The Eve before New Year!

Today got up and found the shower was not working! saw to Ruaridh, then run my bath and even though there was only a little water enjoyed the bath and washed my hair. Got dressed and had breakfast then we all piled into the car and et off over the bridge to sky!
Went to Broadford to the vets to get Ruaridh's medicine-worm tablets! and the Co-operative for messages. Then went down to Lower Breakish, the tide was in but Ruaridh and moi managed a walk along the grass and found a wee beach whilst Graham took photographs.
Back stopped in Kyle to get some batteries and go to the bank.
Popped into see Anne, Bart, Hari, Sue and Martin at Ratagan, had a cuppa before heading over the hill and home.
G&T before eating a delicious meal cooked by Graham--Chanterelles (collected last Autumn) in saffron cream with pasta, with avocado and tomato salad with homemade bread. with a bottle of Chablis--excellent.
Retired after dinner to the sitting room with sweets and crisps--enjoyed the film 'Some like it Hot' the tango scenes make me laugh.
0000h Graham and moi wished one another A Happy New Year, and opened a bottle of Champagne. Finished that, Layla phoned at 0030h they are having a lovely time.
Happy New year to all. To bed. Goodnight!

Early Cuppa!

Today for some reason (probably early to bed) I was wide awake at 0630 making cups of tea ?? anyway whatever it tasted delicious! Back to bed and slept until 0900h as did the Wonder Dog great. Up then and made breakfast before having a wash. Made the dough for bread and some batter for pancakes, then as Graham was working took the wee fellow for a walk along the river.
Spoke to Bella and Layla they are going to spend New Year in Fife later today all appears to be fine.
Graham finished work and we went down to the beach Ruaridh and moi had a good walk whilst Graham did some Photography with his new Hasselblad.
Home made bread, had hot chocolate and pancakes, lovely.
Made celery soup for dinner--lovely--had two platefuls. Later had a bread roll with butter and jam with a cuppa!
To bed. Goodnight.

Burst Pipe

OMG we switched the water back on this morning, I was just about to make breakfast when Graham noticed some water on the floor by the cooker and washing machine. Further investigation revealed water pouring from somewhere on a pipe down the kitchen wall, we think this happened last night too as the carpet in the front room was sodden!
As the plumbing in this house is a bit of a mystery gave a call to an old neighbour whose parents once owned this cottage, to ask him the whereabouts of pipes etc. He very kindly offered to come over as he couldn't remember! Once here in no time he had found the burst, it meant taking a chunk of plasterboard off the kitchen wall and renewing the damaged pipe, he offered to do this for us and in no time the burst was repaired and the kitchen wall back to normal (almost)
Enjoyed our brunch fried egg, fried bread and baked beans with lots of coffee. Yummy.
Took the wee fellow for a walk, Graham stayed in as he has ? broken his toe during the excitement of the morning and attempting to get in and out of the loft without steps!
Visited Christine on our way home had a chat.
Butternut squash risotto with avocado and tomato salad for dinner lovely. Listened to I Claudius the bed. Goodnight.

To the Glen!

A quiet day yesterday the only thing we did was to pop over and see the family as we are hoping to head up to the Glen on Tuesday. Got all our messages too.
This morning left a wee bit late (1200h) for the Glen, amazing journey N/W all the roads had been cleared snow in the fields but hardly any in the Glen though evidence of there having been a deep frost--huge chunks of ice in the river.
Arrived about 1600h the cottage was warm, switched the water on and the troubles began. The water was running continuously and eventually turned a deep brown colour--we decided to switch the cock-stop off and check things out in the morning!!
Lovely dinner of leek quiche, roast tatties and broad beans. Did my blip had a Whisky and ginger ale and to bed. Goodnight.

