Weekend Away

Returned to the city today after a weekend away in the Red Rose county. Lovely time with mum, weather rain and sun, quite warm. Had some great beach walks with Ruaridh and lovely meals. Asparagus risotto with salad on Saturday, aubergine parmagiano on Sunday with salad-strawberries and ice cream for dessert with yummy sticky parkin-love it.
The memsahib looked really good when we arrived, having visitors appears to take its toll now and she was ready for us to leave-though I think she enjoyed us being there.
Left today around 1200h uneventful journey home, weather lovely warm and sunny, arrived back in Edinburgh around 1530h.
Small fry up for dinner with mugs of tea, watched the movie Gomorra about today life in Naples, Italy very interesting! Enjoyed a glass of Red!

Great journey south.

No blog yesterday as I was working at the hospital and did not get home until 1815h. Knackered. Though I enjoyed the work and meeting up with friends old and new.
Today after we saw Mr Rushdy onto the bus we got ready to drive down to the Red Rose County, to visit the memsahib. Excellent journey down one stop to have a sandwich, drink and pee for all three of us.
Went straight to Lytham to Lanighan's an amazing wet fish shop, bought shoulder of hake, for dinner tonight, then bought some haddock (white) and undyed smoked for mum. Then into an amazing fruit and veg shop where they sell everything, got some Welsh new tatties, lemons and rhubarb for mum.
Got an ice-cream from the ice-cream vendor on the bicycle. Tasted delicious.
Down to mum's she was happy to see us and looked good. Had a cuppa and a cake then had a chat.
Harrison popped in to see us, and said he would be back later.
Hake with tomato sauce and new potatoes delicious. Did the dishes then Harrison was back and we took The Wonder Dog for a walk on the beach and prom where he enjoyed playing with Harrison and his football.
Back at mum's and to bed. Goodnight.

Hair!

This afternoon I managed to get my hair done after one or two false starts! Iain was in good form and his newborn son believe it or not is ten weeks old tomorrow.
Took the Wonder Dog for a walk in the woods and then we went to get the fish from Kev before heading over to Layla's in the car, popped into Waitrose on the way over. Lunch with Layla and Bella then I walked over to the hairdresser's. Layla, Bella and Ruaridh picked me up and we set off for the allotment, where we spent about two hours weeding, watering and playing. Left about 1700h met Graham at theirs then home.
Fish, rice and tomato sauce for dinner, Mr Rushdy had his when he arrived home from Samia's.
Spent the evening chatting then to bed as I am working in the morning. Goodnight.

Lunch with Jane

Had a phone call earlier in the week from Jane C my chum to let me know she was in Edinburgh for a week and would like for us to meet up! So I changed my hair appointment and said I would be over at hers around 1230h.
Up had breakfast as yesterday, a shower and washed my hair before Tawfik once again accompanied Ruaridh and moi to the woods for a walk. Then decided to leave The Wonder Dog with Mr Rushdy instead of taking him over to Graham at the office, left instructions and his food hope he copes--the dog as well as Mr Rushdy.
Walked over to Jane's called in at Waitrose met Judy Egginton had a wee chat, then marched on.
Had lunch then set off to meet Bella, met up with her, she scooted and walked over The Meadows, we stopped and had a wee 'picnic'then carried on for the bus.
We were supposed to be going for wool for her new jumpers, but she decided not too, then after we had passed the stop for the wool shop she wanted to get the wool! Anyway she got new sandels instead We played and then she helped me put the lasagne together! Layla arrived followed by Graham and Joe.
Had a lovely meal with Tawfik, veggie lasagne, salad and homemade bread, good chat--coffee, then the family left for home.
We took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods, then bed. Goodnight.

New prop

Today I invested in a new prop to push the washing line up. Had to go to the dreaded supermarket for messages so popped into Homebase and found a prop-great.
Up with the Wonder Dog then Graham, Tawfik and moi had breakfast before Graham left for the studio.
Got ready for a walk in the woods then with Tawfik accompanying Ruaridh and moi we set off, met some of the dog walkers interesting conversations!
Back home I went to the supermarket. When I returned home we had lunch and lots of chats.
Made bread then Ruaridh and moi went to meet Graham via the woods. Tawfick left to see his daughter Samia.
Phoned mum she is fine her friend Irene had gone to see the Blackpool team return home!
We had frittata, potatoes and peas for dinner delicious.
To bed. Goodnight.

