Busy Bee

Today I was up early to finish the housework I started yesterday, you may have guessed from reading my Blog housework does not come very high on my agenda! Up first with the Wee fellow, then got breakfast organised before having a quick wash and taking Ruaridh to the woods. Lovely walk met one or two people no play for Ruaridh!
Back home finished most of the house work then had a shower and lunch before Ruaridh and moi headed off for the hairdreser's.
Had a quick walk along the shore then went to get my hair done, it is OK but has never looked the same as when Iain did it in this style the first time!! Another walk for Ruaridh then to Asda where I met up with Layla and Bella had a good shop then back to theirs to wait for Graham.
Layla's friend Julie and her son Enke came nice to meet them and have a coffee. Graham arrived and we left for home.
Phoned mum she is OK.
Broccoli quiche, new potatoes and peas for dinner. Lovely!
To bed. Goodnight.

Cramond

Today I had to start doing the housework long overdue as we have a visitor arriving from Sweden on Wednesday. She has been a 'blipper' for years and is coming over for the opening of life.turns. project on Thursday! So after breakfast and a wash, and some housework ticked got the Wonder Dog into the car and drove down to the shore, had a good walk along the beach then drove over to visit Layla and Bella for lunch then we went to the allotment!
At the allotment gathered more raspberries and did a little bit of weeding, as well as playing with Miss B. back to theirs to await Graham didn't stay too long, as I still had housework to do.
Pasta with tomato, garlic and basil in olive oil with salad lovely.
Finished the rest of the housework before crashing into bed. Goodnight.

Film Night

Awoke this morning with the Wonder Dog fed him and let him into the garden then back to bed, crashed out Graham awoke me at 1000h with a cuppa, drank that whilst lying in bed reading my book.
Up toast and cappachino for breakfast, had a wash then off for a walk in the woods and through the meadowland. Layla phoned they had a great time camping especially the bairns but left early as it was raining. Phoned mum she had been to church and was fine told her Hari was blipping!
Graham made a lovely dinner courgettes in cheese and cream sauce with pasta delicious.
After which I loaded the dishwasher and the we sat down to watch 'A Tin Drum' an interesting but quite disturbing movie in many ways. Love getting the films from 'Love Films' some have been amazing but all good!
To bed as I have loads to do tomorrow and visit the allotment. Goodnight!

Canada Calling!

Today was a day of doing many things, although when I awoke I thought for a second it might be a lazy day! Anyway up quite early as I was in bed early last night and had a good sleep. Made the early morning cuppa which I drank in bed then up for breakfast -small fry-up! After a wash got ready and drove down to the shore walked along to the East and saw loads of caravans, travelers or evangelical Christians who knows. Some of the younger folk were doing crazy things in cars.
Met Dylan the cocker spaniel and the wee fellow had a great play. Set off to Asda as we needed some messages, then onto try and buy some mosaic tiles no joy!
After this we went to the allotment and gathered more raspberries, courgettes and beans. Graham watered the greenhouse then home!
The landline telephone rang what a super surprise I got Sue my buddy phoning from Canada we chatted and laughed for about an hour made me feel good must really try and visit next year! Though Sue may be coming over and we may go to Prague-lovely!
Pasta and tomato sauce for dinner with avocado, tomato and basil salad yummy!
To bed. Goodnight.

Uncertain

Today dawned with the sun shining but a wee chill in the air. We were hoping to get up to the Glen to cut the grass! but a meeting today and one on Monday, also the forecast for rain in the N/W put paid to that, we decided to stay in the city and go up in a couple of weeks!
Up and about early as the men are coming to clean the lounge and hall carpet, at this point we were going to the Glen. Took Ruaridh to the woods had a good walk met up with Dino and Desmo the two springer spaniels and their owner!
The guys arrived dead on 1100h to do the carpet, they appear to have done quite well as yours truly has spilt red wine on the carpet on numerous occasions.
Had lunch and started to pack to go to the N/W, did the ironing, I kept checking the weather but the forecast was crap!
Graham phoned around 1530h and we decided then it was daft to travel for eight hours round trip when we might even not get to cut the grass! Graham arrived home and I took Ruaridh for a walk through the woods and meadowland-a lovely evening here!
Made broccoli quiche for dinner with new potatoes and peas lovely.
Tired so to bed early. Goodnight.

