lovely leisurely shower and hairwash before going to the park and Ravelston woods with Ruaridh.
Good walk and Ruaridh decided to have an adventure and disappeared for a wee while think he wa chasing a fox or squirrel. He came back eventually after lots of shouting, in the Glen we would have left him to find his own way home, bit dodgy here in the city due to the traffic.
Home a very light lunch, blipped and I finished Miss B's tammy, sewed it up but not happy with it so pulled it back, Layla is going to show me how to do it so that it is invisible from the right side!
Had a lovely dinner courgettes in cream sauce with pasta, salad and homemade bread.
Watched the movie "The Sting" Paul Newman great, Robert Redford --hmmm don't know not overly impressed. Started this blog to tired will finish tomorrow. Goodnight.

Allotment and Asda Day!

The weather forecast for today was for rain, however it turned out to be dull with some sunshine. Up at 0800h with Ruaridh dived back to bed for 15 minutes, then up to make and eat breakfast before Graham left for the studio! After he had gone did the dishes, had a wash then as Layla had phoned got everything organised including Ruaridh into the car and off to their house.
Arrived then we got ready to go to the allotment, good walk there Ruaridh had a great play with a couple of dogs on the links. Did quite a bit of stripping from the beds and tidying up at the allotment, Layla got quite a lot of tomatoes and some courgettes. Walked home Bella had time on the playpark.
Back to theirs had lunch, read some stories to Bella then did the Asda trip. Really like to go here and the fresh produce is excellent, surprised who one can meet there! Had a latte in the cafe Bella her favorite apple and pear juice then drove home.
Read more stories and played games with the wee one, we also played with Ruaridh in the garden with a ball that was found on the links.
Graham and Joe late tonight as one of the blippers is in charge of some scouts and they are going into the studio to do their photography badge.
When they arrived home had a lovely dinner of veggie burger in a bun with chips tasted great. As it was late we said our goodbyes and came home. Messages away had a glass of red wine very tired to bed. Goodnight.

Catching up

Behind with some things some long term, some short so as I wasn't seeing the family today thought I would try to catch up. Up and breakfast with Graham, Ruaridh had already been up fed, and out!
Must make bread as had none for Graham's piece! Once Graham had left did the dishes and got the dough ready for the bread. Had a wash and got Ruaridh and myself organised into the car and down to the shore and beach. It was sunny and silly me thought it warm (it was at the house) down at the shore it was very cold, a westerly wind blowing along the shore. Hurried along, Ruaridh had a wee play with a little dog, some stone throwing unfortunately mainly into the mud hence a rather dirty dog, washed him off at the burn! walking back was much warmer as the wind was at my back.
Went to the dreaded supermarket not too bad today, got my messages then home. Made the bread then had lunch, spoke to Layla, Bella had a good time at playgroup. Layla is having to wait in as the man is coming to look at the freezer that is not working properly.
Started to try and clear more of the back part of the garden managed quite a bit, Ruaridh spent most of the time down the side of the house don't know what he found there but it kept him busy! Another third of the garden and then we can bring some hostas down from the north to fill the plot.
Made dinner veggie stew, mashed tatties, carrots and neeps tasted really good when we ate it. Did some ironing then Graham arrived and we had a cuppa and a bread roll. Spoke to mum she appears to be fine.
Still some emails to do then I have done some catching up still lots to do! Bye.

Birthday

Today was my day and what a lovely day it was too, awoke to Joe, Layla and Bella singing happy birthday on the phone. Had breakfast with Graham, lovely card and money off mum, card off Bob and Bets. Phoned mum to thank her and she wished me a Happy Day.
After a wash Ruaridh and moi walked over to the family's house in lovely warm sunny weather, cycle path is amazing at this time of the year leaves changing colour and lots of rosehips. After a lovely walk arrived at the house, Layla and Bella arrived home from gym-nippers-present time, Bella could hardly wait to help me open the presents, lovely trousers and a book subscription for six months yippee!
Out to lunch with the two girls and Joe's mum Karen lovely time. back to the house Bella had a good sleep which was great as we are going out for dinner tonight. When she awoke the cakes were iced and 'fancies' put on, then when Graham and Joe arrived it was Happy Birthday again and a blowing out of the candles.
Home to a lovely surprise stunning bouquet of flowers and my posh wellies from Graham. Then out again to Chop Chop where we had a lovely dinner with the family. Super day thanks to all for making it so. Even got an extra lick off Ruaridh!
Home now having a cuppa and catching up. Goodnight.

