Birthday Boy

Spent a lovely evening with the family and Karen to help Joe celebrate his Birthday! We had a lovely curry, good beer and an amazing surprise Bella Rainbow Birthday Cake. Good to catch up and sing Happy Birthday.
No Blog yesterday had a lazy morning, then after breakfast and a wash down to the shore with the Wonder Dog. Lovely walk along the Eastern shore warm in the sun but still a cold wind, however this did not deter some kids from going into the sea in swimsuits--Brrr.
To Sainsbury's for messages then home. Made dough for bread and did the ironing. Phoned mum she was in good spirits!! Made bread, Graham made dinner tomato and mushroom sauce, pasta, salad and homemade bread lovely.
Tired to bed. Bye.
Up early and on my way to work, good day there then walked over to the family's as we are having dinner there tonight to celebrate Joe's Birthday.
Booked Ruaridh's appt. for his hair strip with Craig for 30 March 2011.
Called into the office to meet up with Graham and Ruardih, wee dog delighted to see me.
Then over to the family's, Bella had her wee chum Eve over, Joe's pressie of one beer a week for 52 weeks had arrived with the 13 for the Winter being the first batch!
Joe's mum Karen arrived then Layla, we had a lovely meal and sang Happy Birthday, Bella helped her dad blow out the candles.
Home now catching up blipping and blogging. Bye.

Lazy Saturday

Yesterday Harrison left after spending a week with us to see if he liked photography before taking it as a subject and to do a stint at blipcentral! Hope he enjoyed himself it is quiet without him.
Took him up town and put him on the train, after the train departed went and did some shopping. Spoke to Layla this morning she is still feeling unwell so not meeting up!
Ruaridh delighted to see me when I got back, had our lunch then spoke to mum she is OK going to a concert tonight with Cathy.
Took Ruaridh to the woods pleasant walk, then back home G arrived we had a cuppa.
Butternut squash risotto for dinner with salad and olives.
Watched 'The Man who Wasn't There' Coen brothers film excellent.
Tired to bed. Goodnight.
Saturday up and saw to Ruaridh early morning cuppa, then read and dozed, G woke me at 1000h with a cup of Americano delicious it tasted too. Read a wee bit more then up.
Breakfast of scrambled egg sandwiches, toast and coffee.
Wash then later took The Wonder Dog to the woods, had a lovely walk in warm sunshine though still a cold wind!
Back home cuppa down to local shop.
Graham making soup for dinner then tonight episodes 11 and 12 of 'The Killing' a Danish thriller we are following on BBC 4. Bye.

Work at the Hospital

No Blog yesterday, have decided at the moment that as some of my days are quite similar and somedays nothing happens to join the Blogs up on occasion!
On Wednesday up and about early as G had important meetings-saw to him, then when he left had my breakfast then a shower and hair wash before getting ready and taking Ruaridh to he woods.
Lovely solitary walk--the woods still extremely muddy, then went to Kev's fish van to get fish for the dinner the heavens opened and the wee fellow and moi had to sheler under the awning at the newsagents! Got the fish and then home.
Harrison was getting ready to spend time in the town before going to the studio, I accompanied him to the town then I went for Miss B and he went his merry way.
Met up with Bella she was in good form then we got the bus home with her on her scooter to the bus and then home.
She had fish finger and chips for her lunch I had a chip butty-- lovely.
We read a story had chocolate biscuits, then watched a 'Charlie and Lola'. We then did some drawings of a house and stuck penne pasta on it. Read some more then Layla arrived had herb tea, Bella had some also crackers with peanut butter and jam.
G and Hari arrived, G took Layla and Bella home, I took Ruaridh for a walk met up with Mitch they had a great play!
Home fish and chips with peas for dinner.
Tired to bed early as I am working tomorrow. Goodnight.
Up with the early birds this morning literally as for some reason my timer went off at 0600h bah! Back to bed 'til alarm went off at 0700h.
Wash, breakfast, fed Ruaridh, got ready and off to work. Good walk over, lovely to meet up with colleagues and patients again!
Settled with my morning coffee once the exam had started!!!! then my iPhone went off-it was G had I seen his keys as he couldn't find them, no I hadn't. Suggested one or two options no joy--eventually got a cab and sent MY keys over to the house!
Good day at work sorting the world out!
As I had no keys walked up the road then got the No. 21 bus to Layla's as she and Bella had Ruaridh.
Poor Layla has bronchitis, Bella was in great form pretending to be a nurse--she gave me an injection, put a plaster on my foot and saw a frog jump out of my L) ear:)
Eventually G and Hari came to pick me up.
Leek quiche, new tatties and broccoli for G and moi, pizza for Hari.
Evening catching up, bed early. Goodnight.

