'Hacker' Day!

Today the Hacker record player arrived home with G what fun we have had listening to our old vinyl albums, well I think we have managed about five. 'Spirit--Neil Young, Bowie, Crosby, Stills and Nash to name but a few, great sound emanating from the said player!
Up with Ruaridh--breakfast, wash then to the woods with Ruaridh, saw one or two dog walkers gossiping so said Hi and hurried on! Lovely walk in the quiet of the woods. Saw the male Mallard ducks fighting over a female!
Back home and over to Sainsbury's as G used all the peppers etc in the lovely meal we had last pm. so I needed more messages for today's dinner.
Vacuumed, made pitta bread for the blipnic tomorrow in Princes St Gardens, had lunch, got through a pile of ironing whilst listening to the afternoon play on Radio 4 'The Mole' very poignant.
Phoned mum she is sounding good, also caught up with my buddy Mick who I hadn't spoken to in an age, he and the family are fine.
Made dough for the pizzas for dinner tonight, then took the Wonder Dog for his evening constitutional the woods looked amazing in the evening sunlight, though sad to see a huge bough from a horse chesnut tree has broken off.
Graham met us in the park and we came home and had a cuppa and as stated got the Hacker set up. Sound is amazing so warm!
Made coleslaw and the pizzas for dinner they tasted really good.
Made some Scotch pancakes for tomorrow.
Spoke with Layla she is very cold ? why! Will catch up with her tomorrow. Bye

Dean Gallery

Up with the Wonder Dog then crashed out until 1030h lovely. Graham woke me up with an early morning cuppa, got myself together and made a fry up for breakfast (must say I love fried bread) with a big mug of coffee.
Decided to have a shower and washed my hair. Then set off with Ruaridh to walk on the cycle path to meet Graham who was driving to The Dean Gallery as we were going to see August Sander's photography exhibition.
Had a lovely walk loads of trees blown down on the path, chainsaws been busy! met up with Graham left the wee fellow in the car then into the Gallery.
Spent an hour or so viewing August Sander's photography! Well worth a visit--liked the portraits of 'The Aviator 1920-- The Industrialist 1936--The Bricklayer 1928--The Working Class Mother 1927'.
Like the juxtaposition of some of the photographs, also see the presbyterian aspect of life in some family groups that may have influenced the film 'The White Ribbon'
Had to go to Sainsbury's for messages--my shopping is all over the place at the moment
must get organised!
Graham is making tapas for dinner smells delicious. Bye

Welcome Home to Family!

Family arrived home safe and sound around 0300h this morning----.
Layla phoned around 1030h good to chat we said we would be over to visit early afternoon.
Had scrambled eggs on bread rolls for breakfast with a big mug of coffee--delicious.
Wash then into the car and over to see the family. Good to see them and they have had a super break/lovely holiday.
Played and chatted with Bella she cracks me up,had a coffee and a chat with Layla, then headed off to take Ruaridh for his (late) constitutional.
Down to the East shore the Westerly wind was very blustery blowing a hoolee! we walked quite a way then scurried back to the car and home.
Graham made rice and vegetables for dinner--lovely.
Sat and watched the two Louis Theroux programmes on iPlayer about jails in Miami--he is quite the guy thought provoking material! Bye.

Blowing raspberries!!

Up with the Wonder Dog, early morning cuppa and read, then crashed out and slept until 1100h. Slowly came to and down for breakfast, G doing poached eggs in cling film. Get a piece of cling film break an egg into it, then gather it together and twist the top before dropping into swirling boiling water--cook for 2/3minutes ! Perfect on brown toast!
Had a wash then got ready to go and attempt to sort the raspberry bushes at the allotment.
Arrived to a very blustery wind--no joy in trying to get the bushes sorted so I will come with Layla on Wednesday and see what she wants to do.
Left went to Welch's at Newhaven Harbour to get fish for the dinner got some halibut and scallops.
Decided to head for home as it was very windy and raining at times.
Had a cuppa and a sandwich then did my blip and some blogging.
Graham made dinner scallops in black sauce with new potatoes and peas lovely.
Going to watch a movie--to late, time just rolls by. Got text photo's and a phone call from Layla as they head home today--their flight is delayed!!
To bed. Goodnight.

