Monday

Busy day all round! Up with Graham, breakfast then when he left I had a shower and washed my hair. Phoned John H will phone him later this week, also phoned the dentist-got an appointment for tomorrow!
Then got ready and with the wee fellow set off to visit my chum Jane. Had a lovely walk through Inverleith Park, Ruaridh chasing the blackbirds and leaves. Good visit-cup of tea and a great chat about many things. We both caught the No. 13 bus, J to the West end moi home.
Had lunch then listened to the play on Radio 4 (Market 2) Phonebreaker very good!
Did the ironing, spoke to Layla she is fine.
Graham home, cuppa then I made vegetable and prawn risotto with salad for dinner very good.
More knitting on the hat for mum, then bed. Goodnight.

Catching up!

Layla,Bella and moi had a lovely three days with the memsahib as she celebrated her ninety-first Birthday on Wednesday! Arrived in Edinburgh Friday evening after demanding our reserved seats on the train. The excuse being the reserved ticket machine at Manchester Airport was broken ????--needless to say we never saw the guard the whole journey! Graham met us and we took Layla and Bella home before going to get some food and wine!
Saturday was a lazy day, didn't get out with Ruaridh until about 1500h wnet down to the shore--dreich and freezing. Over to Layla's as we are looking after Glam Calamity tonight.
Lovely dinner of pesto and pasta, and I made an apple and blackberry crumble which we had with ice-cream.
Read stories to Bella then she went to bed Layla got her to sleep she slept right through. Layla enjoyed her party and we watched 'The Killing' on BBC 4 excellent. Home around 0100h. Layla and Bella are to the airport this morning to meet Joe on his return from a successful time at MIT in Boston. Goodnight.
Awoke Sunday with the dog saw to the wee fellow then we went back to bed. Crashed out and slept until 1200h, awoke made a small fry up for breakfast, then had a wash and made the bread dough.
Graham was working so Ruaridh and moi set off for the local woods and had a great walk. Met up with Graham over to Sainsbury's then home, had a cuppa and got the bread ready for baking!
Graham made a Nigel Slater dinner, butter beans in tomato sauce with fried aubergines then topped with parmesan crust and baked. Eaten with a salsa and chapatis.
delicious.
Watched the Swedish movie 'Evil'-very interesting.
To bed. Goodnight.

Lunch Day!

No blog yesterday as it was a busy day all round. Up for breakfast then after a wash got Ruaridh ready and leaving Graham in bed set out for the woods for a walk. Met up with 'Eky' and his dog Jock so walked round with them--haven't seen them in an age he looks well! Ruaridh had a great time playing with Jock.
Back home Graham had breakfast then got ready to go into work for the first time in over a week. Made sauce for dinner.
I got ready to go up town to get some messages for Layla then got a bus to meet up with Bella. Had a good meet and went to Sainsbury's for lunch--bowl of chips each, then we meandered around and got our messages Bella works wonders at the self checkout!!
Home Ruaridh delighted to see us, he had his dinner.
Graham home not feeling too well however after a cup of tea and some toast he felt somewhat better. Bella and moi played then read 'The Selfish Giant' then two episodes of Charlie and Lola.
Made dinner veggie 'meatballs' in tomato sauce and pasta with salad, followed by plum crumble and ice cream--delicious.
Graham took the girls home and I took Ruaridh to the park.
Catching up on Blogging and bliping, then did some knitting before bed. Goodnight.
Today up and about had a shower and washed my hair then got breakfast for the two of us, before taking Ruaridh to the woods. He had a great time playing with Bria and Dudley in fact so good he lost his collar! which was found by a very kind gentleman.
Up to the The Suburban Pantry to meet C and J for lunch. We had a lovely lunch and a great discussion on various aspects of life, good to meet up with these guys.
Went home got Ruaridh and got the bus to meet Miss B. Graham was meeting us with the car!
Great to meet the wee one, home via Sainsbury's for messages.
Veggie haggis, mashed tatties (nay neeps) so we had carrots to celebrate 'Burns Night' Bella had a veggie burger!
No Blogs for a few days as we head down to the Red Rose County to celebrate the memsahib's ninety-first Birthday tomorrow. Bye.

Fun Sunday!