Heatwave

Had a super afternoon with Layla and Bella in their garden, it was a scorcher, so we got the big paddling pool out and started to fill it, guess what it started to rain. Only rained for a minute or two then the sun came out again. Layla had very kindly invited Tawfik, Samia and Fion for dinner at 1830h so most of the afternoon she was busy cooking.
Bella did her writing and played in the garden, then when Layla went to Asda, Bella and Graham went with her, I stayed behind to take Ruaridh for a walk-no joy he was having none of it. So chatted to the neighbours and read some of the Guardian, then the family came back and Bella's wee chum Eve arrived and they went into the pool and had a great time.
Joe came home from work, and the visitors arrived to lots of lovely Indian food what a feast, as it was still warm we sat outside on the new deck and had a lovely meal and chat. Thanks to the family for a super day and meal, especially the cook!
Bella was so tired she went to bed herself wee soul. We left and came home. To bed. Goodnight.

Uncle Tawfiq

Today he arrived older looking than when I last saw him but still the same lovable character! His daughter Samia and her friend Fion were also at the station to meet him. After greetings we went to the Fruitmarket Gallery and had a drink and a bun along with a chat. We then all caught the bus back to ours and had dinner. Luckily I had made enough tomato sauce so with spaghetti, a big salad and homemade bread, we had a lovely meal and carried on the chat. Tawfik left with his daughter and Fion to go to a meeting, Graham took them, then we picked him up later.
Up quite early as I was going to the allotment with the two girls, called in at Waitrose to get some messages before driving over with Ruaridh to theirs. A lovely hot sunny day, took Ruaridh for a walk around the Leith links, then we took a picnic with us and planted peas, more broad beans and some long beans, had our lunch then went back to their house as I was leaving Ruaridh there, so I could go up town to meet our visitor. Graham would pick up the car and the dog and drive home.
Good day, to bed. Goodnight.

Washing Line.

We have been without a washing line for about 2/3 years now. However the other month Layla managed to find me one that is fixed to the fence and when required you just pull the two lines out and fasten them to hook situated in the opposite fence. It is great, got three loads of washing done and dried yesterday and today.
Had a phone call from Mr Rushdy today he is coming tomorrow to stay for a few days. Spoke to Layla she and Bella are fine, Bella to the dentist then her Kindergarten
Out to the woods with Ruaridh they look amazing, bluebell carpets everywhere very quiet there today.
Back home made bread, asparagus soup and a tomato sauce for tomorrow.
Ruaridh and moi had lunch outside so sunny an warm, then listened to the afternoon play 'Cinders' on Radio 4 very good. Next door neighbour put on a CD before long I was listening to 'Silent Night'in May oh dear!
Took Ruaridh for a walk, then phoned mum hoping to go for a visit in about a weeks time.
Graham home tired and thirsty after his walk from the studio. I had a shower then Graham did lovely. Asparagus soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon in bread rolls-lovely!
Going to bed. Bye.

Telephone call!

The landline phone went this evening and what a blast from the past when I answered it! Tawfiq Rushdy who we have known most of our lives or seems like. A lovely Arab of Egyptian descent he is one of the best! Anyway he is coming to stay for a day or two to visit us, also his daughter who is a student here in Edinburgh. I await his call:)
Up early as I had to be over at Layla's as she is expecting the delivery of a chair, and has to take Bella to her gym nippers class. Sods law I was just parking the car at hers when the big green delivery van came round the corner ah well!
They took off for the class and I took the Wonder Dog along the cycle track lovely walk. We then all met up and had lunch before going to the allotment.
Great day there with one or two minor mishaps, got the wire up for the raspberries to cling to,and the mulch down on the ground between the rasps. Everything is looking great, looking forward to having homegrown cucumbers.
Back to their house, sat on the deck with Bella, like a micro climate so warm.
Graham came and after a minute or two we left for home.
Vegetable risotto with salad for dinner lovely.
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Slippers