Wild Roses on the Shore.

Today first stop the dentist, at the moment root canal to my tooth appears to have worked so tooth filled wait x amount of weeks then have a crown fitted if tooth still OK ie wait and see!
Ruaridh waited in the car for me then when I had finished the two of us headed for the shore and beach. Enjoyed the walk, apparently lots of trees down on the walkway, sunny but still have a blustery Westerly wind though I didn't find it cold!
As I was walking back to the car heard this Sergeant Major voice giving instructions--turning I saw about fifteen woman pushing their children in prams and following the instructions the woman was shouting! Weird! the Sergeant Major's pram was empty = personnel trainer. Someone informed me this could be a 'Buggy-Fit' class. Takes all-sorts!
Back home washed the kitchen floor and two cardigans that have needed washing for quite a while! Had lunch then over to Homebase to get some wire and staples for the to try and stabalise the raspberries at the allotment tomorrow. Into Sainsbury's to get a few mesages then over to the allotment. The weather changed and the drizzle started however I managed to get a lot of weeding done, water the courgettes and the tomatoes before heading off to pick up Graham!
Phoned mum knew she had someone in as 'the voice' was on turned out to be her friend Muriel from down the street. Said I would catch up with her on Sunday!
Home good evening, spent doing very little a bit of this and a bit of that.
Lovely asparagus risotto with salad for dinner courtesy of Graham.
To bed slept great!

Elbow grease

Yesterday passed two walks in the woods with the Wonder Dog saw the devastation brought about by the high winds on Monday and Tuesday. Trees ripped out of the ground, large boughs and branches scattered over pathways and in the woodland. Ruaridh loved this-- new smells. Bumped into Fergus the tree surgeon on my way to get the fish, he has had to cancel all his scheduled work and is doing emergency clearing!
Did some washing and caught up with some ironing, also did a wee bit of knitting.
Graham arrived home had a cuppa then I made dinner, fish, rice and dill with tomato sauce. Did some blipping then bed.
Thursday is it going to rain or stay cloudy ? decided to leave the allotment visit until tomorrow. Out to the woods with Ruaridh had a lovely walk, met up with Jessie the Cocker Spaniel and Sydney the Golden Retriever. Ruaridh had a great play with Jessie.
Back home decided to clean the kitchen walls down as I want to paint the kitchen. Hard work but actually enjoyed doing it, looks much better, now for the paint.
Finished, had lunch then listened to iPlayer 'In Our Times' about the Greek Xenophon-- interesting, did some knitting.
Got dinner ready then took Ruaridh to the woods had a lovely walk and chat with W.
Back home Graham arrived had a cuppa, then later had dinner. Veggie toad in the hole, mashed tatties and carrots delicious.
Going to do some knitting then bed!

Blustery!