Awoke this morning with Ruaridh and soon heard Bella moving about. So the three of us went downstairs leaving Layla and Graham to have a lie-in. We read quite a few books then had the first course of our breakfast, Graham had a cup of tea.
When Layla and Graham got up we had the second course of our breakfast-- all go!
We then had chats about the film 'Calamity Jane' which we saw last night and played some games.
I then had a wash. Bella had chips and beans for lunch and I joined her. We then got ready to take Ruaridh to Cramond. Bella had her 'no pedals bike' boy can she go it.
Graham still very tired and still not feeling himself, however we had a nice walk, Bella a wee bit miffed we didn't go to the cafe!
The girls headed home and so did we. Made bread.
Phoned mum couldn't believe what I was hearing she had misplaced/lost her credit card-- when ? the beginning of January. After various phone calls managed to cancel same!! Bless her.
Pasta in cheese sauce for dinner with salad.
Tired to bed. Goodnight!

Car Fixed!

Today picked up the car from the garage where it had been having a wrong put right! Got the bus over to Layla's then she and Bella dropped me off at the garage. Paid the dues and drove home via Sainsbury's as I had to get some messages as the girls are staying for dinner and overnight.
Back home Graham still not looking too good and very tired, however he decided to come down to the shore and beach with Ruaridh and moi. It was freezing on the beach, less cold on the prom. Had a walk and Ruaridh once again less than impressed with the beach.
Popped in to see G&L's new house they were in 'measuring up' so we went in to have a recky. Great place, nice garage and garden area too.
Back home had a rest and got ready for the girls, made a plum crumble.
Fish, rice and tomato sauce for dinner, we never had the crumble Grandpa put the film 'Calamity Jane' on and he and Bella later Layla were hooked:) I started the hat for mum's Birthday!
Late to bed--Goodnight.

Car

Missed doing a Blog yesterday needless to say I awoke to a heavy ground frost and a white car!! damn as the car was going into the garage. Had breakfast and gave Graham his, he appears to be a little better.
Got the dog ready then went out to clear the car took me ages! then with the dog, my bag and the windows open set off for the garage. Arrived after nearly missing the turn off, saw the service people then to the beach with the Wonder Dog. Phoned Layla and let her know where we were, had a good walk to the west then turned round, sent Layla a text to let her know we were on the beach at King's Rd.
The girls arrived and we set of for Mothercare. Had a good look around and Bella got new clothes. we the went back to theirs for lunch then a trip to Asda to get the messages!
Layla then very kindly drove me home.
Graham is feeling a wee bit better so he got up and I made a leek and pea risotto for dinner with salad-lovely, think that is the most G has eaten all week!
Did some blipping and Blogging, cast on the stitches for mum's hat then bed. Goodnight.
Today did very little took Ruaridh for his walk, the garage phoned to say what was wrong with the car and the cost of fixing it!! They will phone later and let us know when it is ready.
Mum had a problem with her washing machine last night, told her what to try today and it appears to be fixed!
Broccoli quiche, roast tatties and peas for dinner Graham was up and dressed today and appeared to enjoy his dinner.
Car is ready will pick it up in the morning. Tired--to bed. Goodnight

Lunch with the Girls!

Today Layla and Bella were going to come for lunch, however Graham was very worried that they might pick up his 'bug' and was still feeling mince, so we arranged to meet and go down to Stockbridge.
Up usual morning, (oh I had a shower and washed my hair) took Ruaridh to the woods and had a great walk, he is meeting a lot of dogs and playing at the moment! Good.
Saw that Graham was OK (he is still feeling rotten) then went to meet the girls, gave Bella her new hat, and her Gruffalo calender. Drove to Stockbridge went and bought Cammy's Birthday present and card, he is thirteen on Saturday! Then over to Maxi's and had a lovely lunch, we then walked up to the wool shop and bought wool for a new cardigan, navy wool.
Layla and Bella brought me home and dropped me off. Phoned mum she is fine.
Made pasta with garlic, tomatoes and basil in oil delicious, salad--avocado and tomato, homemade bread, for dinner. Graham managed some and stayed up a wee bit longer.
I did some Blogging and blipping then bed. Goodnight.

What did I do Today--day!

Today I had an at home day. Graham still feeling mince and staying in bed, had to cancel taking the car again, now rescheduled for Thursday fingers crossed. After breakfast and a wash got ready and took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods.
Home saw that Graham was OK then off to Sainsbury's to get some messages. Enjoyed the walk and the sunshine.
Back home had lunch listened to the afternoon play on Radio 4 'My Name is Iqbal Masih' a excellent look into the way children are bonded to work in factories in Pakistan from an early age. Finished knitting Miss B's red hat, just to sew it now.
Made vegetable soup for dinner also made bread.
Spoke with mum she is fine appears to be better with C coming in twice a week.
Layla still got a bad chest otherwise OK.
Poor Graham got up for a wee while-had to return to bed!
I stayed up a wee while but as I'm tired 'retired' early. Goodnight.

Dentist/New Cafe.