Sledging (Or a Polar Bear and Dog have an Adventure)

What fun sledging is, the older one becomes the more of an adventure it is!
Had a lie in after getting up with the Wonder Dog, slept until 1100h great. Layla phoned to say we were meeting up with everyone at Cammo estate at 1400h. Phoned mum she was in good form and going to have a quiet day.
Had a leisurely breakfast, porridge, toast and marmalade with two cups of coffee--yummy.
Graham headed up town to get a battery for a light meter so he can use his new camera his Hasselblad!! I had a wash!
In the car with Ruaridh and off to the sledging, met up with the family and the extended family who were already on the sledging slope!
Had loads of fun the bairns thought it was great, as did the adults:) Ruaridh had quite a few adventures at one point trying to dig himself into a hole. Sledged down the big hill for a time, then walked over to the smaller hill so that the wee bairns could go it by themselves which they did!
Ruaridh disappeared on an adventure suddenly a rabbit shot in front of us running for its life, guess who followed ?
Layla brought mince pies, thank you Layla much appreciated:)
Then it was time to say goodbye and we headed to our respective homes.
Americano with rum and a piece of Christmas cake-lovely. Caught up on my blogging and did my blip. Spoke to mum she has had a quiet day watching TV and phoning people.
G&T with crisps, before we have dinner pasta with courgettes in cream, tomato and avocado salad and homemade bread.
Looking forward to Wallender on BBC 4 tonight at 2100h. Bye.

Peace

Today dawned quite bright and early as the Wonder Dog wanted his breakfast and today is his Birthday he is six years old today! Happy Birthday Ruaridh.
Had the early morning cuppa then a wee read and doze before having scrambled eggs in homemade rolls (two each) and a big mug of coffee which we had in bed.
Phoned mum and wished her a Happy Christmas, first time she has been on her own in ninety years, she is spending the day with her friend Cathy and appears to be very cheery!
Had a lazy day after I made vegetable pie for the Christmas Day dinner which we will share with the family.
Arrived at theirs and they had a lovely time at Granny K's with aunties, uncles and cousins. Bella is now Bella Polar bear.
Bella was watching 'Shrek' when we arrived but we quickly got into the games and had fun, Santa left some lovely gifts for Bella.
Also got lovely Christmas presents from the family. I got a book I have wanted to read, Graham got a lovely woven scarf and a yellow submarine to put his tea leaves in then immerse in the boiling water in his mug. We got a super bag to place the bread in and Bella had written the word 'Bread' on it so special! Also got ginger chocolates made by Bella. Ruaridh got a lovely rubber yellow bone from Bella for his Birthday, boy did he enjoy playing with this!
Had a lovely Christmas dinner, pulled the crackers, wore the hats, read the jokes and had fun. Mum phoned she had a lovely day and was tired now and going to bed.
Played with Bella, then when she was tucked up in bed fast asleep we watched 'The Royale Family' on TV a classic.
I drove home, roads quite good. Suddenly very tired to bed. Goodnight.

Christmas Eve Day

Sorry no Blog yesterday Graham and moi went to the city to get the remainder of the gifts, also I had to pick up wool at the shop in Stockbridge so we walked that way.
Managed to get all the items we required and I picked up my new specs, (I like them but they are taking some getting used too 26/12/10). Left Graham to finish his shopping and got the bus home. Butternut squash risotto for dinner with avocado and tomato salad-lovely.
Today we had a fry up for breakfast then as the cardigan was finished for Bella, I wrapped up all the presents for the elves to pick up for Santa!
Over to Sainsbury's for a last day shop, then to Welch's wet fish shop over at Newhaven harbour, I took the Wonder Dog for a run whilst Graham bought a cooked lobster and scallops Hmmmm.
Then to see the family and eat homemade mince pies and have a cuppa before heading for home. Bella is very excited that Santa is coming tonight!
Late dinner for the two of us--Lobster Thermidor with panfried scallops, fried potatoes and peas amazing--thank-you Graham!
Started to watch a film 'My Son, My Son what have you Done' to heavy for tonight so switched it off. Seems strange just being Graham and moi but quite nice too. Goodnight and A Happy Christmas to all.

