Home Days

Yesterday Ruaridh and moi had a long walk we set of and posted some letters, then spent time in the woods before going on to a small village called Davidson Mains to buy Graham some heel grips for the new shoes!
It was a lovely day and we both enjoyed the walk as in the afternoon the gasman from Scottish Gas was coming to give us a quote for a new boiler!
The man was very pleasant and explained everything, however I did say I was going to get two more estimates as Scottish Gas do appear to be expensive and the last boiler they put in for us is crap! but fingers crossed at the moment still working!
Graham came home to change as he is going out for dinner with Joe and some business people.
I had frittata, chips and peas made with leftover butternut squash risotto lovely.
Graham wasn't too late so to bed as Iam tired. Goodnight.
Today went back to bed for about ten minutes and crashed out for an hour and a half!! Graham away to Glasgow with Joe for back to back meetings!
Took Ruaridh to the woods and had a lovely peaceful walk, then back home did some ironing, had lunch and then listened to the afternoon play 'The Spellbound Horses' very interesting except I messed up my knitting I was attempting to do at the same time:)
Took Ruaridh to the woods the wild garlic is very pungent!
Made dinner of cauliflower cheese, new tatties and peas. Graham gat the bus home and we enjoyed our dinner! Bye.

Meeting the Gang!

We didn't meet up with the Canadians for dinner last night as we were busy watching TV as reported. The family did and we said we would meet up today as they leave on the English part of their trip tomorrow!
Graham had to meet up with Joe I decided to walk the Wonder Dog over to theirs, had a lovely walk.
Played with Bella, then Layla, Bella and I went over to Ocean Terminal to get G some new shoes and other messages.
When we got back the Canadians had phoned and were on their way over!
Lovely to see them again and catch up on their week at the cottage.
Layla made a lovely dinner of roasted vegetables and pasta with salad followed by blackberry crumble. We all had a good chat then left quite early. May see the visitors in the morning see how that checks out. Bye.

Excitement Mounting

This evening we shall see the final two hours of 'The Killing' and find out whose dunnit.
We have sat glued to BBC 4 for the past nine Saturdays along with lots of other people-one of the best programmes I have seen on TV ever:)
A mismash of a morning, Amber phoned early from the cottage and I missed the call so I called Christine to tell her to tell them I got their message. I made the early cuppa then G made Americano coffee and a bread roll.
Then Layla texted to see if we wanted to go to the allotment, we decided to go over and glad that we did, it was very pleasant and got some work done!
Went to the Chinese supermarket and got some messages, as Graham wants to make corn fritters this evening.
He made them and they were OK with salad and chili sauce.
Settled down to watch 'The Killing' as usual it was brilliant and the perpetrator was one of many we had picked out!!!!--a fantastic drama! Well done the Danes.
Apparently BBC 4 have bought a second series--Rock on! To bed. Goodnight

Dentist, Beach, Shop!

No Blog yesterday, had a busy day at home, shower and hairwash before taking Ruaridh to the woods a lovely day sunlight dancing between the trees, met no-one lovely-enjoyed the peace of the walk.
Back home counted all the copper coins that have been in the house for ages, will get them changed and give them to Bella for her holiday! did some washing lovely day to dry it.
Made some phone calls to sort one or two issues out, did some of the ironing that was slowly mounting up.
Had lunch sat outside in the garden, the sun was so warm!
Did some knitting going to listen to the afternoon play when Layla phoned, so missed the play. Though caught 'On the Ropes' with John Humphery's on iPlayer!
Took Ruaridh for his evening constitutional in the woods, met Bonnie the brown Labradoodle had a chat with her owners. The evening light was amazing once again the peace of the woods only broken by the children playing which somehow enhanced the calm.
Home and Graham arrived with the car--all MOT'd! had a cuppa!
Butternut squash risotto with olives and salad for dinner.
Catching up blipping and blogging--bed. Goodnight.
Friday morning up early wash and breakfast then into the car with Ruaridh heading for the dentist. Dressing taken off tooth cleaned, antiseptic applied further dressing for a couple of weeks then hopefully will get the crown back!
Down to the beach with the Wonder Dog, misty when we arrived then suddenly the mist lifted and the sun came out. So lovely and warm Ruaridh had a great run on the beach and a play with a golden Labrador. I threw some stones into the air for him and his jumping is definitely improving.
Walked to the causeway then a super walk back on the beach to the car. A phoned and said they would be back sometime on Saturday. I phoned Christine and explained what was happening to her.
Then into the car again and down to Sainsbury's for the messages. Got lots of stuff then home.
Stripped our bed and got the dirty linen washed and out on the line, made the dough for the bread.
Had my lunch Heinz Tomato soup and toast (delicious!) listening to the afternoon play 'Western Stars' on Radio 4-very good.
Did more knitting, then made the bread before taking Ruaridh for a walk in the woods then to meet Graham off the No. 13.
Home had a cuppa Graham making dinner a Iranian(Persian) meal smells delicious!
Signing off now. Bye.

