Fun in the Woods!

More snow fell last night but never daunted after a shower and hairwash Ruaridh and moi set off for the park and woods! We met up with a lot of his chums and their owners, the dogs had a great time playing in the woods, so good we were there for an hour! The sun shone the sky was blue so what the hell. Finished our walk then home.
Vacuumed then spoke to Layla and arranged to meet her and Bella in town, as due to snow there is no school and no work for Layla!
Met up had a lovely lunch at the Fruitmarket Gallery, then did some shopping before we went our separate ways. I had some business to attend to then got the bus home.
Phoned mum she is fine and hoping that we get down tomorrow. Graham arrived home, cuppa and toasted panatone.
Had dinner potato and onion pie with marrowfat peas- lovely.
Going to make the veggie bacon sandwiches for the train, then pack, then bed. Goodnight.
No Blog for the next couple days as hopefully we will get down to visit the memsahib!

Walk on the Wild side

Set off for the park and woods today with the Wonder Dog the snow is amazing, if you have many layers on the cold will not bother you! Met other dogs in the park and Ruaridh had a great time playing with Bria his chum. Karen a dog walker told me some branches had come down, branches, OMG huge boughs had been ripped off trees, two treks where we normally walk were semi blocked. As usual Ruaridh managed to find his way through and I followed, we walked through the meadowland which looked amazing.
Back home made bread from the dough I had made earlier, then got a message from my Aunt to say my Uncle H had died on Sunday. Although he had been ill for sometime, it is sad as he and the memsahib were the only siblings left from a family of eleven! Phoned mum she is OK but naturally feeling rather sad.
Layla, Bella and moi are hopefully going down to the Red Rose County on Wednesday to visit the memsahib fingers crossed we get down!
Made peasant bread, did some ironing then had my lunch listening to the afternoon play on Radio 4'Blue Eyed Boy' a true story of an evacuee who never returned home-very good!
Took Ruaridh for a wee walk in the woods, when I got home phoned Layla they are all OK Bella's wee friends had been over to play! Did some knitting!
Graham at his last Photography Lecture this evening, home around 2030h he was wet through!
Pasta alforno with salad and homemade bread for dinner lovely!
Tired to bed. Goodnight!

Sledging with the Family!

This morning we all ended up in our bed Bella awoke about 0730h as did Ruaridh, saw to him then back to bed. We all cuddled down and Miss B watched some 'Charlie and Lola' then up for breakfast. More snow had fallen overnight and Bella was delighted, she stood at the window gazing out then had a good laugh at the four squirrels playing on the trees.
Tattie scones, veggie bacon for breakfast for the wee one Graham and moi had a fried egg and beans as well, with a big mug of coffee to set us up for the sledging adventure that was coming. Read a couple of books then got ready to go to the play park, in all our warm gear. Ruaridh had an amazing time playing with lots of dogs whilst we attempted to make a snowman. Then Joe and Layla arrived with the sledges what a laugh we had, in the woods the path gave us a great run! back to the house for hot chocolate, coffee and toasted panatone with lashings of butter--delicious.
The family left as they had a special Advent celebration to attend. Graham made delicious parsnip soup which we had for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches, lovely.
Phoned mum she has not been out for a couple of days due to the cold weather.
We started to watch 'Heimat' 2 however we feel we have seen this, and did not particularly like it, so stopped watching and will send it back tomorrow.
To bed. Goodnight.

Snow

Last night the snow fell and it was also very cold! awoke this morning to a covering of snow. Saw to Ruaridh then back to bed for a wee while as we had to be up and off as today it is Garvald Centre's Christmas Market. Up, made breakfast porridge with maple syrup and milk followed by toast and coffee.
Wash and then set off in the snow with Ruaridh to the park and woods he had a great time playing both in the snow and with all the other dogs we met1
Back home Graham had cleared the car and the three of us left for the Market. As usual it was a brilliant affair saw friends old and new. Bella was in her element and had already seen Santa and the Pocket Lady when we arrived. Listened to the carols which is always a pleasure, and had a coffee.
Bella was coming home with us so we said goodbye to her mummy and daddy then into the car, first stop Pet Shop for food for the wee fellow. Then home, where we had lunch then played. Dinner was Bella's favorite fish, chips and peas not forgetting the tomato ketchup! followed by ice-cream. Then into PJ's to watch the "Jungle Book"-love it! and eat M&M's of which Bella was in charge.
Then a tired wee girl to bed and soon in Dreamland. Goodnight.