Christmas Lunch

Today was the studio's Christmas lunch which this year was at Porto & Fi. My mum had decided earlier in the week that she would not be coming up for the Festive Time after consultation with the family in Edinburgh and friends in St Annes. First time in thirty six years she has not been with us for Christmas-but at ninety years old it is to risky for her to travel in these snowy, icy conditions.
Ruaridh and moi walked over to meet up with Layla and Bella, then leaving Ruaridh at theirs we walked down to the restaurant. Had a lovely time, good company and enjoyed the sea bass and Moroccan vegetables though why this instead of mashed tatties and leeks!
I drove home, once again continued with the knitting must get the cardigan finished!
Cheese on toast for supper with a cuppa. Goodnight.

Cinema

Today Ruaridh and moi made our way over to be with Bella, we drove to the studio with Graham, then Ruaridh and moi walked over to the house. We had a lovely day, Bella and moi donned outdoor clothing and with Bella on the sledge set off for Ocean Terminal for lunch and the to go to the Cinema!
We had lunch at Potter's then got our tub of popcorn and down the escalator to Cinema 6 where I said to Bella at the bottom to JUMP she did you guessed the top of the popcorn spilt:) We saw the film 'Animals United' an environmental film about the animals in the African Delta having there water cut off due to a dam being built over the river to make a lake for an exclusive hotel complex!!!! bit heavy going at times for a four year old but Bella liked the animals! Then home on the sledge with a croissant and juice singing 'Jingle Bells'.
Ruaridh was delighted to see us, we gave him his dinner and he was happy. Bella and moi had a quiet time reading some books then Joe and Grandpa arrived. Quick chat then we left for home picking up some Indian food at Sainbury's, enjoyed that for dinner!
Knitting like mad trying to get Bella's cardigan finished for Friday! To bed. Goodnight.

Deep and Crisp and Even!

Today we awoke to new snow on the ground and falling sometimes in big flakes on and off all day! We should have been going through to Glasgow for Bob's 60th Birthday (Curry) Party but due to the adverse weather conditions we had to call off. The roads were bad and trains running an ad hoc schedule.
I took the Wonder Dog to the park and woods and Graham finished some work then came up to meet me. Once again very slippery and freezing cold with snow falling around us.
Back home I made some peasant bread and then did more knitting.
Have decided that it will be too risky for mum to attempt the journey here for Christmas, spoke to Cathy and Anne her chums and they agreed. She is being very good about it and I think feels safer in her own home. Hopefully she will get to Cathy's for Christmas Day, weather permitting.
Graham made a lovely dinner courgettes in cream sauce and pasta with a lovely salad.
Watched the film 'The Ghost' OK not as good as the book.
No Blog yesterday but last night watched an interesting 'Wallander' which is concluded on Monday-interesting! To bed. Goodnight.

Freezing Cold

Didn't Blog yesterday just the usual routine, got most of the Christmas cards written and addressed.
Today awoke to the freezing cold again, took the Wonder Dog for his walk in the wood, still very icy and not many people attempting to go there! Another lovely walk and Ruaridh had a play with Bria on the park!
Having to come to a decision on whether mum should attempt the journey for Christmas this year, the weather is bad, snow and ice ++ and freezing weather.
Layla and Bella arrived and we decided to go over to Craigleith Retail Park to have some lunch and do a bit of shopping.
Went to Sainsbury's and had a lovely lunch soup for Layla and moi and fish and chips for Bella. Then popped into TKMax where Layla bought some lovely PJ's to send to Santa from the Great Granny. Then to M&S before the girls drove home and I walked.
Made the dough for pizza's and got the topping's ready,
Ruaridh and moi went for a walk around the park as Graham was delayed at work.
Graham arrived home around 1830h and I made the pizza's and some homemade coleslaw! Tasted good. Did some knitting then bed. Goodnight.