Allotment Morning!

No Blog yesterday, another busy day. Up with the Wonder Dog then breakfast, Graham left and I had a shower and washed my hair before Ruaridh and moi jumped into the car and went down to the shore and beach.
An absolutely lovely day didn't even need a coat, Ruaridh set off towards Cramond so hey presto that is the way we go. Had a super walk it was sunny and warm really enjoyed it. Ruaridh had a great time attempting to catch thrown stones and rushing into the water.
Called at the mini-supermarket for some messages then home.
Made the batter for the veggie toad in the hole. Had lunch, phoned mum she is fine, going with the choir to sing for some people later today.
Into the car with the dog and over to meet Bella, we then all went over to the Asian supermarket by the University to meet Graham and get some food for Iranian meals! (watch this space).
Back to the house Bella played at pretend cooking, then her mummy arrived. Bella helped me make the crumble for the apple crumble we are having for dessert this evening
We had veggie toad in the hole, tatties and peas followed by apple crumble and ice cream--delicious.
Layla and Bella left, and I caught up with some blogging and did my blip.

Wednesday morning up bright and early as I had to take the car over to the garage for an MOT. Had breakfast with G, then he left for the studio, I had a wash then into the car with the Wonder Dog and over to the garage. Left the car and set off with Ruaridh to meet Layla at the allotment.
Bought two coffee's on the way over and arrived at the allotment. Lovely sunny, warm day got lots of clearing done worked hard for well over an hour--allotment looks much better.
Went to meet Miss B then over to 'The Engine Shed' for lunch, popped into the bakery to see Patrick (I used to work there as a volunteer)--good to see him!
Over to their house went to the 'play park', car not ready until tomorrow so walked home with the dog path on the cycle path.
Arrived home tired! Sue my chum from Canada had phoned spoke to her about her visit here in May, she and Al are off to the states tomorrow to buy a truck and trailer??
G arrived off the bus. Had a cuppa, then had leek quiche, potatoes, fried potatoes and peas for dinner.
Very tired to bed. Goodnight.

Dizzy Day

Busy dizzy day, up early to have breakfast with Layla and Bella then a wash before taking the Wonder Dog to the woods for his constitutional! had a lovely walk in solitude, the sun shone and it was warm.
Met Fergus the tree surgeon and asked him about the possibility of getting a tree/logs for the stoves at the cottage. He said there may be some this coming weekend but maybe that is to soon.
Supposed to meet up with our visitors for a coffee however they were running late so it didn't happen!
Made the tomato sauce for dinner this evening, then into the car with Ruaridh to go and meet Bella
Met up with her, she wanted to go to the 'play park' so that is what we did, great time playing on everything! Ruaridh also had a good time playing with his chum Bria.
To the house had our lunch outside as it was so warm, then we made pancakes to have for dessert this evening. Bella decided she was going to have a mashed banana with milk and raisins so I had one too, she liked it.
Watched a couple of episodes of 'Charlie and Lola' then read a book, Bella decided to have a pancake, so we made one!
Then Graham arrived home so made a cuppa, Layla arrived and I got on making the dinner.
Pasta, pesto and tomato sauce with salad and bread for dinner, for afters pancakes with lemon and sugar or jam.
Coffee followed, then the two girls had a shower, and then PJ's on before Graham took them home.
Tired to bed!