Today met up with Miss B and had a walk to buy her some new slippers. She got some lovely pink cozy ones, the woman in the shop gave her some pompoms to sew on to them, also got a badge! After this we caught two buses to our house and arrived there at the same time as Grandpa and Daddy.
Up quite early had a shower and washed my hair love that shower! Then Ruaridh and moi got our act together and took off for the woods, had a lovely walk the light was amazing, he had a wee play with Bria but seems quite tired.
Back home did three loads of washing got it hung out and all dry! made the meal for tonight Aduki bean pie, got the tatties ready. Vacuumed, saw to some business had lunch-sat outside. Left to go up town.
Did further business things before meeting Miss B.
When Layla arrived at ours we had dinner Aduki bean pie, boiled tatties and peas, Bella had a veggie burger.
We played and read some books then they left.
Graham put the hostas in the back garden that we had brought from the Glen.
To bed. Goodnight.

Found- the shoe!

Today just as we were planning to leave the cottage to drive home Misty the collie pup arrived with her mistress Katie and yes guess what my missing shoe. She did nick it and took it home with her, little bugger!anyway I was delighted to get it back as this pair of shoes was quite expensive!
Got packed and sorted, left the Glen around 1230h stopped on the way out to take Ruaridh for a walk in the woods, then on our way.
Good journey down and the weather was fine in fact when we arrived in edinburgh it was very warm compared to the Glen. Home fed the wee fellow did a few bits and bobs, then after Graham had a shower off to visit Miss B and her mummy and daddy.
What a surprise at theirs a lovely new deck (photo later) it is so big! Joe designed and made it well done that man. Quite a few years ago he designed the one at the Glen, then he and Layla built it, I love it.
Had a delicious dinner roasted vegetables and pasta with salad yummy. After dinner a trot out to the allotment for Joe to fix in the 'stoops' for the raspberry canes. Home via Asda bought wine, crisps and chocolate along with stuff for tomorrows dinner!
Phoned mum she is fine she was at her choir.
To bed. Goodnight.

Lost Shoe

Would you believe I have lost a shoe I am pretty miffed as they cost £90. I think Misty the collie pup from the croft who is Ruaridh's playmate has nicked it, searched the house, garden and the field no shoe. Phoned up Ronnie her owner who said if he found it he would phone and let me know! no joy when I went to bed at 2355h. Lovely day had a great sleep last night, up for a pee then back to bed and slept 'til 0840h great sleep.
Up and about porridge, toast and coffee for breakfast, then as Miss Misty was over to play with Ruaridh, I did a lot of strimming whilst Graham worked hard sawing logs-which we placed in the greenhouse. Had a late lunch.
Made bread, tattie scones then a batter for the dinner Graham was making onions in batter with tatties, peas and Greek beans. When we ate this, tasted delicious.
Settled down to watch an amazing Russian movie 'The Italian' about a wee boy who had been abandoned by his mum and was due to be adopted by an Italian couple-superb acting! well worth watching.
Bye for now. Goodnight.

Squalls

Today it has rained almost non-stop, early this morning we had blue skies and sun didn't last too long. Had a lovely bath and washed my hair this morning before we had a fry up for breakfast tasted good.
Spoke to Layla they are all fine having lots of friends to dinner this evening.
When the rain seemed to slow down we decided to go down to the beach the heavens opened we even had
hailstones! managed a walk without getting too wet just a little as Miss B says!
Back home changed into PJ bottoms got a cuppa and a scone and Christine arrived she joined us for the cuppa and eats! She stayed and chatted for a couple of hours, good to see her!
Pizza and chips for dinner--out of the freezer enjoyed it though.
Just doing blipping and blogging, tired tonight, ? early to bed. Bye