Shopping

Today I had to go up town to get some messages, I also thought my new spectacles would have arrived as it is now five weeks since I ordered them (custom made), no joy when I phoned the shop this morning, Damn!
Out with the Wonder Dog to the woods had a super walk, then back home into the car and over to the supermarket to get some messages. When we got back we both had our lunch then I left Ruaridh cozy and set off for the town.
Managed to get some of the things I wanted, also got some lovely fish for tomorrow's dinner as Miss B is coming to stay overnight. Went to look for a picture frame found one for the painting we have, must check first with Layla.
Back home fed Ruaridh, made tattie scones for breakfast on Sunday had an empire biscuit and a big mug of coffee, Phoned mum she is fine had been to Lytham. Went to the park before going to the bus stop to meet Graham.
Had a cuppa then a G&T before Graham started to make the dinner--smoked haddock and leek in cream sauce with fresh pasta and salad delicious.
After dinner settled down to watch 'The Road' a film taken form The Road a 2006 novel by American writer Cormac McCarthy. It is a post-apocalyptic tale of a journey taken by a father and his young son over a period of several months, across a landscape blasted by an unnamed cataclysm that destroyed all civilization and, apparently, almost all life on earth.--Brilliant but haunting! Goodnight.

Freezing!

Surprised that the ground was frosty when we got to the woods today, although the air was very cold, had a lovely walk through the woods and the meadowland noticed that even the pond was frozen at the edges, wow winter will soon be with us if not already hear. Ruaridh loves the frost and had a great run through the meadow. Popped into the vets to pick up Ruaridh's passport as he had his rabies jag last week.
Got rid of all the bottles also some curtains and a bed cover to the oxfam box!
Then over to see the girls, had a chat then drove over to the allotment it was really cold here, as I was cutting the bottom and 'fern' off the fennel the scissors were practically sticking to my fingers! Layla lifted the potatoes, also some parsnips that are huge, also she started to cut back the raspberry canes! I helped to tidy and Bella looked after Ruaridh!
Then into the car and to the 'Guilty Lily' for lunch Graham joined us.
Home again we looked at some photo's of Bella when she was a baby, then Bella did my hair in rollers--hmmmm lovely.
Bella was going with her daddy to watch the switch-on of the 'Christmas Lights', Layla to work to get ready for the Christmas Bazaar which is on Saturday! So Ruaridh and moi went to pick up graham.
Home cuppa, then broccoli quiche, roast tatties, carrots and neeps for dinner.
Blanched the fennel and some broccoli- now freezing! Phoned mum she is in good spirits.
Going to do some knitting. Bye

Christmas Pud

Today I helped Bella make the Christmas pudding, we had lots of fun! weighing and stirring and then putting all the mixture into the bowl so that it could be steamed for 6 hours!! lots of fun sniffing the spices that made our nose tickle.
Earlier we had walked down to he harbour with the Wonder Dog it was freezing cold with a strong wind blowing. The boats in the harbour were bopping all over the place.
Then Layla and Bella popped into Asda to get a few messages, before we set off back to theirs and lunch. Lovely creamy courgette soup for Layla and moi, minestrone for Bella.
It is so much fun baking with Bella, when the pudding mixture was finished I said we would have to stir it and make a wish. She asked me how you did that, I did my best to explain, anyway she stirred and said she had made a wish! Then I did it, then Layla who closed her eyes whilst wishing, on seeing her mummy do this Bella said she had better have another wish, you guessed this time done with eyes closed-well fluttering:)
After this we read some books, Graham arrived about 1715 h stayed for a wee while then home.
Butternut squash risotto with salad for dinner--lovely.
Evening blogging, blipping and knitting. Goodnight