Trying the 'Scoot'

Up early to have a shower and wash my hair as I had to go over to Orwell Terrace to pick up the photo's and weaving we bought at The Garvald centre exhibition. Afterwards I was going to look after Bella whilst Layla had her hair done. Got everything in my bag that the Wonder Dog and moi would need then after Graham left for the studio into the car and off-that is after I de-iced it! The new all weather tyres that I got yesterday are good.
No problem getting to Layla's work, Ruaridh was allowed up to the workshop and some of the members were very helpful, one loves dogs and helped me by holding the lead back to the car.
Set off through town, traffic very slow to me quite a while to get to Layla's. Bella let us in and we did some colouring in. Layla left and we played with the dolls, then Bella watched a 'Charlie and Lola' then we read before lunch. Eggy bread, yoghurt and jelly with strawberry tea went down a treat. Layla arrived home, hair lovely, after she had lunch we decided to take Graciela her belated Birthday gifts. Bella went on her 'Scoot' bike and coming back she was very good on it.
Lovely to see Graciela, afterwards we called for Graham and then all went back to theirs! Layla cut her dad's hair and I played with Bella.
We then left as we were calling at Waitrose to get more messages. Had a good shop then home.
Fish, rice and tomato sauce for dinner-lovely. After dinner I felt very tired, had a sit down then started writing the Christmas cards, using my new fountain pen.
Almost finished them just some addresses to get tomorrow. Goodnight

Cleaning continues

Today another cleaning day did the bedroom, opened a box and had a trip down memory lane, revisiting all the gigs and countries visited over the years, through tickets and photo's. The photo's were in a cupboard I removed them to put them in a stronger bag daren't start to look at them otherwise all would have stopped, we have so many-must start sorting them with Graham soon.
Out in the woods this morning Ruaridh met Garth and had a play, still very icy. Back home spoke to mum she is going out with Jennifer for lunch and to do some Christmas shopping. Started the cleaning.
Had lunch egg and veggie bacon in a roll with a big mug of coffee-delicious. Sat and listened to the afternoon play 'Wodehouse in Hollywood' on Radio 4 -good. Also did my knitting.
Got the roasted vegetables ready for dinner, then took the wee fellow around the park.
Graham got a lift home with Joe.
Roasted vegetables, pasta and salad with homemade bread for dinner.
Settled down to watch 'Pompeii' on BBC2 excellent. Bye.

Cleaning

Today I started a cleaning attack, did the bathroom first then onto the kitchen. Managed for the first time to get the IKEA drawers out of the units! cleaned the cutlery drawer and the one where all the garbage accumulates!
Up with Ruaridh, back to bed for another hour-up made breakfast then Graham left for the studio, and I had a wash and set out with the Wonder Dog to the woods. OMG nobody attempting the woods the paths were treacherous with ice, however never daunted the wee fellow and moi set off, I had my hill-walking stick that helps and only had one small slip, we managed down again to cheers:) Ruaridh had a great play with the dogs on the park-good for him.
When I got back home saw to some business matters then the cleaning. Had lunch missed the afternoon play as my cousin S phoned then a friend B.
Got the ingredients for dinner ready, then over to the retail park to meet Graham who had the car to purchase a new vacuum cleaner, bought a Miele it is fantastic. Then managed to get a snow shovel!
Home leek quiche, roast tatties and peas, followed by Eve's pudding with ice cream for me! Did some knitting then bed. Goodnight.

Lazy Weekend

Yesterday and today were lazy, cozy days-sleep ins etc. lovely! must say it felt good to crawl back to bed after seeing to Ruaridh and crash out 'til 1000/1100h and be awakened with a cuppa.
Managed to take the Wonder Dog to the park and woods, though the paths in the woods are very icy making walking quite difficult. Ruaridh had a great time and just loves the snow!
Dinner on Saturday was vegetable soup, followed by Eve's pudding and custard! Watched 'Wallender' with a new actor playing the main part-excellent.
Sunday dinner was rice and curried vegetables lovely, after this we watched a movie 'Dim Sum' very good.
G&T's were drank as apertifs and M&M's gobbled as desserts. An amazing lazy weekend though I did make bread and do some ironing on Sunday--ah well! Bye.

Nativity!