Family Dinner

No blog yesterday up with Graham, breakfast then a wash before taking Ruaridh to the park and woods--met up with Ecky and Jock, Ruaridh had a play with Jock and I listened to Ecky's tales.
Back home got H organised with the bus, then did some washing, made some phone calls to sort out some business matters. Looked at the internet for pressies for the man who has everything! Cleaned the stairs and the hall, looks amazing now we have light!
Had my lunch then got the ironing done whilst listening to the afternoon play on Radio 4 'The Market--Eclipse'--brilliant! Caught up with some blogging!
Got the soup ready for dinner corn chowder. Then got Ruaridh ready to go to the woods had a nice walk then home.
G and H late so did some knitting whilst waiting.
Had our corn chowder with crackers, then tinned salmon sandwiches with a big cuppa.
watched Dispatches on Channel 4 about food in hospitals very good.
To bed. Goodnight.
Up this morning bright and early, breakfast then a wash before taking the Wonder Dog to the park and woods. Lovely day met one or two dog walkers but Ruaridh and moi ambled on by ourselves enjoying the solitude-on the way home met Winifred and had a thirty minutes discussion on Religion/Middle East.
Realised H might still be in bed not answering phone. Arrived home H in shower got his breakfast and lunch organised. He managed to get the bus!
I went to Sainsbury's to get some messages, back home had tomato soup with toast for lunch. Got the dinner ready for this evening's meal.
Listened to the afternoon play on Radio 4 'Two Pipe Problem's' second episode tomorrow! very good.
Phoned mum she appears to be in good form.
Took the wee fellow to the park he had a great play with Mitch.
G & H at home then later the family arrived.
Dinner of pasta al forno, salad, olives and homemade bread. Followed by Eve's pudding with ice cream for some and custard for others!
Good to see Miss B who had been to visit her friend Eugene this afternoon.
Family left I phoned Lena she is feeling much better.
Going to bed. Goodnight.

The shore

Today up with the Wonder Dog, then headed back to bed, had a read then dozed and slept. Up for breakfast around 1100h had a fry up which I enjoyed. Had a shower and washed my hair then made the dough for the bread.
Down to the shore it was bloody freezing with an easterly wind Brrrrr. Walked towards the East coming back much warmer. Ruaridh had a great time chasing leaves!
H took lots of photo's then we set off to visit the family as Joe is lending him something to play with. Popped into Asda on the way over.
Bella in good form, we didn't stay long.
Back home made the bread, then a veggie lasagna which we had for dinner with salad.
Attempting to catch up Blogging--tired to bed. Goodnight.
 

Bright Light!

No Blog yesterday late home. Yesterday left early as Ruaridh and moi were going to be with Bella, as her daddy was working and her mummy had a morning workshop.
Drove over, Bella was still in PJ's spent a lovely time we read watched a 'Charlie and Lola' did some drawing then we set off for the park via the cycle path. Ruaridh enjoyed the walk and Bella the play park where we met a nice wee girl and two wee boys with their mum. Then we left for home, not long home when Layla arrived, eggy bread for lunch with a big mug of coffee then we played at shop and read some more did some puzzles and before too long Graham and Joe arrived.
We were looking after Bella as Joe and Layla were going out with friends, so we had veggie burgers in buns, chips and baked beans for dinner before watching 'Annie get your Gun' good but not a patch on 'Calamity Jane'. Popcorn at the movies, bed late due to the movie a 'Madeline' story then Bella was fast asleep in dreamland.
Joe and Layla had a fun time, home rolled into bed. Goodnight.
Up quite early for a Saturday, quite a busy day ahead. Harrison is arriving for a week from St Annes, Joe is coming over later to fix the hall and bathroom.
Had breakfast, G left to return something he had borrowed from a blipper , I took the wee fellow to the woods.
Family arrived we had lunch, then Joe got stuck in and did a great job, thank you Joe. G left for the station to pick up Harrison, Bella delighted to see H who had a good journey. Phoned mum to let her know he had arrived OK.
The family left, over to Sainsbury's to get food for the boy!
Back home we all had pizzas for dinner.
Got my camera ready for H as he is going to use it this week!
Watched episodes 9&10 of 'The Killing' becoming more and more intriguing, only another 10 episodes to go!
To bed. Goodnight!