The Beach

Today the Wonder Dog and moi went to the beach and had a super walk in the sun! Although it was quite cold we were both well wrapped up Ruaridh in his fur coat moi in my duvet jacket. We walked on the beach for quite a while then headed for the causeway that leads from the shore out to Cramond Island. Lots of sea water here so the wee fellow had a great time jumping for the stones I threw, even managed to catch one!
Back home made the dinner for tonight as the family come for dinner. Did a quick vacuum in the sitting room and hall, then had lunch before setting off to meet Bella.
Met up with Bella, that girl is great at doing 'scoot the boot' on her scooter. Arrived home Ruaridh delighted to see us fed him then Bella and moi played at jewellers then read a story. Layla arrived and I started to do the dinner, Graham and Joe arrived and we had dinner shepherdess pie, and peas, Bella had tatties, peas and vegeburger with some of the bean mixture.
After dinner Bella entertained us before the family left for home.Phoned mum she is OK.
Watched the documentary about Peter Mandelson on BBC 4. Hmmmm no comment.
Goodnight.

HomeDay!

Decided to attack more of the cleaning that the house requires today! The weather was awful drizzle/heavy rain! Did the usual walk through the woods hardly meet anyone when the weather is bad! but we enjoyed the walk.
Back home got stuck into the house things! Made dough for the bread, then attacked the bathroom. Washed all the glass down in the shower and all the bathroom damned hard work! but great to see it looking good! Had lunch then sat down to listen to the afternoon play on BBC Radio 4 'No 10', also did some knitting.
After this made the bread then took the Wonder Dog for another walk in the woods. When I got back did the ironing, then had a shower and washed my hair.
Graham is going to his Photography Lecture so I started to clean the cupboard in the bedroom. Graham missed his bus so went to pick him up at the West end.
Minestrone soup followed by tinned salmon sandwich with a cuppa for dinner lovely.
Very tired to bed. Goodnight.

Stir-up-Sunday

Had decided to make the annual family Christmas Cake today, then noticed in the media it is Stir-up-Sunday, so hit the right day! I use my maternal Grandmother's recipe and have no idea how many Christmas cakes have been made from it, I should think many as my Grandma gave the recipe to an up and coming young baker years ago and his company still use it today!
Awake early don't know if I went back to sleep, Graham brought me a cuppa at 1000h , stayed in bed reading, then up to make breakfast. Scrambled eggs on toast with a big mug of coffee, yummy.
Took Ruaridh to the woods then over to the supermarket to get supplies, started on the cake when we got back. Lovely to weigh out all the fruit and see the different colours, the golden butter and sugar, I must confess to wiping my finger round the bowl and scraping the mixture into my mouth! Cake mixture into the oven to bake for three hours.
Phoned mum she is OK. Then spoke to Layla who had just arrived home from the retreat!
Graham decided to do a mushroom tart for dinner had to wait until the oven was empty. The mushroom tart was delicious with roast potatoes and broccoli.
Did some knitting then to bed. Goodnight.

Christmas Cake and Christmas Pudding!

For us it is that time of the year again the goodies I bought for last year were all out of date so today amongst other things I knew I had to go to 'Real Foods' to get the fruits, nuts and spices etc, that will all blend together to give us delicious smells and taste at Christmas time!
The shop was busy, got all my produce and was served by a delightful person at the 'till' who was more than helpful!
Also went along with Joe, Bella and Granny K to a Christmas Market, lovely to see some old friends bought one or two goodies.
Up quite early, had a shower and washed my hair, then breakfast before taking the wee fellow to the woods-lovely walk.
Back home very hungry had peanut butter and jam on toast and a big cuppa.
Took Ruaridh to the woods in the rain as he had been so good sleeping in the car whilst we went about our business!
Home G&T followed by Caribbean bean stew, rice and chapattis courtesy of Graham-lovely.
Watched a film
Tired bed. Goodnight.

Cleaning!