Phoned the dentist at 0810h this morning as my gum and tooth was really sore and I had to take paracetamol 1G in the early hours of this morning!!!!. The dentist's receptionist said just to go for 1130h and J the dentist would see me.
Had breakfast and a wash, made sure Graham was OK he is still feeling mince, took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods he had some great plays, back home left the dog with G and caught the bus to the dentist.
When I arrived explained the pain was too severe for me to see the hygienist and I wanted to see J the dentist. Only waited for 20 minutes then he saw me. I have an infection in the roots of my tooth that I had crowned a year ago--damn. J 'shaved' the tooth to relieve the pressure, I am now on antibiotics for seven days--fun not! and paracetamols every 4 hours! the pain is the pits!
Walked back home and popped into 'The Suburban Pantry' a new cafe in Blackhall had a lovely Americano coffee and bought some delicious biscuits and Isle of Mull chedder.
Will be back again.
Had lunch when I got home, listened to the afternoon play on Radio 4 'The Need for Nonsense' very good, and did more knitting.
Made kedgeree for dinner, poor Graham could only eat a little of this and felt really unwell, and returned to bed.
I followed a wee bit later nursing my sore tooth and gum. Goodnight.

Sore Tooth/Gum

Have had the problem since Friday, I phoned the dentist to tell them as I have an appointment with the hygienist tomorrow and also want to see a dentist! Over the last two days the ache/pain has worsened so first thing in the morning phone DENTIST!
Paracetamol 1G keeping said ache/pain dull!!
Graham still feeling mince so got up and had a shower and washed my hair, then had my breakfast. Got ready to take the Wonder Dog to the woods he chose to go to the local Ravelston woods instead of up Corstorphine Hill, met a lovely black Cocker Spaniel and had a great play! Through the meadowland all the ice is away from the pond--amazing.
Back home did some knitting, a rather lazy day. Spoke to mum she appears to be better and had been to church. Spoke to Layla she is a little better and had taken Bella to a party
Graham got up but didn't fancy any dinner, so I just had left over vegetable soup with brown bread. G had beans on toast later!
Tooth and gum quite sore so to bed. Goodnight.

New Windows!

Today Paul from Craftsman Claddings came to give us advice and a quote for new windows and doors! An extremely nice and very efficient person, we will be getting the work done once the weather improves--takes two days for the windows and doors to be fitted.
Graham still feeling mince and staying in bed poor soul has an elevated temp.
Ruaridh and moi took off in the pouring down rain for the woods, only met one other dog walker. However enjoyed the solitude of the walk though underfoot the leaves are all sodden and lots of mud!
Back home made peasant bread, also the pastry for a broccoli quiche which I'm hoping Graham can eat for dinner this evening.
Phoned mum she is feeling much better Cathy had been to help her with the shower, and some light housework, so pleased mum has agreed to this!
Layla still feeling rotten (though now taking antibiotics) so Joe took Bella to her school chums Birthday Party.
Graham managed up for dinner but soon back to bed. We did have broccoli quiche, roast tatties and peas, I enjoyed but too much for Graham.
Stayed up did some knitting, blogging and blipping then to bed. Goodnight.

Busy Bee

Buzz, buzz, buzz that is what I felt I was doing today! Graham is ill in bed now with a severe cold and cough, Layla is still unwell but at least has a Dr's appt. for today.
Had to cancel taking the car as I had too much to do.
Up and and about had breakfast then a wash before taking the Wonder Dog to the woods, super walk meeting many dog walkers and obviously dogs--Ruaridh had great plays but did get somewhat dominant with his chum Dudley--he got a telling.
Back home made Graham his breakfast then went to catch a bus to see Layla and Bella for the afternoon, gives Layla a chance to rest she has tracheitis/bronchitis so needs to rest.
Had lunch with them then whilst Layla had a sleep we played after a couple of false starts and with help from the internet managed to make the 'cut-out' dolls holding hands. Bella was impressed and proceeded to colour them all!
Left for home some gent offered me a chip at the bus stop I refused, thought I was from Yorkshire-wrong rose!
Walked home via WGH stopped in for a visit-good exhibition of paintings and photographs, in the corridors.
Got home G still feeling unwell, had a cuppa and toast, made soup, then took the wee fellow for a walk in the park. Phoned mum back she was feeling crap earlier, now appears to be a little better.
G got up for dinner then back to bed.
I stayed up did some blogging and blipping then to bed. Goodnight.