In the City

Had a lovely day today up and about as Graham had an early meeting, breakfast together then after he left I had a shower and washed my hair. Ruaridh and moi then set off to the woods for his morning constitutional.
The woods were very quiet but as I had my wellies on walked through the meadow, it is so beautiful the sun shone the flowers and pond looked lovely in the sunlight. Phoned mum she is fine, Jenny is staying with her some nights.
Back home had lunch as this afternoon I'm going up town to meet up with Layla and Bella, caught the bus, met this delightful lady called Joyce she made my day. She told me about a surprise 60th birthday party they were planning for her son who lives in Norfolk, and she is going down tomorrow. We had a great chat about family, politics, life in Britain, what a joy! She even met Layla and Bella as we bumped into her coming out of a bank!
Couldn't find anything I wanted in Habitat, so we left for Helios Fountain bought the books I wanted then over to the Lot cafe for a drink and the customary cupcake/fairycake with apple juice for Miss B. Then I said bye to them and headed home.
Ruaridh delighted to see me, fed him then set off to walk to Waitrose with him to meet Graham and get some messages.
Finished there then back home. Fresh pasta and tomato sauce with salad for dinner lovely.
Tired so caught up with blipping and blogging then to bed. Goodnight!

Home--Rain

Had a lovely time in the Red Rose County, it rained for most of the time but we managed on foot and by taxi to get out and about. When it was fine the pedalo's and trampolines were used, ice cream and ice lollies eaten then on to the pier, lots of fun for Bella on the various machines.
Home yesterday, good train journey!
Today up and about, took Ruaridh to the local woods met no-one, in the park he had a good play with a wee Yorkie, who ran him around! Phoned mum she is fine!
Into the car and to the dentist, nothing unusual found with my teeth, back in August!
Over to see Layla and Bella, lunch then to the allotment very wet, raining ++ collected lots of raspberries-now jam, also courgettes, lettuce, radish and calendula collected.
Calendula soaking in olive oil a project for Bella:)
Back at theirs read some stories and helped Miss B eat some raspberry jam! Graham came over and we left for home.
Veggie risotto and salad for dinner, then made pancakes had two with raspberry jam and a cuppa-lovely!
Going to bed. Goodnight!

Visitors leave

Today Liz and Cammy are heading back to the N/E so I am going up town with them and there we will meet Layla and Bella for lunch.
Breakfast together then I had a wash before taking Ruaridh to the woods for a walk, once again no-one in the woods so had a lovely walk with the wee fellow. Cammy was looking at blip, Liz getting things ready for home!
Off to get the bus met up with Layla and Bella and for the first time in my twenty odd years in Edinburgh we went for lunch at the Undercroft Cafe beneath St Andrew’s and St George’s Church on George St. run by volunteers we all had a lovely lunch in peaceful surroundings. Thank you Liz! After which we paid a visit to Jenners, Bella loved the toy dept. in fact she mentioned to me it was more interesting than looking at shirts!!
Then Liz and Cammy went for their train, Layla and Bella for their bus and moi for mine to see Ruaridh.
He was delighted to see me, fed him then we went a short walk in the woods before meeting Graham.
Back home I got ready to pop down to one of the local hospitals as a Charge Nurse I worked with is retiring early. We didn't always agree but we had a respect for each others opinions. Good to see about ten people there that I knew, though a lot of staff turned up to say farewell.
Stayed for 30 minutes then picked up a curry and rice at the dreaded supermarket chapati's at the Indian take away and home. Tasted delicious.
To bed. Goodnight.
Edit:- Away to the Red Rose County for a couple of days so probably no blog!

Baking Day!

Awoke to the rain tippling down Liz and Cammy decided today was a great day to visit Dynamic Earth. So we ate breakfast together then after showers and washes they set off and I took the Wonder Dog to the woods. Met one other person with her greyhound I like the woods like this as long as one has wet weather gear on it is lovely, very quiet and peaceful. Had a good walk managed to dodge the rain!
Back home decided to make pancakes for the boy and do the pastry as we are having a leek quiche for dinner.
Spoke to Layla she and Bella played snap in bed until lunchtime as the weather is crap! Definitely a PJ's day! they then made biscuits.
Did some ironing then Liz and Cammy arrived back, they enjoyed the venue but it is so expensive!
Took the wee fellow to the woods and to meet Graham.
Made the quiche for dinner along with new potatoes and peas rather nice-LIz wants the recipe!
Cammy got more tuition in blip.
Tired to bed. Goodnight!