Today I got stuck into the cleaning I had intending doing all week. I finished cleaning our bedroom, still cupboards and drawers to do! Then I went into the loft as Layla asked for something that was situated in there, had a wee look around and brought some other things down that can either be thrown out or recycled!
Had lunch and half listened to a play on Radio 4 about 'Margot Fonteyn' set in the 1940's, did some knitting, then cleaned the stairs and hallway.
Phoned mum in the morning no further news re Uncle H, mum appears to be fine.
Spoke to Layla she is away to cook at a Yoga retreat so Bella is with her daddy for the weekend!
Phoned Graham he will pop into a supermarket to get messages, so Ruaridh and moi set off for a walk to the park and woods which was lovely.
Back home Graham came and we had a cuppa, then Graham made the dinner veggie risotto with salad lovely.
Watched a great Norwegian film called 'O'Horton' about a high speed train driver who is about to retire. Brilliant-a must!
Did some more knitting then bed. Goodnight.

Cammo (Stake) Estate

Up with the Wonder Dog then back to bed for half an hour. Had breakfast and a wash, Layla sent a text to say she and Bella were not going to Gymnippers and would get in touch later. So I thought I would take the Wonder Dog to the local woods, however Layla phoned and said they were coming over and we would go to Cammo 'Stake' Estate.
The girls arrived and after a wee while we left in the car for Cammo.
It was left in trust to Edinburgh City Council and what an amazing place it is--and open to the public.
The buildings--stables, the house are in ruins, the walled garden is still intact but overgrown and not functioning as a garden. There are holes in the wall where the fires must have been placed to warm the walls/greenhouses.
Had a super walk, saw the lake that was built so that in Winter when it froze people could skate on it! Ruaridh loved it will be back again with Graham.
To M/S for lunch then a visit to TKMax for snowsuit-no joy!
Walked home with Ruaridh. Phoned mum she is fine.
Made dinner, then went to meet Graham off the bus via the park, OMG what a lot of cars the bus was delayed somewhat.
Home had a cuppa. Had veggie stew, mashed potatoes and brocolli for dinner lovely.
Watched some TV, very tired fell asleep on sofa. Did some blogging and knitting then bed. Goodnight.

Chat

Had a shower and washed my hair spoke to Layla and made arrangements for later, then took Ruaridh to the woods. The golden carpets of leaves are now beginning to turn a dirty brown due to the frost and rain and the paths are all muddy. Still good to walk there today walked alone with the wee fellow of course-I like the solitude of the woods has a very calming effect. Onto the park and met Lesley the Labradoodle Dudley's owner. We got chatting about various things ended up talking about alternative medicine and lo and behold it came out she went to the Steiner school! Six years older than Layla but we have mutual people we know! very small world!
Went to get the fish from Kev then home, got ready into the car and over to see the girls. Popped into Sainsbury's on the way over for messages, rather like the new store big space not bumping into people the same.
Arrived at the house played with Bella, who has a little cough. Had lunch lovely soup and a piece of Birthday cake with coffee. Tried to find a snowsuit online for Bella-no joy found one or two that might do! Read numerous books to Bella, then we listened to a Pippi Longstocking story on radio 7 very good. Eve then came to play.
Graham came to pick me up and we left for home.
Fish, rice and tomato sauce for dinner--lovely.
Aunty B phoned, Uncle H is not very well, had a wee chat with mum she is OK.
Blogging, blipping and knitting also trying to get a ecent cottage in Wales for next August!! watch this space. Bye.

Culture Show

Graham sent me a link to Culture Show featuring 'Keef' Richards so instead of doing the housework I sat and watched this and thoroughly enjoyed it this afternoon.
Up and about with Ruaridh, breakfast then a wash before venturing out to the woods for the morning constitutional. Had a lovely walk met one or two dog walkers then home. Made pastry for the quiche for dinner tonight. Phoned mum she is fine going to see her friend June this afternoon!
Lots of business to attend to this morning managed to get all this done, having lunch when Betty O phoned me, good to catch up crunching my toast:) Then G phoned to tell me about the above link.
Managed to clean two of the bookshelves in our bedroom before it was time for Ruaridh's dinner and another walk in the woods.
Graham home quite early, had a cuppa then I made the dinner broccoli quiche, roast potatoes and peas--lovely.
Sat around blogging, blipping and knitting then to bed. Goodnight.