We left the Glen yesterday at around 1645, we waited till the wind appeared to have abated and the rain stopped lashing down and off we set. I must say although lots of trees had been uprooted and boughs broken off they had been cleared from the road by the time we got to the areas where this was happening. On the last leg of the journey we found out the Forth Road Bridge was closed to ALL traffic due to severely high winds and rain! So we had to do a detour with lots of other people and we didn't get home until 2130h!
Emptied the car, some leek quiche from the freezer 'Up North' chips, tomatoes and mushrooms for dinner, a glass of Red then bed!
Tuesday up with the Wonder Dog then back to bed for a wee while. No breakfast for Graham--he ate too late last night! so I had mine by myself. Shower and hair wash, phoned mum who is fine, made the dinner then got my things together and with the Wonder Dog set off to walk to blipcentral.
Still very blustery with rain showers, lots of trees uprooted and boughs broken off in Inverleith and Victoria parks. Had a lovely walk and Ruaridh had a play with a dog at Inverleith.
Picked up the car then over to the family's to get the tomato plants for the allotment.
Drove over, it was very windy and the raspberry cane had taken a thrashing. I couldn't do anything by myself as the ferocity of the wind was too great-- every time I thought I had got them upright it blew a 'hoolee' and they fell over again. G is going to come and help me on Saturday.
Cleared the greenhouse watered the soil then put fresh compost in situ before placing the tomato plants into it-planted nine and then watered them. They look good!
Had my lunch, then did a little weeding. Ruaridh was as good as gold.
Left and went to Asda to get some messages before going to pick Graham up.
Home had a cuppa and some biscuits. Finished dinner veggie meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti and salad--lovely.
Seen to one or two 'business' items. Tired to bed goodnight.

Beach

Since we arrived at the cottage the weather has been Wet, Wet, Wet so no outside work done! We had a lovely visit with our chums Bob & Bets and they left Saturday morning to return home! As it rained yesterday was definitely an inside day.
Spoke to Layla before they left for Ibiza they are excited, then eventually got hold of mum she appears to be OK.
Sat, ate, drank, caught up with my Blogs, dozed! that was the day!
Graham made a lovely dinner courgettes, asparagus in cream cheese sauce with pasta and salad--delicious.
Watched the last two episodes of 'The Killing' part 2 in my eyes no where near as intriguing and interesting as 'The Killing' 1.
Awoke this morning early needing a pee the sky was blue and the sun had risen and was shining, an hour and a half later when Ruaridh wanted his breakfast the rain was lashing down! back to bed after feeding him and letting him into the garden!
Dozed then got up and had our veggie fry-up for breakfast which tasted delicious. Had a wash then even though it was raining slightly decided to brave the weather today and ventured to the beach, where the rain hit us with the ferocity of sharp needles.
However in wet weather gear decided to continue along the beach--the west wind began to blow and lashed the rain at us (just listened to 'A Hard Rain is a Fallin') we retreated. Now home with the stove glowing and having a second cuppa--cosy!
Made bread, phoned Liz our chum. Graham making minestrone soup which is for dinner followed by tinned salmon sandwiches and a cuppa.
Hoping to watch a good film tonight.

Bob and Bets!

Still missing Blogs attempting to catch up!!
Wednesday was another kid of hectic day, G away to the studio after breakfast, had a wash then I took Ruaridh for his morning constitutional, then back home to make a couple of quiches for dinner tonight which we are having at the family's. Made the quiches an asparagus one and a plain one which look quite good. Into the car with them and Ruaridh and over to the supermarket to get tatties, peas and strawberries before heading East.
Had lunch with the girls then Sue phoned to say they would be over about 1430h.
Spent a lovely afternoon with our friends then when Graham and Joe arrived in the evening had a lovely dinner. Quiche of choice, new potatoes and peas followed by blackcurrent cheesecake courtesy of Sue delicious. Stayed for a wee while then headed home, Joe kindly took the girls to the hotel!
Thursday we are heading to the Glen this evening--let the day role. Up early had a shower and washed my hair, had breakfast with Graham who then left for the studio with Ruaridh, as I was going to town to say au revoir to the Canadian girls. Got the bus to town to the hotel, spent some time with them then we said our goodbyes.
Went to get my bus to the studio bumped into an old colleague/friend lovely to see her again.
Picked up Ruaridh from the studio and drove over to the girls, they were away so I took Ruaridh for a walk on the cycle path and through the park. When we got back they were at home had lunch then to the allotment. The raspberry canes were blown over so had to repair the stoop, that done weeded two beds, played with Bella then over to theirs to wait for G. Said our goodbyes as the family are flying out on holiday for a week on Saturday!
Home packed made a sham ham sandwich and a cup of tea, loaded the car up got Ruaridh in and off. Called at Sainsbury's for diesal and a few more messages then off.
Good journey though quite cold at the pee stop. Arrived at the cottage around 2300h, drizzle.
Unpacked the car, house immaculate C cleaning, got the hot water bottles in Graham did the stove. Then we sat down to enjoy scrambled eggs on toast with a big cuppa! To bed.
Friday up with the wee fellow and had a cup of tea, crashed out again then up around 1000h. Checked the phone, message from Bob and Bets they are on their way here. Our chums B&B arrived, G and moi hadn't even eaten our breakfast great to see them as they haven'y visited in years!
A day spent chatting, laughing, having serious discussions on various topics (putting the world to rights), drinking and eating. Even managed a wee walk with the Wonder Dog when the sun shone, between the rain/hail showers.
Asparagus risotto with salad for dinner, strawberries, raspberry ice-cream and shortbread for afters--lovely.
To bed, to phone the family in the morning before they leave!