Lunch

Today had lunch with my good friend Jane C and her hubby, made the arrangement a wee while ago when I realised I would be near her house when taking Ruaridh to have his hair 'stripped'. Didn't expect to see John but we had a good discussion on how to put Britain to rights? and a lovely lunch. Good to see Jane almost a year since I saw her, as part of the time she lives in Andorra, however I think she is staying here for a while must phone Jane R and Christal and get a meet-up organised!
Left Ruaridh at the 'hairdresser's' Graham was going to pick him up as I was going to get Bella. After a couple of hours left J&J and went up town. Into Gap bought Graham a couple of sweatshirts then on the bus to meet Bella.
The two of us had a lovely walk over the meadows, Bella loved seeing all the different coloured leaves and asked why they were coming off the trees. Attempted to explain about Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer and I'm sure she got the drift, anyway she accepted what she said.
Got the bus home and made the dinner pasta alforno, salad and bread, eaten when Graham, Joe and Layla arrived. Bella played with Bampa and started to say her alphabet which her daddy had been teaching her. She is a joy to have around and gives us lots of laughs. They left, Graham took her to the car and I did the dishes. Tired did my blip then bed. Goodnight.

Jiggity Jig

Returned home to Edinburgh today after spending a couple of nights with the memsahib in The Red Rose County.
Had a lovely time though always lots to do. Mum was in good form we had two good walks and the weather Sunday and today was warm and sunny.
Saturday was very windy but we managed out and had tea and a huge piece of chocolate cake in the wee cafe (can never remember the name), the cake and tea was delicious.
Helped mum with her garden, cutting shrubs and plants back, did her eyebrows and ordered her something off the internet.
Had lovely meals and started to knit Bella's new beret.
Left today had a shop in Preston then onto the train. Good journey Graham and Ruaridh met me, lovely mushroom risotto for dinner with salad.
Not much of a blog, pretty tired. Goodnight.

Grey

After the lovely day yesterday today dawned grey and misty with drizzle. Up with Ruaridh saw to him, then had breakfast with Graham, he was early to the studio, so after he left had a wash and got ready to take the Wonder Dog out. The weather eased up a little so we did go into Ravelston Woods, met quite a lot of people with dogs surprising as the weather was awful. Had a good walk chatted to two women one who lives on the Isle of Harris. Set off for home Layla phoned to say her and Bella would be over for lunch!
Back home made bread, started to clean the bathroom, made minestrone soup. Layla and Bella arrived, Bella wanted beans and chips for her lunch, Layla had the soup and moi had a chip butty-lovely. Played with Bella at emptying a cupboard, she also made three bread rolls for herself and took them home for her breakfast. Played at farmyards then it was time for them to go, she left orders for me to knit a hat she likes, hopefully can get it started tomorrow as I am going by train to visit the memsahib.
Finished the bathroom, did the ironing the Graham was home, had a cuppa and a bread roll.
Minestrone soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and a cuppa--lovely.
Going south tomorrow so maybe no Blogs for a couple of days.
Going to watch a new series of Benidorm on ITV, hope its good didn't really enjoy the last series until I watched it the second time round. Must do the dishes. Bye.

Rosehips

Today after a lovely lunch (carrot soup an crackers) at Layla's, she, Bella, Ruaridh and moi went onto the cycle path to look for and pick rosehips to make rosehip syrup. We found lots and they are now in the freezer until next week when we will try for more then here comes the syrup. Lovely warm sunny day so we all enjoyed the walk, bumped into a guy who was at Uni with Layla who is hoping to settle in Canada (his wife is Canadian.) Then saw this women coming along with her pitbull, passed her then she recognised me and said my name. I recognised her but could I remember her name could I hell, eventually Layla and me worked it out, she had lots of chat about lots of people, took her number I will telephone her!
Back to the house then we got ready and went to Asda, I had already done a Waitrose shop on my way over to the house! Graham came to meet us got the messages, stayed a minute or two at the house then home.
Leek quiche, roast potatoes and peas for dinner lovely. Phoned mum she appears to be OK, going to see her for a couple of nights on Saturday! Top and tailed the rosehips for the freezer, did the dishes. Then to bed. Goodnight.