Mosque Kitchen

I met up with Bella today and we went to Edinburgh Mosque Kitchen for lunch and to wait for her daddy who was at an important meeting. Good job Bella was with me and knew the way as this was my first visit and I hadn't a clue where I was going. It is eating al fresco and today was freezing, however rice and half a nan for Bella and a veggie curry, rice and half a nan for moi soon helped to warm us up. Lots of people eating there, some pigeons but eh what the hell:)
Joe soon came had his lunch the they went home and I made my way home to see Ruaridh.
Up with Graham this morning-breakfast then a wash out to the woods quite early, met lots of dog walkers and Ruaridh had a great play with Bria!
Ruaridh delighted to see me as always when I returned, gave him his dinner then out to the woods again, where he had a play with Mitch the Tibetan terrier.
Home, as Graham is away to his photography course made peasant bread, and tomato sauce for the dinner. Then did some ironing.
Phoned Lena and had a chat, Graham phoned to say he was on the bus, got the dinner ready pasta with tomato sauce and salad. Tasted good, did some knitting, bed. Goodnight.

Exhibition

Today we were invited to the private viewing of Judge for Yourself, an exhibition by Garvald Edinburgh Artists inspired by visits to the Scottish Courts, which is being held at the Botanics. A themed programme that was amazing in whatever medium it was done. The art work, weaving, pottery and photography was amazing and gave us all a good insight into life in the 'Courts'.
Bella came with her mummy and we hung around together, lots of Layla's chums turned up good to see them all.
Up as per usual with the wee fellow, then back to bed, slept quite late. Graham woke me with a cuppa, then I got up and made the porridge for breakfast then toast and coffee. After which I had a shower and washed my hair, then we got ready and drove down to the Botanics and I took Ruaridh for a walk in Inverleith Park, before we went into the Exhibition.
Home Graham made dinner salmon fishcakes and puy lentils with chilli sauce-delicious.
Watched the film 'Top Hat'--very good!
To bed. Goodnight.

Birthday!

Today is Layla's Birthday and this evening we are going over for dinner. Bella has two parties today a wee school friend and her mummy's.
Layla phoned us wished her a Happy Birthday, then she phoned again delighted with her pressie! We got up and had scrambled eggs on toast for breakfast with lots of good coffee!
Had a wash then took the Wonder Dog to the park and woods, good walk but very muddy and slippery there!
Caught up with my knitting in the afternoon, phoned mum she is OK. Got ready to visit the family.
Had a lovely meal courtesy of Joe, super pizzas and coleslaw with dips, a rest, then Joe and Bella turned the lights out in the dining--room and brought the cake in aglow with candles, we sang Happy Birthday then Bella helped her mummy to blow the candles out.
Lovely coffee with the cake, then we all went to play with the Singstar amid much laughter. I love this sing along!
Bella went to bed and we left shortly afterwards a lovely day.
Have a super year Layla!
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Secrets!

Today I went over to visit Layla and Bella as Bella and moi had a mission to fulfil we were making a Birthday cake for Layla's Birthday tomorrow. So into the car with Ruaridh a stop off at Sainsbury's for some messages then away we go.
Arrived Bella had a wee cold, we decided to start the cake straight away as Layla was going to get her eyebrows threaded!
A chocolate Victoria sandwich had been chosen by Bella, we weighed, broke eggs and mixed and mixed. Bella greased the two tins that would hold the cake. When the mixture was ready we 'dolloped' it into the baking tins and placed them into the oven for 20minutes. We tested the cakes with a piece of spaghetti and as it came out dry we knew the cakes were ready. Took them out of their tins, put them onto the cooling rack.
Layla came home and we had lunch then played a wee bit, Bella was tired and decided not to come for a walk with Ruaridh. She and Layla had a rest and Ruaridh and moi had a lovely walk along the cycle path and through Victoria Park.
Back at the house Bella was fast asleep so Layla highlighted my hair, when Bella awoke we iced the cake she put the sweeties on then she helped her mum to wash my hair! Looks great, the cake and my hair.
Then Grandpa came and time to go home, we stayed a wee while then Layla kindly gave us one of her frozen meals--fennel in bechamel sauce with cheese topping for our dinner.
Arrived home cuppa then a G&T before a delicious dinner of the fennel, pasta and salad.
Thanks Layla!
Watched a film 'Hart's War' not over impressed.
To bed. Goodnight