Problem with wee Fiesta (car)

The car has been smelling strongly of diesal fumes and also sounding noisier than it should, so yesterday Graham took it to the garage, this morning they phoned me just as I was about to get into the shower to say they might not be able to solve the problem!! However two garages later and I found one that should be able to fix the problem so the car goes in tomorrow,
Bit of a do nothing day for moi took Ruaridh for his constitutional and to meet Graham off the bus, bought fish which we had with rice and tomato sauce-lovely.
Today after sorting the car had my shower and walked over to see the girls-poor Layla still has a very bad cough and feels unwell-however on the + side she made delicious celery soup for lunch. Bella is a wee star she is just tired. Had a lovely time playing 'real' and 'imaginary' games with her! saw some Charlie and Lola whilst Layla had a rest and read numerous books a lovely afternoon.
Graham picked up the car and he feels unwell sore throat and cough, so bought some rum at Waitrose hopefully will ward 'bugs' away.
After leaving the family popped into Waitrose to do a little shop that turned into a bigger shop also noticed prices going up!!!
Acorn squash risotto for dinner with a chili thrown in, avocado and tomato salad and olives delicious.
Making bread, first batch in then bed. Going to have a small glass of rum. Goodnight.

Organised

No blog yesterday--back to normal in the city. Up with Graham-breakfast, wash then when G left Ruaridh and moi got ready and set off for the woods. Met up with dogs and dog walkers nice walk. Ruaridh delighted to see Bria again.
Potato and onion butter pie, and marrowfat peas for dinner lovely!
Today after breakfast and a wash Ruaridh and moi had a lovely walk the low morning light was lovely. Met Dudley the Labradoodle Ruaridh had a great play, whilst I had a chat with Lesley.
Back home made the dinner for tonight, poor Layla has a horrible chest cold so I doubt she will join us for dinner this evening. Did some business, then had lunch before going to meet Bella. Lovely to see her with her Polar Bear hat on. She was going to help me make a crumble however Graham and Joe arrived early, (Layla decide not too come), so she stayed and read with Grandpa. Spoke to mum she is fine looking forward to her lunch out on Wednesday.
Lovely dinner--pasta with pesto and tomato sauce, salad, olives and homemade bread, followed by apple crumble. I think we all enjoyed it.
To bed. Goodnight.

Another rather lazy day

Today as yesterday was very much a 'do very little day'. Yesterday got up with the Wonder Dog then back to bed for a read and a doze.
Got up had breakfast after going to 'George's' for milk! had a wash then Graham and moi set off with Ruaridh to the woods. Had a good walk though glad we took the sticks as it was very icy under foot! Lovely walking through the meadowland!
Back home did some knitting, reading, drinking cuppa's just the life.
Tinned salmon sandwiches for 'tea' with another cuppa. We then settled down with a glass of wine and M&M's to watch 'Jar City' an Icelandic movie--excellent-well worth a second viewing at a later date. Would also like to read the book!
Sunday very much the same as yesterday, made dough for the peasant bread. Finished reading Henning Mankell's book 'Italian Shoes'-excellent.
I made bread and Graham made a lovely curry and rice for dinner-yummy. We then settled down to watch the film 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' an amazing film based on Stieg Larsson's book of the same name.
To bed, reading a thriller by a Norwegian author think I have already guessed the perpetrator!! Goodnight.

Down to the City

Today we left for the city! No Blog yesterday though we had quite an adventure with the Wonder Dog. After the morning routine ?? set off to the woods with Ruaridh and his chum Misty had a lovely walk Graham stopped to take some photo's at the burn and we carried on. So calm and peaceful in the woods, Graham caught us up and we meandered along then turned to go back. Who should we see coming along the track but Christine and her wee dog Milly. We were talking when suddenly Ruaridh dashed into the woods probably after a roe deer-Misty followed we carried on walking the shouted of the two dogs Misty appeared no Ruaridh.
We shouted and whistled to no avail, Graham decided to back track, I went home as the wee fellow has been known in the past to head there. Said cherrio to Christine and went to the house no Ruaridh. Went back to join Graham regardless of us whistling and shouting he did not appear. Both feeling a wee bit despondent we headed back to the house to have a cuppa then come out again. Guess what as we walked up the lane Graham turned who should be following us--the Boy!! needless to say we were delighted!
Cozy evening corn chowder soup for dinner, watched 'Wallender' on BBC4 brilliant.
Up early today to get away before the snow comes again, managed to leave by 1100h, have really enjoyed the break and the long lie-ins. Good journey down to the city freezing cold especially on the Spean Bridge--Dalwhinnie Rd where we stop for a pee.
Once in the city headed over to see the family, Layla and Bella had been at the zoo.
Had a cuppa and crackers then read to Bella good to see them again. Joe arrived home full of a cold however he made lovely cup of coffee. Then whilst Grandpa played with Bella I had a chat with Layla and helped a little with the pizzas-- they tasted delicious.
Suddenly Layla looked out of window and saw big snowflakes falling, bella was delighted.
Graham and moi decided we had better leave before the snow became too bad.
Arrived home lots of mail, all appears to be OK. To bed. Goodnight!