The Gruffalo

Yesterday Ruaridh and moi had a lovely walk along the beach, I had donned my wellies as I thought the tide was going out only at the end of the walk did I realise it was coming in! managed without being cut off! I like to take the wee fellow down to the beach he appears to enjoy it more at the moment.
After the walk we headed down to Waitrose to get some messages as we are hoping to get to the cottage for the weekend. Then home we had lunch then I cleaned some of the bathroom only the floor to do!
Did some knitting and a little bit of ironing made some bread. Took Ruaridh to the park then on to meet Graham off the bus.
Cauliflower cheese, new potatoes and peas for dinner, lovely. Bella and moi have an adventure tomorrow, also my old buddy Sue arrives with her daughter and grandaughter.
Awoke Tuesday morning had to be very organised as I had a varied busy day. Up and about saw G off to the studio then had a wash before taking Ruaridh for a walk in the park and woods. Then made sandwiches as I was meeting Bella early today as we were going on an adventure! Ruaridh and moi in the car and over to get Bella, first we were going to take Ruaridh to the studio have a wee picnic lunch of veggie sausage sandwiches juice and digestive biscuits! Well time started to run out on us as we were held up by the Norwegians marching along Princes Street for Norway Day!
So Bella had a biscuit and grapes in the car then we were at the studio where we left Ruaridh. Managed to get a bus to Ocean terminal where yes you guessed The Gruffalo was appearing at Waterstones bookshop! Bella didn't know whether to be excited or nervous we started at the back but within minutes had moved to the front where she managed a wave and got one back.
Gruffalo was amazing he even had the wart on is nose green at that! The children loved it.
Then up to town to welcome Sue, Erin and Rowan who were going to spend a couple of days with us. Had a chat then walked down to Stockbridge bought my wool for Bella's cardigan and had a cuppa. We the played hide and seek in the trees and had a fun time. Then over to Pizza Express for dinner with Layla, Graham and Joe joining us, had a lovely meal and chat, great to see you guys thanks for coming.

Busy day

Yesterday Grandpa, Ruaridh and moi headed over to visit the family for breakfast, we had waffles, bacon and egg with a big mug of coffee, delicious thank you.
Then with Bella and a picnic we set off for Tyneinghame beach. Good journey there a lovely walk through the woods saw the wild raspberries had lots of flowers, over the sand dunes to the beach. Although it was sunny it was very windy and as we made sandpies and sandcastles they were soon covered by the loose sand blowing in the wind:)
We threw stones into the ocean for the Wonder Dog which he enjoyed then we found a sheltered spot in the dunes to have our picnic. We watched the gannets dive for fish and were amazed at the splash they made, Bella found a ladybird and held it for the first time. We then had a game of hide and seek before heading home. Took Bella home she was undecided whether to come and sleep at ours or stay at home with her mum and aunty L as her dad was going out to play poker! she stayed at home!
Minestrone soup and tinned salmon sandwiches for dinner delicious.
Sunday had a lie in after getting up with the Wonder Dog, and an early morning cuppa.
Had breakfast and a wash then took the wee fellow for a walk in the woods.
Decided to sort the books and clean our bedroom took forever but managed and looks so much better!
Graham made dinner which I enjoyed he did not! Persian meal of ghorme sabzi with aubergine and rice with tadiq. Itlooked and tasted the part to me.