Today I was off early in the car to see Bella, as Joe had meetings and Layla a workshop. The roads and pavements were very icy but arrived safe and sound.
Bella, Ruaridh and moi had a super morning, first we read 'Starting School' by Allan & Janet Ahlberg. This takes a group of children from starting school at the beginning of the Autumn term to the Christmas break-up when the perform The Nativity. After reading it Bella wanted to perform The Nativity--she was the Christmas Fairy, her doll Lola was Mary, rabbit was Joseph and little Blue Doll was baby Jesus. Paddington Bear played the piano and we sang 'Away in a Manger' quite a few times! A privilege to have taken part:)
This was then performed for her Mummy, then Daddy and Grandpa when they came home!
After this a snack and drink was required then we made biscuits for her party tomorrow-golden crunchy ones with smarties on them.
Layla then arrived home we had lunch and I took the Wonder dog for a walk, he had a great time chasing leaves whilst I slipped all over the place.
After this I left Ruaridh to be picked up by Graham and made my way to the hairdresser's.
Got a great haircut, then to Asda to get messages, got all my messages then Graham came to help and pick me up.
Home pasta and vegetables in cream sauce with salad for dinner-lovely!
Watched the film 'Crazy Heart' excellent.
To bed. Goodnight.

Travel Again.

Today I left the Red Rose County, I had travelled down on Tuesday and yesterday mum my cousin Mike and moi travelled over the moors to pay our respects at the funeral of Uncle Harold the Memsahib's brother.
She is now the only one left out of a family of eleven children.
As always happens at these occasions sadness and joy mingled as relatives remembered the life of Harold.
I managed to get the train from the memsahib's, then my train to Edinburgh was delayed for 45 minutes. Eventually it came and I was on my way home! as usual my reserved seat was taken by an elderly couple as the sun was too bright for them where their seats were reserved:) Not to worry plenty of room!
Arrived in Edinburgh to melting snow! contacted Graham and Layla by phone did some shopping and went to get the lens for my new specs sorted.
Got the bus home, Ruaridh as per usual delighted to see me.
Veggie risotto and salad for dinner-lovely. Very tired to bed. Goodnight.

Bella Four Today:)

Our lovely wee grandaughter Bella is four today, and what a super, confident wee lassie she is becoming. Graham and moi bought her a 'Scoot' bike and this evening due to really adverse weather conditions we placed the wee bike in a rucksack and with the Wonder Dog set off to join in the Birthday dinner. We walked all the way to their house in freezing conditions.
We arrived and Bella was pleased to see us, and with all her gifts:) had a lovely dinner with her choice of fish, chips and peas. Then the moment when the Birthday cake came with four lit candles on it and Bella's face lit up, we sang Happy Birthday and the candles were blown out in a oner. Cake tasted delicious. Lovely evening thanks to you all. Graham and moi decided to walk home, freezing but lovely.
This morning the weather was unbelievable, snow started to fall around 0800h in freezing weather conditions-Graham never got to work, Layla picked Bella up and had to pull her on a sledge to Granny K's. Derek (bike shop) walked in and opened up so that we could get the wee ones bike. The snow fell until around 1500 hours but the freeze continued!
A lovely day though.
No Blogs for a couple of days as I am heading to the Red Rose County to attend the funeral of my Uncle Harold with my mum and cousin Mike. The memsahib is now the only surviving member of a family of eleven children! Bye.

"The Snow Queen"

This afternoon Graham and moi had a wonderful time with Joe, Layla, Bella and Granny K at the Pantomime of "The Snow Queen" at the Lyceum Theatre. It was truly amazing and the audience participation from the young/young at heart was superb. The production and performances were great, lovely to see evil banished!
Up quite early saw to Ruaridh had a further wee doze, then up had a shower and washed my hair before breakfast. Got dressed and took The Wonder Dog to the woods, he had a great time playing with a couple of dogs.
Back home helped Graham remove some snow and impacted ice from the courtyard before having a cuppa and toast before getting ready for the theatre.
Got the bus up town, then met up with the family and Karen at the theatre, lots of very excited children and older people too!
After the performance we said bye and got the bus home, Ruaridh delighted to see us, he had his dinner then we took him for a walk over to the supermarket as I needed some messages.
Had a cuppa back at the house then Graham made dinner veggie prawn risotto with tomatoes and avocado salad lovely. Bye.