Turn Around day

The day started off just fine but as it crept on I realised I had not really done anything I had planned to do.(Message to self- don't plan just go on in your disorganised way and things get done.)
After breakfast and a wash got the Wonder Dog ready and through the woods we went, the sunlight was very watery but when it hit the leaves it made them glow. Walked through the meadowland all the rushes at the side of the pond are dying away and the area looks quite open.
A chum phoned and when I got home I phoned her back, as I was speaking Layla phoned and said she and Bella were popping in for a minute or two. Finished speaking to my friend as Bella was at the door and Ruaridh was barking like mad!
Spent a nice hour with the girls then they left. I made the bread dough, did a wash, had my lunch and then did the ironing and listened to the afternoon play on Radio 4 'The Man who Jumped from Space, the true life story of the highest altitude parachute jump. Excellent!
Made the bread and got the dinner ready. To the park with Ruaridh before meeting Graham off the bus.
Bella phoned to sat her 'Lantern Walk' at school was cancelled due to the high winds and the rain, she was very chatty.
Phoned mum she is fine not going out due to high winds!
Cullen skink for dinner delicious.
Phoned Betty O she is in England with the family, spoke to Bob he is in good form, building a Canadian Style canoe!
Catching up with Blog then knitting. Bye.

Lunch at the Pub!

Up early as this was my last day at work and it was only a half day! Then out to lunch! We finished work at 1230h and Clare and moi set off for the town, heading for the Alexander Graham Bell (Whetherspoon Pub).
We arrived and waited for some of the others to arrive but eventually we had our lunch, me nice veggie curry, Clare fish and chips as the others were apparently not coming along until later! Stayed chatting to Clare for a wee while then left as I was meeting Layla and Bella.
Had a nice time with them eating and drinking, reading books in Waterstones and trying on snow wear in Jenners-Bella that is (none of which we liked).
Then the girls got the bus and I trotted off to get messages. Saw the 'gang' were still in the pub popped in to say Hi, then caught the bus home.
Had a cuppa and phoned mum who is feeling a bit tired!
Graham made a lovely dinner prawn and veggie risotto with salad.
Watched A programme on BBC2 'Ancient Worlds' I was so tired though I kept nodding off.
To bed. Goodnight.

Busy!

Today was a here, there and everywhere day. Last night as I lay in bed I was all over the place thinking of what I had to do:)
Got up this morning and things started to slot into place, saw to Ruaridh then breakfast.
Graham left for the studio, had a shower and washed my hair. Then got the wee fellow ready and off to the local park and woods. Had a lovely walk met a couple of dog walkers with Bria and Dudley! Then back home into the car and down to Waitrose to get some messages. Home again got part of the dinner ready, vacuumed the sitting room and hall before leaving the house to meet Miss B.
Into the car with Ruaridh again and over to meet Bella, drove home and played with Bella at cafes, little schools and read some stories. Graham and Joe arrived, Bella delighted-Graham made coffee and then Layla arrived.
I finished making dinner of roast vegetables, pasta and salad followed by ice-cream tasted good.
The family stayed for a wee while then left.
Watched 'Joan Rivers' on More 4 brilliant. No knitting done!!
To bed. Goodnight!

Snow!