Visitors

No Blog yesterday, usual morning, finished getting the cottage ready for the arrival of the visitors from Canada made the dough for bread, then down to the shore with Ruaridh.
had a lovely walk this time on the West beach and a little of the East when his Lordship bunked off!! The wind was very cold and the tide was very high apparently because the moon is closer to the earth at this moment in time ? (The moon was huge). Mad the bread when I returned home
Had a lovely dinner of spinach in cream sauce, pasta and salad with homemade bread.
Settled down to watch the Danish thriller we are following on BBC4 'The Killing'-- superb, only two more episodes and I still haven't a clue--who dunnit! had a bath and washed my hair. Very tired to bed Goodnight!
Up early this morning as we are heading down to Edinburgh as the Canadian visitors arrive this evening, also Joe is away to a conference so G is at the studio tomorrow!
Left the cottage somewhat spick and span for the visitors when they go up ? Monday!
Had a good journey, stayed off at the house and unpacked before heading off to see Layla and Bella. Picked up some messages for Layla on the way, as she is kindly making dinner for us and the visitors this evening. Visitors somewhat late in arriving good to see them when they did. A's mum and moi have been great chum's more years then I care to remember!
Had a lovely meal of rice, prawn curry, aloo palak, chapatis and nan bread--yummy.
Time for a wee chat then into the car with G, L, B and Ruaridh as the girls are staying with us tonight letting the Canadians have their beds!
Everyone very tired so into bed, Goodnight!

This and That Day!

Today when we awoke it was raining, early cuppa then back to bed for a wee while. Up and had breakfast, then I had a wash.
Did some cleaning around the house and then cleaned the windows in the kitchen.
Took the Wonder Dog down to beach first going to the village shop for a few messages.
It was freezing cold on the beach, met a guy who was traveling in a motor home-tales to tell. Then we walked over to the East beach and met a neighbour, stood chatting in what must have been the coldest part of the beach. I got away as Ruaridh decided to have an adventure and disappeared, walked along the beach shouting for him eventually a ragamuffin dog appeared looking at me as though to say 'What's the problem' Grrr.
Back home had a light lunch, then Christine our neighbour popped over (we had met her on the road back from the beach.)
She stayed for a while chatting after she had left Graham made a delicious Persian meal for dinner --really enjoyed it.
After which sat and watched two more episodes of 'Boardwalk Empire-- excellent! Goodnight.

Logs!

Today we awoke to a mixed bag of weather, up with Ruaridh then back to bed for a snooze. eventually roused myself and got up, did the dishes from last night and made the bread dough.
Then got breakfast organised had porridge with lashings of maple syrup and milk, toast and coffee. After which I had a wash before going out to help Graham with the logs. Ruaridh bopped around and had lots of adventures his friend Misty came over for a wee while, Ruaridh actually played with her! Phoned mum she is feeling much better.
Worked hard with the logs stacking them in the greenhouse, going to have to get another tree soon!
Made bread then made Ruaridh's dog biscuits. Had a snack of cheese and biscuits. Took Ruaridh a walk around the field and up to the river which was in full flow!
Graham made a lovely dinner of sausage and mash with carrots. Then we settled down to watch two episodes of 'Boardwalk Empire' --excellent!
Tired to bed. Goodnight!

Sun, snow, warm--Peace:)

Today we left the city for the cottage in the Glen-for us we managed quite an early start!
The journey up was amazing, blue skies, sun and warm, that is until we arrived at the Glen in a drizzle! We arrived about 1500h which was good had a cuppa and a toasted bagel then moved beds and mattresses as G and moi are having the new one! This was done quickly, then I unpacked the car and put all the things away, whilst graham got the stoves going in both rooms.
Checked the garden but the daffodils are not out just yet maybe at Easter.
Graham made a lovely dinner of veggie meatballs in tomato sauce with pasta.
Tired so to bed early--Goodnight.

Last Work Day

Today was my last day working as a Registered Nurse I decided at long last to pack it in!! Even though it was my last day I was up at 0700h had a wash and breakfast, saw to the Wonder Dog then left for my last day!
Lovely to see everyone got a lovely card from P who has been a patient for the exams for ever, a lovely young guy!
Think the staff were more upset than moi at my leaving especially when I dumped my nursing shoes in the bucket:) However a night out on the 7th April should be lots of fun!
Thanks to all the staff I have worked with since starting at the RVH then the WGH for the past years--have enjoyed every minute.
Got a lift to Sainsbury's with J got messages then home. G and Ruardih arrived home had a cuppa and a bread roll.
Made leek quiche for dinner with tatties and peas--lovely.
Attempted to catch up on Blogging-tired to bed. Goodnight.

Home Day!