Happy Birthday Rosie!

Up and about with the Wonder Dog who was desperate to go and waken our visitors. Made breakfast for us all then after Graham left for the studio I had a wash and took the wee fellow for a walk in the woods, we met no-one. Back at the house said goodbye to Liz and Cammy who were going up town to meet Rosie (Liz's second daughter) who has a Birthday today!
I then got ready to take the dinner over to Layla's and Joe's as we are eating there tonight. Got Ruaridh into the car then stopped off at Waitrose to get messages, after this we continued on our way. Very busy on their street as new gas pipes are going in!
Parked took all the things down to the house, then set off with Ruaridh to leave him at the office whilst I went to get Bella and join the rest for lunch.
Got Bella, Liz, Rosie and Cammy were at Henderson's so we made our way there for lunch!
Lovely to see the Birthday Girl it has been a while, she is looking great,they had finished lunch, so I had salads and Bella had a croissant lovely and apple juice.
We then went down to Princes Street gardens and ate a big ice-cream, after this Bella, Cammy and moi went on the horses on the roundabout--great fun. Rosie then had to leave to go back to Glasgow so we said fond, farewells and went to get our Bus.
Caught the bus to Bella's and we had a laugh attempting to remember which stop to get off at:) Managed.
Got the roasted veg in the oven Graham and Joe arrived the bairns played Cammy is great with Bella who stands with the big eyes looking at him! Got the pasta ready Layla arrived, Joe made a lovely salad and we sat down to eat the fruits of our labours-delicious, with Red Wine from aunty Liz. A great meal.
Later we left to come home a truly lovely day!
Home Mick L phoned good to have a chat. To bed. Goodnight!

Visitors

Met up with Liz and Cammy at 1400h today they came down on the bus from Aberdeen, lovely to see them both again. As we were all hungry we trotted off to Pizza Express and had a delicious lunch! Ruaridh was delighted to see Cammy again and loved rolling around with him!
Good to have a chat. Then Cammy came with me to take Ruaridh for a walk through the woods to meet Graham.
Cammy had a lovely time sussing out runs for a future mountain bike trip! met Graham and home.
Made the dinner baked tatties with butter, cheese, baked beans and tuna in mayonnaise. Also made the roasted vegetables for tomorrow evening's meal!
Quite late to bed, tired. Goodnight!

Blustery!

Miss B had a sleep over with us last night and a lovely time was enjoyed by all! We were up QUITE early and I was somewhat 'dizzy' reading Mr Men books but it is fun! We had two breakfast, then just as a pretend picnic was happening Mummy and Daddy arrive. Joe tested the new coffee machine with a cappachino and then they left.
We got ready and took Ruaridh down to the shore and beach very blustery, sunny and warm. We had a lovely walk and met one or two interesting people! Then headed over to Asda to get messages before popping in to the family to drop off some things Bella had left.
Back home pasta, salmon in cream sauce with salad for dinner.
Getting ready for our visitors tomorrow, then bed. Goodnight.

Smoke!

Met up with Layla and Bella in town today as we all decided to go and see the Christen Kobke exhibition, Danish Master of Light. Some amazing landscapes and portraits, liked the ones of his house, however thought there would be more light around rather like the Skagen Painters.
Afterwards went to Jenner's for a drink and a cake, then got the bus home with Bella. Ruaridh delighted to see us. We read stories and played various games then I made fish and chips for dinner which we enjoyed with lashings of tomato ketchup.
Bella then watched a couple of 'Charlie and Lola' before going to bed, read a couple of Mr Men stories then in no time she was asleep.
Catching up on blip, Blog and knitting then got caught up watching a brilliant film 'The Counterfeiters' --Oscar-winning film based on the true story of Salomon Sorowitsch, an artist and expert forger who was arrested by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp. Along with other forgers, printers and banking experts, he was forced to help the Nazis in an organised counterfeit operation set up to help finance their war effort. It remains the largest counterfeiting operation of all time--brilliant! Shown on BBC4.
To bed. Goodnight.

Finished Work!