We left the Glen at 1200h to return to the city, the weather for the whole trip down was pretty dire. When we arrived at Dalwhinnie there was a covering of snow on the ground, at Drumochter on the A9 there was about 5/6ins of snow. Having said that there wasn't much traffic on the roads and we made good time reaching the city.
Busy at the Glen getting ready for the journey South, at one point we had ourselves +Ruaridh, Christine and Milly her Jack Russell and Misty the croft dog! Slightly hampered to say the least!
Unpacked the car on arrival in the city, had a cuppa and mushrooms on toast starving!
Graham too tired to go to his lecture so had butternut squash soup followed by eggy bread and baked beans with a big cuppa--comfort food!
Spoke to mum she was OK but had a 'funny turn' at church on Sunday-appears OK now.
Spoke with Layla they are all OK.
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Poughman Apple Pie

Today I decided to make Nigel Slater's ploughman's apple pie. He puts cheese into the pastry dough, rolls it out quite roughly places the cooked apples onto the pastry, folds the pastry together sprinkles cheese on top into the oven bake for 30 minutes and there is your ploughman's pie. Followed his instructions and the pie was delicious.
Graham made a lovely dinner puy lentils with various ingredients mixed in, served with homemade salmon fishcakes and a sweet chilli sauce the whole meal was delicious, lovely flavours.
Up after a cuppa, had a fry-up for breakfast, then got ready to take the Wonder Dog to the beach. Lovely walk but it was freezing, no hat on so the wind was biting my ears. Glad to return to the warm of the house, cup of tea then did some work in the house. Phoned Layla they are fine and had a lovely time with friends. Phoned John H he is going to see to the work that needs doing.
Did some knitting, tired to bed. Goodnight.

'Five Days in May'

Excellent play on Radio 4 this afternoon about the negotiations between the political parties on who would form the next Government in the United Kingdom after not one party had been given the mandate to govern--very good!
Quote 'Matthew Solon's compelling dramatisation is based on interviews with those who were at the meetings and with political journalists, as well as on published material. The sleep-deprived politicians argue and negotiate under conditions of extreme pressure'. We caught up with it on iPlayer.
Lovely day, up shower and hair wash, breakfast then down to the village shop to get some messages, on to the beach for a super walk. Very cold, saw lots of holes in the sand where we thought the razor fish might be hiding. Also saw lots of wee clams ever so tiny have never seen these before.
Spoke to mum she is OK been to a Christmas market, spoke to Layla they are fine on their way to friends.
Graham sawed logs and I tidied the greenhouse and put the logs in there. Poor Ruaridh got his head caught in a metal jug, as he thought there was a mouse in it, he didn't know what was happening, luckily Graham saw it and managed to get it off!!
Very late lunch.
Then I made dinner leek quiche, roast tatties and broad beans--delicious when we had it.
Going to do some knitting. Bye.

Anthrocite ordered!

Ordered some anthrocite today as our stock is getting very low, haven't had to order any for ages, Christine informed us our old coal dealer had finished and we have a new one. On phoning to place our order today I spoke to the same woman I have always spoken to, she informed me all the old staff had been retained. Pleased about that as the guys will know where to put the anthrocite.
Good day slept well last night cozy with the hotties. Up with Ruaridh fed him and let him into the garden then back to bed and crashed out. Graham awoke me with a cuppa enjoyed that, had a wee read then up and washed.
Made porridge for breakfast-delicious, then made the bread dough, Christine popped in with her Jack Russell--Milly--she and Ruaridh played for a couple of hours!!
Popped up to the woods for a wee walk as Christine has become a Lumber Jill!
Back home made the bread, spoke to Layla and Bella had a laugh with the wee one. Attempted to start tidying the garden -- did a wee bit, getting cold and dark decided to go into the cozy and warm, snack and cuppa.
Done some knitting, having a G&T before Graham's special dinner, chanterelles with diced vegetables in cream sauce with pasta and avocado and tomato salad hmmm. Bye.