Arrived back home yesterday evening form my mum's, Graham met me at the station. Had a lovely two days with mum even though for some reason she did not feel 100%.
Had a lovely dinner courtesy of G, halibut, prawns and vegetables in rice lovely.
Watched two episodes of 'The Killing' brilliant only four more episodes till the end!!!!!
Up with wee Ruaridh early morning cuppa, had a read then crashed out until 1030h. Scrambled eggs and bagels with coffee for breakfast lovely. Then had a shower and washed my hair.
Phoned mum she appears to be better, Anne had popped in and mum was pleased to see her.
Got ready and with Graham and Ruaridh went down to the shore. Had a lovely walk even though it was freezing cold, Ruaridh enjoyed his run on the beach.
Into the car and over to Asda got some messages then over to see Layla and Bella, lovely to see them. Bella was very pleased with the Sarsaparilla I had brought from the Red Rose County for her--Calamity Jane drinks it!
had a game of 'Happy Families' Bella won!
Home had crackers and cheese and a cuppa, made bread dough.
Graham made dinner minestrone soup and croutons lovely.
Watched two episodes of Boardwalk Empire--brilliant. Goodnight.

Hairdresser

No Blog yesterday by the time I looked at the clock it was well passed midnight!
First thing Tuesday morning phoned the gas board to come and check out the boiler! they will come in the pm
Graham away to a meeting with Joe in Dundee but hopefully will be back to cover when I go for Bella. Graham left and I had a wash then set off with Ruaridh to the woods, met a lovely woman with her daughter's Border Terrier a bitch called Izzy, had a chat then moved on.
Back home made Scottish Pancakes and English ones, also made the sauce for the dinner tonight.
Graham arrived home around 1345h we had lunch and the gas engineer arrived not looking to good at this moment in time! I took Ruaridh in the car to get Bella who was in top form!
Back home no hot water no heating, engineer back on wednesday pm.
We had a great time with Bella making and eating pancakes both Scottish and English with lashings of strawberry jam, rhubarb and ginger jam and homemade raspberry couli hmmmm.
Then Joe and Layla arrived, we had dinner pasta with tomato sauce and veggie meatballs, salad, bread followed by yes pancakes as Tuesday is Pancake Tuesday or Shrove.
The family left and I made bread before going to bed. Goodnight.
Wednesday up early as I have to phone Scottish gas as I am having my hair done at 1150h. The engineer will come between 1400h and 1600h.
Washed, breakfast then into the car with Ruaridh and to the shore and sea.It was freezing a bitterly cold wind blowing from the West, never daunted we headed into it, figuring better to head out this way as coming back (with tired legs) it will be behind us blowing us to the car:)
Ruaridh had a great walk we were on the beach most of the way, he chased blackbirds, jumped for thrown stones in the sea, and chased leaves, an exhilarating time for us both.
Into the car again and to the hairdressers, left the wee fellow to 'guard' the car and got a lovely cup of tea to warm me up.
Iain not busy hair done straight away I like it. Spoke to Layla she and Bella are fine
Back home lunch then the gas engineer arrived eventually got the boiler fixed--guess what tonight--NO HOT WATER, though the heating is working--at the moment! Spoke to mum she is OK heading down tomorrow.
Did the ironing then took Ruaridh to the woods, he had a play with Bonnie the brown Labradoodle pup she is lovely then to meet Graham off the bus, just in time.
Back home had a cuppa, made leek and pea risotto with salad for dinner.
Catching up on Blogs, none for a few days as I head down to the Red Rose County to see mum. Goodnight.

Work-a-Day

After the adventures of Saturday, Sunday was a quiet day. After the morning ritual with Ruaridh, back to bed and crashed out. Graham once again made Americano coffee with a bread roll and woke me at 1000h. In touch with Joe who was feeling somewhat better and didn't appear to need any help--said he would let us know.
Took Ruaridh over to the woods then we went to Sainsbury's to get some messages. Back home didn't do very much. Phoned mum she is fine her chum Muriel arrived so had a word with her.
Layla phoned when she got home the yoga retreat had gone well, she does the cooking!
Graham made dinner pasta and courgette in cheese cream sauce, with salad delicious.
Watched two episodes of Boardwalk Empire--very good!
To bed as I am working in the morning!
Monday up bright and early as I am working at the hospital--good shift, left in the afternoon to go to town. Popped into Waitrose for some messages then caught the bus up town. Bought a blind for the bathroom from Habitat then up to the station to get my train tickets as I'm going to see mum in the Red Rose County on Thursday!
Home, sweet potato soup for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and a big cuppa.
Discovered at 2030h we had no hot water or central heating????
Sweaters on will phone Scottish Gas in the morning! Bye.