The sun visited us today--

--as did Jack frost last night. No Blog yesterday it rained very hard and was cold. When the rain ceased for a while we headed down to the village shop and the village beach. Managed a good walk, Ruaridh had an amazing time attempting to find rabbits, Graham did some more work with the hasselblad and I enjoyed the fresh air and took some photo's. Back home to hot chocolate and apple pie lovely.
Spoke to mum she is going to get Cathy in for some hours a week to help her, spoke to Cathy and that is fine with her!
Had curry, rice and nan bread for dinner lovely.
So today we awoke to Jack Frost art work on the velux windows-lovely. Got up with the wee fellow at 0810h then back to bed to sleep-awoken at 1000h by Graham with a cuppa lovely and the sun was shining!
Got up and did the dishes from last nights meal, then had a lovely bath and washed my hair.
Breakfast, then made the dough for the bread before helping Graham with the logs, he sawed and split them I transferred them to the green house. Also attempted a wee bit of tidying up in the garden!! Into the house, cup of tea and an apple pie.
Ruaridh was plying in the front field then disappeared on an adventure, went to find him whistled and shouted he appeared over the hill from Christine's.
Did some vacuuming upstairs, then made Ruaridh's dog biscuits.
Spoke to Layla she and Bella had been to Earlston to visit friends. Spoke to Miss B about the owls, the wee one has an answer for everything!
Graham made a lovely vegetable risotto for dinner with a rather nice Sancerre
Blipping, blogging awaiting to see on TV Britain's 'Fattest Man'-------! bye.

Visitor

Today we awoke to rain +++ OMG how it rained up with the Wonder Dog then back to bed. Had a wee read of my Christmas book 'The Septembers of Shiraz' then slept until Graham woke me with a cuppa.
Up and about porridge and toast with cups of coffee for breakfast then a wash, couldn't take Ruaridh out as the rain and hail was lashing down. Phoned mum her side is sore from the stumble/fall but she is going out on her choir lunch.
Layla phoned they are on their way home.
Made apple pies with the pastry that was left over from making the mince pies, bit of a fiddle but when finished look good.
C our neighbour arrived we all enjoyed a cuppa and an apple pie we had a good chat she decided to stay for dinner--pasta with chili tomato sauce, salad and homemade bread.
Spent a good evening catching up on life in the Glen and what was happening in Edinburgh.
Walked her home and an owl flew just in front of us! graham to report to Bella:)
Did the dishes then bed. Goodnight.

New Diary

Bella bought me a lovely diary for my Birthday today I started to write it up, using my new fountain pen!
We got up quite late, Graham thought he had left his new scarf at Bart and Anne's so I phoned and sure enough he had! She said they were all coming over to have a walk on the beach at Glenelg so would drop it off.
We had breakfast late and then got ready to go to the beach for Graham to take photo's with his Hasselblad. Met up with Anne and co. who were walking on the road, they joined us at the beach. Nice to have a chat Graham took photo's then we all returned to ours and enjoyed mince pies, Christmas cake, tea and coffee. They haven't been to the house since we started to do the renovating and they liked the rooms and the windows!
They left and Graham made dinner vegetable stew which we had with tatties lovely. Phoned mum, it appears she had a stumble/fall last night attempting to move a chair don't think there is much
Did more Blog catching up and blipped for today!
Managed to text and leave a voicemail for Layla at the beach. they are staying in fife until tomorrow. Bye.

Mince pies

Today 1/1/11 managed to finally make some mince pies! made the pastry yesterday--Nigella's recipe given to me by Layla and delicious they were too, with a big mug of tea!
Ruaridh played with misty for a while this morning so as the weather was still misy just took them a walk up by the river.
Phoned mum her wee party was quite a success.
Tonight we are going to watch Wallender, on BBC 4--plans thwarted as our neighbour R arrived with his two girls to wish us a Happy New Year. The girls are now growing up and they were away to the dance in the village hall. ah well also never got our dinner until 2200h as they stayed chatting until 2130 hours.
Graham made vegetables and rice for dinner lovely.
Must have fritted the evening away Blogging, blipping and started to knit Bella another hat!
To bed finished my book 'The Poisonwood Bible' very interesting book. Starting in what was the Belgian Congo in the sixties when, a Baptist man of the cloth takes his family from America there in an attempt to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity. Goodnight!