Today was the last day of work! We had a good day trying to work out a new system! Think eventually when we get used to it, things will be fine! Not much to report got to get busy now with cleaning. Miss B is maybe coming to stay tomorrow, then Aunty Liz and Cammy are coming for a few days. At the end of the month we are hoping to have a 'blipper' from Sweden stay with us so lots to do!
Colleagues at work very interested in the blip project 'life.turns.' so hope they all manage to come.
Called at the supermarket for messages on my way home. Spoke to Layla she and Bella had a good afternoon at the allotment! Lots of raspberries. Spoke to mum very cheery!
Made dinner Mushroom omelette, new potatoes and peas.
Started to try and get the back room clean no joy--tomorrow??-yes!
GOing to have a cuppa then bed. Goodnight!

Work

Up with the birds as today was my last but one day at work! Walked to work in the sunshine, had a good day working with colleagues and patients.
Fed Ruaridh and let him out before setting off for work, think Graham is staying at home today as he has a bad eye think something stung it or else maybe hay fever.
Home around 1600h Graham and the dog came to meet me. Spoke to mum she is fine, also spoke quickly to Layla she is going to a BBQ at work and taking Bella.
Made dinner veggie risotto and salad-lovely!
Did a wee bit of knitting then to bed. Layla phoned to say they had a great time at the BBQ. Goodnight!

Gruffalo--

--today we found out there is such a thing as a Gruffalo! Up seeing to Ruaridh then did breakfast, after Graham left I had a shower and washed my hair before going over to Layla and Bella. Also had to phone mum re some business but appear to have got that sorted and mum is fine!
Called in at Waitrose for some messages then headed over to theirs as today Graham and moi were taking Bella to the Playhouse to see 'The Gruffalo'. Bella was already in her 'sticky' out skirt and wellies with T-shirt and leggings of course! Spent a wee time with Layla then we scooted over well Bella did to get Grandpa.
We all got the bus and soon arrived at The Playhouse, lots of children, parents and grandparents we found our seats and Bella declared she was scarecited!!. The play was brilliant and appeared to be enjoyed by all Bella said she would like to see it again, and be a baby Gruffalo:)
Layla had taken Ruaridh for a walk and to the allotment, she picked us up and we went to the BIG Blue Store! Had something to eat in a new cafe at IKEA took an age, then scuttled around the store didn't get any blinds ah well. Took the girls back home, then home.
Made dough for bread, then dinner cauliflower cheese, new potatoes and peas-delicious, afer this made the bread. Tired to bed. Goodnight!

Bella Day

Had a super day with Miss B today we did lots of things and had lots of fun, some of the time spent with Ruaridh Dog of course! We had lots of swings then took Ruaridh dog over to the studio so that the two of us could go to Water World, hopped on the bus and we were soon there.
Oh what fun we had swimming, doing roll overs and when the waves came how we jumped into them. We left to go and have lunch (chips and tomato ketchup) with an apple juice for Bella, and a latte for moi at The Guilty Lily great and they are now pooch friendly!
Graham joined us and then we met Joe and Ruaridh and then with the wee fellow onto Bella's house to make dog biscuits. Bella was great helping mix the egg, oil, water then pouring it into the flour. She rolled the dough with her rolling pin then used the bone shaped cutter to cut out the dog biscuits.
Baked the biscuits and then pushed Bella on the swing, BTW Bella scooted to and from the studio:)
Graham and Joe arrived, we had a coffee then Joe made salad to go with the pasta and tomato sauce for dinner. Layla came home and we had dinner which was very tasty!
Stayed for a wee while then home as we have a meeting (hopefully) with a Gruffalo tomorrow! Goodnight.

Fallen leaves!

Took the Wonder Dog for his constitutional in the woods and after yesterday's howling wind and rain the paths were covered in fallen leaves, I have never seen this before. Huge leaves from the chestnut tree lay on the ground. Ruaridh was in his element sniffing at all the new smells! had a lovely walk though didn't meet any dogs for the wee fellow to play with, however he seemed quite happy.
Back home decided to turn the car as we will be away early in the morning, the dog still had his lead on but decided to leap out of the car and doing a tipple-a-tail broke his collar! Damn had to do an unscheduled trip to the pet shop-anyway got a collar with paws and bones on it, also bought the wee fellows dog food! Leaving managed to prang the car against a transit van didn't see the step at the back bah! wee bit of a crack on the back bumper!
Back home very buy doing some more paintwork in the bathroom, then attempting to get excess paint off. Had lunch then cleaned our bedroom. Made the dough for the pizza's, then took Ruaridh for a walk into the woods then to meet Graham off the bus! Spoke to mum she is fine out for lunch today!
Had a cuppa then made the coleslaw to have with the pizza's--made them! They tasted really good.
Spoke to Layla, made arrangements for tomorrow as I am with Miss B for the day! made a sauce for tomorrow's dinner.
Going to go to bed. Goodnight!