Sunshine and the Beach

Had an email from John H today would I phone him, wondered what the hell was up so phoned him straight away. Apparently he had put a wrong piece on the hot water pipe to the new shower and there was a chance that it might cause a big leak-so he had to go down to rectify it poor John, he arrived for the key and off he set.
Before this excitement we had breakfast and after a wash got ready to take Ruaridh for a walk. The sun was shining and in sheltered places was quite warm, went to the village shop then on to the village beach. Ruaridh had a great time running in the grass, on the shore and into the sea and river after stones, lovely to be out on the beach the water is crystal clear.
Had a super walk returned home and had a light lunch before getting stuck into the strimming of the grass again, Graham got the lawn mower out and off we go! Did quite a lot in the garden, had to stop to get dinner ready Aduki bean pie, tatties and peas with tomato sauce for this meal-delicious. Also made scones lovely with a cuppa.
Spoke to mum, is my dad's anniversary today 27 years since he died, we still miss him.
Also spoke with Layla they are all fine Bella had to have some vaccinations today she was very good.
So to bed. Goodnight.

Summertime approaching--

--I think not even though the swallows are swooping about the Glen and the cuckoo song is loud and clear! Today was cold and rainy, though we did manage to mow and strim a bit of the grass before the rain poured down!
Up with Ruaridh at 0730h fed him and let him into the garden, then back to bed and fell asleep again. Graham up and made the morning cuppa which tasted delicious, I then got up and made breakfast porridge, toast and coffee. Had a wash then getting ready to take The Wonder Dog a walk and John H arrived to pick up some things he had left in Edinburgh. Misty the local crofters dog arrived with him and Ruaridh and she played for about three hours.
Out to mow and strim until we were rained off.
Spoke to Layla, Bella is going to her new kindergarten this afternoon which I'm sure she will love, playing and baking etc. Edit:- she loved it.
Spoke to mum she is fine their weather has been warm today-lucky them!
Just hung about this pm having cuppa's eating scones and oatcakes and cheese.
Graham making dinner asparagus risotto and salad lovely.
Hoping to watch a movie tonight will edit later. Bye.

R & R

Left the big smoke for a few days at the cottage! Had a great journey up after a really good nights sleep. Up and about had breakfast and a wash then finished the packing for our few days of R&R. Took Ruaridh to the woods for a quick walk then Graham met us and off we go.
One stop on the way at the 'pee' stop and a bite to eat, then we arrived at the cottage at 1615h.
Listened to the politics on the way up strange bed fellows but POWER can cloud all, that is what has happened here! One journalist likened Cameron and Clegg to Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau ie 'The Odd Couple' they were funny, can't see that in Dave and Nick!
The coalition appear to have set things in motion that should be questioned, let us wait and see! Democrats indeed.
Mushroom omelette, chips and peas for dinner lovely.
Did the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

Gordon Brown resigns!

Brown took the bull by the horns this evening and resigned as Prime Minister, he gave a very dignified speech with his wife by his side before going to the palace. This is an evening we will remember, the day the Lib/Dems got into bed with the Tories-watch this space.
Up with the Wonder Dog, then breakfast before Graham left for the studio. Then into the new shower- amazing just like standing under warm rain.
Into the woods for Ruaridh's walk he had a great time with a gang of dogs they played for ages.
Back home into the car and down to Waitrose to get messages as we are hoping to go to the Glen tomorrow.
Finished shopping, back to the house had lunch then got on with a pile of ironing before attacking the hall and stairs-cleaning them that is:)
Out with Ruaridh to the woods then on to meet Graham off the bus, home for a cuppa and a bread roll.
Cauliflower cheese, potatoes and peas for dinner-delicious.
Got a new PM with a side kick, ah well nuff said not my choice! Wait and see. Bye!