Busy Saturday

No Blog yesterday as not too much happened. Up bright and early as Des was coming to fit the kitchen and (last) window! I took Ruaridh to the woods when I got back Des was ready to leave!
Had quite a lazy day--frittering as they say!
Took Ruaridh to the woods then home. Graham home Cuppa then dinner of pasta and tomato sauce with salad. Watched the film 'Mongol' about Genghis Khan excellent. Goodnight.
Awoke early Saturday with Ruardih made the early morning cuppa then back to sleep. Graham woke me at about 1030h with an Americano coffee and a roll and marmalade, enjoyed that. We then got a text from Joe to say he was vomiting and could we have Bella! as Layla was away doing her cook-in at the yoga retreat.
We got ready and went over to theirs poor Joe he looked really ill. Got everything organised then set off for a walk. Bella wanted to go to the park which we did, sadly part of the play park was vandalised quite a while ago so play things are limited. Anyway she went on the slide and some moving bars, graham was freezing so we went back to get the car and go to Asda for a bite to eat. Bite it was, the cafe there used to be excellent today it was garbage, must try and see the management about it!
Then to get fish for dinner Bella may stay the night with us or go home not decided yet!
Back at ours Graham and Bella sat engrossed in another performance of 'Annie Oakley' in the film 'Annie get your Gun'.
I made dinner fish chips and peas lovely Joe phoned and Bella decided to go home. Took her over, on the way back picked up a bottle of wine then settles down to watch episodes 13/14 of 'The Killing' excellent. Six more episodes to go! Goodnight.

New Windows Day

Today started early as Des was here at 0830 to get the old windows out and the new ones in! We were washed and breakfasted before he arrived to enable Des to start as soon as possible--in fact G had left before he arrived.
Got a text from Layla poor wee Bella had been vomiting through the night, texted back to say I would be over after the dentist.
Des set to work immediately, let him know my plans for the day, left him a key then
Ruaridh and moi set off for the woods to get out of the way. Had a lovely walk enjoyed the solitude, bumped into dog walker's but they were all going the opposite way!
Back home had a cuppa then with the dog got into the car and off to the dentist, left Ruaridh 'guarding' the car! Hadn't long to wait before J called me into the surgery. Commenced the root canal treatment tooth still infected so further appt. made.
Back to car Ruaridh delighted to see me, down to Waitrose for a few messages then over to see Layla and Bella.
Poor wee Bella she was sleeping on the sofa, Layla and moi had lunch then Bella awoke and went up to sleep some more on her Mum's bed! Chatted to Layla, Bella awoke and looked much better.
Left when Joe arrived home after a coffee, Graham was going to his camera club tonight so would be late home.
Des still at the house when I got back--just leaving, only the kitchen window to do in the morning. Windows look great. I cleaned up not much mess.
Graham arrived home we had scrambled eggs on toast and a big cuppa for dinner/supper. Tired to bed.

Sun

Today up early as I was working at the hospital. Shower and hairwash then a quick breakfast and saw to Ruaridh before the early (for me) walk to work! The sun shone all day what a lovely surprise, hope it continues.
Another good day at work. To Sainsbury's for messages on the way home.
Arrived home made pizza dough and tomato sauce for dinner. Then started to get the rooms ready as we are having new windows in tomorrow, the space round them needs to be cleared, managed this in less time than I thought.
Made pizzas and homemade coleslaw tasted delicious.
Spoke to Layla hoping to go to the allotment tomorrow.
To bed up early in the morning as Des the window man will be here quite early. Goodnight!

Down to the Sea

Ruaridh and moi went down to the sea today and had a lovely walk along the beach to Cramond and back. Ruaridh was lots of fun running into the sea and jumping after stones, he had a great play with a labradoodle the sun shone and the sea was amazing.
Took all the empty bottles to the bins four bags! Hmmm
Back home had lunch then listened to the afternoon play on Radio 4 'Family Tree' a very strange tale!
Graham phoned he had to go up town so would be late home.
Phoned mum she is OK going to visit her friend June for lunch!
Layla phoned on her way to Karen's for dinner she is still feeling a bit under the weather!
Graham arrived home cuppa then veggie stew, tatties and peas for dinner.
Did my blip tired to bed. Goodnight!