Wet and Windy!!

Up with the Wonder Dog at 0800 then back to bed with a cuppa. Started to read a new novel as last night I attempted same and couldn't keep my eyes open. Heard the rain lashing down outside and it must have lulled me to sleep as it was 1100h when I looked at my watch. Made porridge for breakfast followed by rolls and coffee! Had a wash then as the sun was shining set off to the woods with Ruaridh no wet weather gear-spoke to soon not long into the walk it started to rain cats and dogs and the wind blew, we got soaked.
When we got back home had to have a shower and wash my hair. Mixed weather all day rain and shine, did some knitting. Spoke to mum she said it was very windy in Lancashire, but she had been to church! and was OK. Later spoke to Layla, she and Bella had been to meet some blip mums and bairns, even in the mixed weather she said it was OK.
Graham made corn chowder for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and a big cuppa! Lovely!
Settled down to watch the film 'The Kite Runner', the book is much better!
To bed. Goodnight.

Town!

Had to go into Stockbridge today as I thought I may need more wool to finish Miss B's jumper, I had phoned the wool shop and they were holding it for me until today! So I walked down, called into Waitrose to get a couple of messages then picked up the wool and walked into town to get my bus home! It was hot but quite pleasant walking in the sun. Waited at the bus stop on Frederick Street for my bus, after a while noticed there were no buses running East/West along Princes St saw a small notice that all buses from this stop were going along George St Bah. Bus supposed to stop outside Assembly Rooms went there saw my bus coming but not pulling over, put my hand out the driver pointed to the next bus stop. Managed to get there but what a shambles!
Up and had breakfast, out to the woods with Ruaridh lovely walk through the meadow!
Made bread from the dough I made in the morning then off to town.
Graham made dinner pasta with tomatoes, garlic and parsley with homemade bread-lovely.
In bed early tired. Goodnight!

Work Again!

Awoke to the sun trying to stream in through the bedroom window (dark blind stopped it) Up at 0650h as I was going to work at the hospital! Showered and hair wash, breakfast, fed the Wonder Dog and let him out then on the road to work.
Lovely walk over to the hospital great to feel the warm breeze ruffling ones hair, arrived, John K not in but a really nice guy Ross was his replacement. He is a medical student working as a care assistant to earn some money, enjoyed working with him and the day went by quite quickly. Once again good to meet up with colleague and patients, good work day!
Home around 1745h still very warm. Graham and the Wonder Dog at home both very tired as they had walked to the studio and then home a round trip of 7 miles!!
Had a cuppa then felt like a G&T delicious ate some crisps, couldn't be bothered with a big dinner so scrambled eggs, baked beans and toast with a big cuppa wa the order of the day!
Spoke with Layla they are fine. Then spoke to mum she is fine and looking forward to us going down!
Watched a very harrowing film 'Sophie Scholl' about a group of students forming a resistance movement in Germany in the 1940's known as 'The White Rose'a wonderful true story that puts ones faith back in humanity. Well worth viewing!
Had a cuppa then to bed. Goodnight.

Rain

Today it rained, as the garden ground was wet through it must have rained overnight! Up early as I was going to look after Bella as Layla had an appointment. Ruaridh and moi drove over with Graham via the studio as I had to pick up aubergine and pepper plants given to Layla by a fellow blipper. Mission accomplished drove over to theirs.
Layla left for her appointment and Bella and moi donned wet weather gear and set off with Ruaridh for a walk and to the play park. As it was raining you guessed it we were the only ones there. Had fun and laughs on the swings and roundabout, Ruaridh was very good and sat and waited for us outside, then as no-one else came we let him in!!
Back home Layla was there, she and Bella made Brighton Sandwich after which we had a lovely lunch. Left Ruaridh at theirs and went to the library to get bella's books what an amazing selection they have! Back home read Bella one of her books then her wee pal Eve arrived and they played. I pushed them both on the swing
Graham arrived he took over pushing Bella on the swing! left and went to Asda late home.
Had a G&T then I made dinner veggie risotto and salad.
Heard form Kirsty in Lewis the tickets have arrived!
Blogged and blipped then to bed. Goodnight.