Dog Biscuit Day

Somewhere in today I had to make dog biscuits for the Wonder Dog, I managed it this evening and he now has about 72 homemade ones. Lucky dog!.
Graham had a day off today to finish off the work that John was supposed to do i.e. the lights in bathroom and the cleaning of the grout off the tiles. After breakfast and a wash I took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods, he was delighted to meet his friend Bria and they had a great play. I had a chat to Karen the owner of Bria!
Home, over to Homebase to buy some more light bulbs as the ones Graham had used were to high a wattage and they had blown. Popped into the dreaded supermarket to get a few messages. Then when I got home I cleaned the bathroom floor, took about three washes and still has white streaks on it!
Had lunch then made dough for the bread. Spoke to Layla she is fine, Bella at home with Joe. Graham and moi took Ruaridh to the woods met Jacob the Bernese Mountain Dog pup he is like a bear cub amazing!
Graham made dinner, kedgeree, tasted really good, haven't eaten it in ages.
Hoping to go up to the cottage on Wednesday fingers crossed.
Spoke to mum she is fine appears to be quite busy!
To bed. Goodnight

Hanging about day!!

Today appears to be just that! No Blog yesterday as I forgot, well by the time I looked at the clock it was to late. So yesterday was the day we moved back into our own house as the family were coming home from Ibiza late at night.
Got up with the Wonder Dog yesterday morning, made a cuppa back to bed and crashed out until 1130h-lovely. Awoke slowly, had a bath and washed my hair, then up to make breakfast had a fry-up delicious. Then eventually made our way to the allotment, did some weeding and tidying, before returning to the house. Got all our things together and tidied up, repotted two cucumber plants looking good. Took the dog for a walk via Asda, walked along the shore to Newhaven love that place so interesting.
Had dinner leek quiche, roast potatoes and asparagus lovely, then piled into the car with Ruaridh and home.
John still here though not working, got organized to some degree. Layla sent texts they are on their way home!
Glass of Red then bed. Goodnight.
Awoke Sunday morning around 0800h, up with Ruaridh then made the morning cuppa. Great excitement as blipfoto.com featured in the Scottish edition of the Sunday Times, super article and good photo of Joe, well done. John up and about, so stayed up and made breakfast scrambled eggs on toast with coffee lovely! John busy, so Graham and moi took the wee fellow for a walk to the park and woods. Phoned Layla we are going over later to see them. Phoned mum she is fine, managed to get her to see some of Joe's photo's from the holidays on blipfoto.
Over to the family lovely to see them looking relaxed and having had a super holiday. Bella was playing with Eve and it was all about going on holiday! she looked well sporting her new bracelet.
Back home John finishing the bathroom, he is leaving tonight shower looks great.
After John had left dinner, asparagus in cream with pasta, salad and homemade bread.
Listening to the crap about the election-Rock on!
Going to bed. Goodnight.

Decision- what now!

Woke up this morning with no one party with an overall majority to govern, now in the evening the electorate are still non the wiser, though deals are being spoken of left, right and centre. Is any party fit to govern, we wait.
Up quite late as Graham went into work later, breakfast then a wash before going over to the house with the new lights, quick chat with John then Ruaridh and moi took off for town to buy new wine glasses as I have managed to break two here!
Back to the house then Ruaridh and moi set off along the cycle path and down to the shore, lovely walk in the sun though still a very cold wind. Walking past the Old Chain Pier Inn met two couples from St Louis, Missouri had a chat nice folk. Down to the harbour before returning home.
Lunch then did my blip, some washing and caught up with the fiasco of the election. Graham home early, phoned mum she is upside down re election otherwise OK
Dinner leek, pea and mint risotto with salad for dinner-lovely. Made bread also looks good.
Watching a programme on 4OD about a UK Pensioner who returned to Bull Fighting!! Goodnight

Decision Time-----

Today is the day the citizens of the United Kingdom decide who is going to govern them for the next few years. Difficult one as after the last Iraq War I vowed never to put an X against the candidate for Labour again. However after careful thought and being bombarded with enough posters, letters and newspapers from the Lib Dems to wallpaper a room, I put my X for the party I think are the least offensive. Also in the long term I think they are the party with the economic and social well being of the citizens at heart, though if they win they are going to have to pull their (not blue) socks up!
Had a super walk with Ruaridh today past Newhaven harbour and along the shore,
Met an older couple trotting along with their polling cards to vote, they informed me they were up early today to perform their civic duty.
Saw two chaps leaning over the fence staring into the harbour, ? meditating on the outcome for today.
The air was filled with the smell of haddock ? being smoked at Welsh's Fishmongers.
Phoned mum she appears to be fine.
Back to the house, did some washing and ironing, repotted the cucumber and pumpkin plants.
Had lunch did my blip catching up with my blog now.
Dinner this evening roasted veg and pasta. Maybe have to go to Asda for messages. Went to Asda then back to the house. Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Weeding and Watering!