Tetanus Injection

No Blog yesterday as we drove down from the Glen to the city. Awoke to lots of sunshine and a warmer day! Had our breakfast then got the cottage sorted, before getting into the car and heading down to the city. Good journey Bella was as good as gold and slept and sang all the way down to the city.
Took the girls home then drove home, unloaded and put the foodstuffs away.
Butternut squash risotto and salad for dinner lovely. Tired to bed. Goodnight.
Up this morning, to ground frost and then a heavy mist, after G left for work into the shower and washed my hair. Got Ruaridh organized and we left for a walk in the woods, met no-one but had a lovely walk, in the park met M and W had a chat then set off for home. Made the dough for the bread.
Had my lunch then got ready to go to the Dr's to visit the practice nurse for my tetanus shot. This time had it along with polio and diptheria!! then home. Made the bread also the pastry for the quiche!
Took Ruaridh to the park and woods then back home, got the dinner ready leek quiche, roast tatties and peas which when we had it tasted delicious.
Attempting to catch up with Blogging phew. To bed--Goodnight!

Vet Visit!

Today Ruaridh is due his booster injections and a worm tablet from Alan the vet so we have an appointment in Kyle at 1710h.
Joe left yesterday after the delivery of our new memory mattress. As the weather was pretty awful drizzle and cold, we payed a visit to the village shop then had a wee walk before returning home.
After lunch got stuck into making the marmalade--no sugar damn! however we started the process tomorrow we must finish it.
Bella still under the weather but a bit cheerier as the day wore on. Grandpa and she watched a film which turned out to be a wee bit sad:( The skip was picked up now await the bill??
We had chanterelles (picked by us last Autumn) and pasta, Bella pasta and pesto all had salad and homemade bread. Bella enjoyed her tinned pears, she loved them.
She went to bed tonight and slept on the new mattress looked a wee bit like a page from 'The Princess and the Pea'.
Tired to bed. Goodnight.
Left the house on Tuesday at midday, went over to the wee loch by Plockton, OMG it was freezing. Sad to see the devastation produced by the tree felling however we had a good walk Bella splashing in the mud puddles and feeling much better.
Couldn't get fish and chips in Plockton however we managed to get lovely fish and chips and mushy peas:) Also bought Bella some new RED wellies.
Took Ruaridh to the vets, he passed with flying colours, Bella cme in with him and was very good.
Drove home to the Glen finished making the marmalade! Had light dinners ranging from waffles(Bella), mushrooms on toast(Layla) tomatoes on toast(Graham and Beryl).
Bella to bed, started to get things ready as we leave the Glen tomorrow. Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Early Rise!

Ruaridh stayed downstairs overnight until 0645h this morning Phew! he was up and about at 0730h gave him his food and let him out. What a surprise I got when I returned to bed a wee person by the name of Bella had taken my place:) We had our cuppa's and she had apple juice. We read some books watched a 'Charlie and Lola' then decided to get the waffle maker (Joe) out of his bed!
Lovely breakfast of waffles and veggie bacon with maple syrup and lashings of coffee.
In the afternoon G, Layla, Bella, Ruaridh and moi went to the village shop then braved the beach-- freezing! Joe decided to attack the mountains on his bike
Didn't stay long, back home crackers and cheese then the rest watched the film 'Calamity Jane' whilst I tried to catch up with blipping, blogging and some knitting! Lots of popcorn eaten in the movie room!
After the movie we had roasted vegetables and pasta with salad for dinnerand homemade bread and olives!
Bella to bed Gand moi watched episodes 8&9 of 'The Killing' excellent only 12 episodes to go. Goodnight.

Lazy 1st day at the cottage

Yesterday we drove up to the cottage lovely weather, though we were late leaving as due to my having stood on a screw and punctured my foot on Sunday I was hoping to get my tetanus booster at the Dr's practice.
Graham left for the studio, after a shower and hair wash Ruaridh and moi went for our walk in the woods, had a lovely walk.
Back home packed, phoned mum she is OK, then when G arrived home had lunch, G went to get diesal and I went to the Dr's. Problem, due to a serious illness in the past they don't know if I can have the tetanus shot so I left without it, they will get in touch!!
Good drive to the cottage all OK. Had frittata, new potatoes and peas for dinner lovely. To bed. Goodnight!
Awoke with the wee fellow up and about, early cuppa and back to bed had a read and a doze then up for breakfast. Had a wash, got the room ready for the family then took the wee fellow down to the beach, he had adventures we had a a lovely walk. Weather not too bad.
Back home made the dinner for the family arriving,
Did my blip, the family arrived around 1830--1900h after a OK journey, lovely to see them especially as the owls were to wit to wooing:)
Shepherds pie and peas for dinner, Bella had a veggie burger, tatties and peas-lovely!
Sat up chatting then to bed. Goodnight!