Cottage --

-- here we come. We have arrived, quite a busy morning before we left, as Graham had work I took Ruaridh for a meander through the woods. OMG the ground underfoot was awful, mud and very wet leaves, however with a little bit of slipping and sliding we managed and returned home safe and sound after Ruaridh had a great play with a dog caller 'Chump'!
Car packed, spoke to Layla they are fine, Bella is invited to one of her classmates party on the 13th so plans for Layla's Birthday have changed! Quick visit to Sainsbury's then on the road. Mixed weather on the journey, torrential rain at times!
Arrived at the cottage around 1630h all OK, I unpacked, Graham got the stove going. We had a cuppa and a cracker and cheese, put the hotties in the bed then spoke to mum. She is fine to the hospital to get her ears syringed, Anne took her, all is well.
G&T then pasta with tomatoes, garlic, basil and chilli cooked in oil with peasant bread-delicious.
Going to do some knitting then bed, Bye.

Crown

Last night whilst I was enjoying one of my chocolate caramels (a treat) one of my new expensive crowns on my tooth fell into my mouth and luckily I managed to save it! I was a wee bit pissed off as the remaining biological tooth was sore when I drank anything, also I was working today Wednesday!-but needed to get it fixed.
Into work spoke to the staff and then the dentist and managed to get an appointment for 1140 h. Up to the dentist in a cab got the crown fixed and back to work again all in my dinner break cost £16 for cabs!!
Good day at work only one half day next week!
Left work, walked to Ferry Rd just managed to get the 21 bus, went to meet Graham and Ruaridh at the studio then drove over to visit the girls. Only one girl (Layla) there the other girl (Bella) was too busy playing with her friend Eve! Had a wee chat with Layla, spoke to Miss B, then G and moi left as we had to go to Asda to get messages for the Glen.
Soon on our way home, cuppa when we arrived and half a bagel and a biscotti biscuit. Phoned mum she is fine, she had a rest today after all the visitors yesterday!
Lovely leek and pea risotto for dinner with tomato and avocado salad--yummy.
Done some knitting. Tired another cuppa and biscotti (all gone) then bed. Bye.

Sunshine and Rain!

After breakfast and Graham had left for the studio, I had a shower and washed my hair then Ruaridh and moi set off with the sunbeams bouncing off the pavement to the woods and the meadowland.
The sunbeams were very much in evidence in the woods, we walked on carpets of gold and the leaves on the trees ranged from yellow to burnt gold glowing in the sunlight. Phoned mum however my cousin James and Doreen were there so had a chat with James, told mum I would phone her back!
Attacked the bathroom--nuff said.
Put the beetroot chutney into jars, then lunch and listened to the afternoon play 'Setting a Glass' on Radio 4 excellent.
Phoned mum back, this time Muriel was visiting so told mum I would phone her tomorrow!
Took Ruaridh to meet Graham off the bus--rain again, had the umbrella the wee fellow didn't like it. A walk in the woods then Strachan Rd to meet the bus.
Home had a cuppa then got the dinner ready fennel, onions, roasted tomatoes and black olives (prepared yesterday) with pasta and bread.
Layla phoned they are all ok.
Going to do the dishes no dishwashing tablets:)Bye.

Knitting Wool

Today I managed to get down to Stockbridge to get wool to make a 'cardy' for Bella and some more wool to make hats! This time I had wool put away in case I need more as I never check my tension as one should. Broke my Alessi tea caddy this morning-pissed me off, but have saved the wee man:) went to Inhouse to buy another one only to find they were closed on Monday's!
Ruaridh and moi had a super walk down to the shore and then the beach, the tide was in idyllic for a wee dog who loves stones to be thrown into the water. He rushed after one stone and a wave engulfed him not to happy about that.
After our visit to the wool shop we popped into Waitrose to get a few messages, then home. Had lunch and listened to the second episode of Number 10 afternoon play on Radio 4--funny, also started to knit Bella's new RED 'cardy'. Made the beetroot chutney.
Graham goes to his Photography course this evening, so I took Ruaridh for a walk in the pouring rain, we got soaked! Spoke to Layla they are fine Miss B enjoyed 'school'!
Made dinner, veggie toad in the hole, mashed tatties and peas. Graham arrived home we ate it was good.
Blipped, blogged then to bed. Goodnight!