Today was the day for the allotment! Graham had to be up early to catch the train to Glasgow for meetings there. We had breakfast, then after Graham left I had a leisurely bath and washed my hair.
Booked some shifts for the next sets of exams, caught up with my blog and commenting on blip before getting Ruaridh and walking to the allotment.
Good walk and it was sunny and warm, did some weeding and watering and a wee bit of tidying before setting off back to the house. Had a good walk round Leith Links very hungry when I got home had a veggie burger between toast tasted delicious.
Walked over to Asda got some messages, John H is leaving this evening to drive for 4 hours to vote and get his car!! Hopefully back tomorrow.
Graham home still full of a rash he developed on Monday evening, reaction ? to what, and felt miserable.
Had a cuppa and crisps, for dinner minestrone soup and crackers, followed by tinned salmon sandwiches with another cuppa!
To bed early. Goodnight.

Lights!!

Today was the day for buying downlights, after going out to Ikea yesterday-no joy, Graham remembered a specialist Light shop by the studio. We did pop round there yesterday but they were closed due to the bank holiday!
Up and about, breakfast then a wash before taking the Wonder Dog along the cycle path past the old railway houses and down along the shore. Met a nice woman with a dog who gave me a bit of background history of why the train went to the shore. It used to go to the Old Chain Pier, there steamers waited to take people on pleasure trips down the river Forth as far as Alloa. A storm destroyed the pier in the late 19th C and as damage was estimated at £500 it was never rebuilt. The Old Chain Pier Inn that is in use today used to be the booking office.
After this adventure met Graham at the Light shop bought Lights no problem! took them over to John at the house too small, so back to the shop to change them. At the house watered the hostas and runner beans and had a cuppa. Stopped at Waitrose before going to the Lights shop.
Back to house late lunch, then made dinner and minestrone soup for Graham. Leek quiche, potatoes and peas for dinner lovely.
Watched a programme about the Cat Dancers on 4OD Weird!
To bed Goodnight.

Holiday for May DayI

Total mayhem! yesterday bad enough today even worse! No blog yesterday spent the day clearing up the tiles and the mess from the plasterboard after John H arrived around lunchtime. Took the Wonder Dog to the woods had a lovely walk, spent time running around to buy tools before we finally left to stay at the family's. Had a bath, had dinner then watched the film 'The Badlands'.
May Day holiday awoken by John around 0930h another busy, busy day. Up had breakfast, then after a wash took the wee fellow for a walk to the shore, he has been so good with all the comings and goings. John drove over to meet Graham then I rendezvoused with them and we hit the big B&Q, got what we wanted there.
Then Graham and moi continued on to IKEA big mistake, kids FUN DAY-fun day if that is fun count me out, it was mobbed and the poor kids were hot and going crazy! not much fun there, also lots of people don't buy anything-strange. Admittedly they didn't have what we wanted but we bought a couple of items we needed.
Back home Graham made a Chinese for dinner lovely. Spoke to mum and my cousin James they were going out for dinner.
Watched a programme on 4OD re 'Dancing Boys' in Afghanistan--food for thought here in more ways than one!
To bed. Goodnight.

Love Films--

--tonight 'The Life of Others'. This is a great movie of the Stasi of Eastern Germany before the Wall came down circa 1984. A film about a group of creative people who appeared to support the state but were also subversive-well worth watching.
A very busy day getting the bathroom ready for John, buying tiles. Took the wee dog for a walk in the woods, didn't meet anyone but had a great walk.
Graham planted all the hostas in the garden and I strimmed the front lawn.
Had a lovely dinner of asparagus in a cream sauce with pasta and salad.
The family left on holiday, we will be moving into theirs on Sunday.
Very tired. Goodnight.