Gas service!

The engineer was here early today! Thank goodness as normally we are last on the morning run and it has been known for them not to turn up. Job well done. Got Ruaridh organised and we set off to the woods not many people about as we were quite late, had a lovely walk.
Layla and Bella arrived for lunch and then we left with Ruaridh and went to the allotment, did a little work and back to Layla's to wait for Graham as we are going to Asda and Waitrose to get messages before heading to the cottage tomorrow.
Eventually got home and we had leek quiche, new potatoes and peas.
To bed. Goodnight.

Family Dinner!

Today dawned dry and bright thank goodness after breakfast and Graham had left Ruaridh and moi set off for the woods. We met some nice dog walkers and their dogs in fact so nice we were out much longer than intended (me chatting)! had a lovely time and then back home.
I had to go to Sainsbury's as I needed messages for dinner as the family are coming this evening. Back home made the sauce for the dinner then had my lunch before setting off to meet Bella.
Met her we had a good laugh on the bus singing songs from 'Calamity Jane', she is a wee star.
At the house Ruaridh delighted to see us rushing around like crazy, gave him his dinner and he settled down. Bella, Ruaridh and moi played at birthday's then Layla arrived, Then Graham followed by Joe on his bike.
I got dinner ready pasta with pesto and tomato sauce, salad, homemade bread followed by apple crumble and ice cream or custard then coffee.
Grandpa and Bella sang most of the songs from 'Calamity Jane' before the family left.
Did my blip and Blog then to bed. Goodnight!

Dentist!

Awoken this morning by a phone call from the dentist receptionist to say J could see me tomorrow re tooth-no joy says moi today or Wednesday eventually I got an appt. for 1515h today.
This morning the rain/sleet lashed down took the Wonder Dog to the woods and through the meadowland we got soaked. The rain was pitter pattering on the wee pond saw a coot/moorhen and then a female and male mallard duck--Spring must be somewhere??
Back home got both myself and the dog dry, then cleaned the bathroom and washed the kitchen floor and sink. Phoned mum she is out for lunch today and the choir after
Time creeping on, had veggie bacon and egg sandwich and big mug coffee for lunch--lovely.
Got the bus up to the dentist, thought I would listen to what J had to say, he advised to keep the tooth and he put a dressing on, will return for my appt on said date for root canal--take it from there! Sent mum her knitted hat.
Back home made dough for pizzas the took Ruaridh to the woods had a lovely walk and the sun shone! Spoke to layla they are fine here for dinner tomorrow.
Graham arrived home we had a bread roll and a cuppa, then I made the pizzas and the coleslaw. Tasted really good.
Dozy evening then bed. Goodnight.

Cammo Estate

Today awoke around about 0815h saw to the Wonder Dog then back to bed with a cuppa to read 'Sister' a very interesting novel. Eventually got up and cooked a fry-up for breakfast, then had a shower and washed my hair.
Decided to take Ruaridh to Cammo estate, quite a gloomy day had a lovely walk around the estate lots of snowdrops in bloom-appear fragile but have a great tenacity. Ruaridh had an amazing time sniffing everywhere, the walled garden is huge, pity it can't be used!
Home Cuppa and cheese and biscuits, then started to knit a cardigan for Miss B.
Spoke to mum she is feeling better didn't go to church as the weather is wet and windy.
Spoke with Layla they are all fine.
Crisps and G&T whilst watching iPlayer Louis Theroux's 'Ultra Zionists' good documentary! then watched a programme on 'Abe Lincoln' interesting.
Graham made a lovely dinner of mushroom risotto with salad.
We then watched a Coen brothers film 'Millers Crossing" excellent!
To bed. Goodnight.

Quite a Lazy Day!

Today up with the wee fellow then back to bed until around 1130h had a great sleep, second cuppa of the morning brought up by G. Shower and hair wash then scrambled egg sandwiches for breakfast with a couple of mugs of coffee.
G had to go and buy some clothes for the scanner and camera so car bound he set off. Ruaridh and moi walked over to Inverleith park and then met G at Waitrose. Got our messages and then home.
Did some Blogging and blipping and had some cheese and biscuits and an Americano. feeling dozy. Layla phoned to ask us over for a coffee declined with thanks, Bella has now got a cowboy hat to go with her 'Glam Calamity' outfit her mum made her yesterday:) G&T and crisps, then Graham got the tinned salmon ready for the sandwiches we are having for dinner. Would you believe my crown tumbled off again-email dentist in morning!
Sandwiches and a big cuppa, then settled with a glass of Red and chocolate to watch two episodes of "The Killing" on BBC4--superb Danish thriller still fourteen episodes to go! To bed started to read 'Sister' brilliant. Goodnight.

City

Today had some business to see to in the city, it was wet and windy! In fact every time you turned a corner the wind buffeted you but it was not to cold. Got the bus up went to Welchs fish shop and bought halibut and scallops G is making the dinner this evening.
Got all my business and messages done then managed to catch the No.13 bus home.
This morning took the dog into the woods as I said it was wet, windy and lots of mud underfoot we had a lovely walk and met no-one! It was also good to see the shoots of daffodil and crocus appearing!
Home spoke to mum she is feeling better after her 'blip' yesterday ?
Had lunch then Graham phoned to say he was on his way home for a wee while, he arrived to the delight of Ruaridh and I left!
When I got home from the city took Ruaridh out to the woods a wee bit calmer weatherwise.
Layla phoned had I seen the photo she sent me of Miss B dressed as Calamity Jane--fantastic!
Graham made dinner--poached halibut in saffron and leek cream sauce with panfried scallops and new potatoes, delicious!
Did my blip and Blog must start knitting again! A new cardigan for Bella1 Goodnight.

Expensive

That was a quote for today! As we have decided to refurbish/renovate the home in the city I phoned a loose covers company to give me a quote for loose covers for the two sofa's. Layla and Bella came after gym nippers for lunch and were here when the man arrived.
I told him I was not willing to pay the cost of two new sofa's and we proceeded, I did not like any of the materials most were quite shiny the one I thought was OK wouldn't have lasted more than two years he said! The price when he gave it was double what we were willing to pay so he said he would send me samples of two materials (Layla's Diplomacy) and left!
We had lunch then into the car we went to Craigleith Retail Park got our messages then to the cloth shop to purchase material for a Calamity outfit! then to the allotment. Weather was wet and windy but we tidied a wee bit and Layla lifted some parsnips, then back to theirs. Had a cup of tea Bella painted my hand and finger nails then I did hers.
Got the No 13 home took an hour poor Ruaridh onto the park he did a P&P then home.
Made soup, Graham giving a lecture at a Camera Club will be late home. Phoned mum she was feeling wobbit this morning, bit better now. Had my soup and toast, caught up with things, then G came had his soup and toast then I went to bed. Goodnight.

Changed Day

Ruaridh and moi were meant to be at the allotment today with Layla and Bella this didn't happen. Bella had a wee chum coming for the afternoon and there was a torrential downpour--no allotment time!
Up this morning and over to Asda to do a big shop took Ruaridh a wee walk there. Enjoyed the shop into the car and over to visit Layla. As it was pouring down decided to take the car home Graham will get the bus.
Arrived home had lunch, listened to the afternoon play on Radio 4 'Quartet' an amazing story, really enjoyed it. Did the ironing then got the dinner ready for this evening. Went to meet Graham off the bus via the park Ruaridh had a good play with some dogs there.
Met Graham home, had a cuppa then dinner of pasta, roasted vegetables and a salad.
Mums hat now ready so must get it posted to her. Bye.

New Window and Doors!

This afternoon the men came from Craftsman Cladding to discuss the time for the new windows and doors to go in. Nice guys and we arranged a time that is suitable to both parties. They should have come this morning but due to a persistent niggle in my tooth I managed by hook or by crook to get to see the dentist at 1215h today!
When I went into the surgery I said I had only wanted to have a chat on the phone--email is now the way to do this! We discussed various options (all with risk attached)?? Decided to leave the Rx for the tooth until the beginning of March left with a supply of antibiotics and fingers crossed.
Walked back home Ruaridh delighted to see me, had lunch then the guys arrived.
This morning also phoned M&S re Ruaridh's insurance the reason it has gone up so much is that vets have put their costs up ?? anyway maybe we will change to standerd cover instead of premium!
Took Ruaridh for an evening walk met up with Mitch the Tibetan terrier he is so cool Ruaridh and he had a great play and a good walk through the woods.
Graham home cuppa, then veggie and prawn risotto for dinner with salad lovely. Finished knitting mums hat, then bed. Goodnight.