Gardening!

Wednesday sun and rain, as we were going over to see the girls for lunch Ruaridh and moi headed once again for the shore and baech--this time we headed East. Super walk and fun throwing stones for the Wonder Dog. There was a cycle event happening at one point on the shore road, didn't find out what, stewards were shouting to some cyclists 'That is lap eight you have done'. Anyway we cut across the grass and closer to the woods, wished we hadn't as we were attacked by these flies, they didn't sting just clustered round the dog and moi and kind of clung to us!Eventually got rid of them, back to the car and popped into Asda to get a few messages. Then to Layla's to wait for them to come home! Had some of Layla's lovely bread from her Bread Making course for lunch with cheese delicious.Then to the allotment attempting to miss the showers of rain. Got some work done, thwen back to theirs to wait for Graham then home!Roasted vegetables and pasta for dinner with salad and homemade bread lovely. Graham working from home tomorrow.Let layla know her dad was working from home on Thursday, took the wee fellow to the woods. Layla and Bella were at the house when we got back! Veggie sausage sandwiches all round for lunch with coffee for the big people juice for Bella.Went down to the play park for half an hour before the girls went home--great fun!Back home I started to weed the back garden, and claen between the slabs. Graham made dinner minestrone soup and orzo salad lovely.Started to watch 'The Killing' 2 different to the first one! Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Dentist

Travelled down to the Red Rose County with the memsahib on Sunday travelled First Class with her very comfortable! A had got me a veggie curry and rice with chapatti and mum a veggie lasagne, tasted really good. Exhausted so early to bed as I go back to Edinburgh on Monday!
Slept well, good breakfast and then a wash, as mum was going out for lunch I caught an early train. Went to TKMax and Primark before having a sandwich and coffee at the station.
Good journey to Edinburgh, went to the studio to meet Graham then over to the family's to get Ruaridh--Joe and Bella had him for the afternoon.
Asparagus risotto with salad for dinner.
Tuesday up early, Ruaridh and moi back to ourselves as the memsahib is settled back at home. Went to the beach and the wee fellow had a great time running like crazy on the sands. Had to go to the dentist this afternoon decision time--tooth cleaned out once again if no better at next appointment probably will have it out! Ruaridh sat in the car to wait for me, he is so good.
Graham home had a cuppa, then we had fish pie with mashed potatoes for dinner. tasted really good.
To bed early have the allotment tomorrow. Goodnight.

The Suburban Pantry!

Friday we went to a market and a puppet show, Bella enjoyed a veggie hot dog, the memsahib got to sit in an armchair, whilst Bella and moi sat on a hard table, to watch the adventures of Augustus the Tiger who had lost his smile! Happily he found it again and we were all so relieved.
To ours for lunch then over to the family's as the memsahib is taking us out to Pizza Express for dinner this evening. Mum had a sleep whilst Layla, Bella and moi took Ruaridh over to Newhaven harbour to buy fish for the dinner tomorrow! Got some lovely halibut and scallops.
Over to P.E. for dinner good waiter and really enjoyed the meal. Thanks to the memsahib.
Quiet Saturday, got up took Ruaridh for his constitutional and then took the memsahib to The Suburban Pantry for a cup of tea and a cake. Layla away this week-end on her bread making course hope she enjoys it!
Halibut, scallops with asparagus and new potatoes for dinner courtesy of Graham lovely.
Early night as I am going back to the Red Rose County tomorrow to make sure mum gets settled back OK. Goodnight.

Cornered

Wednesday dawned bright and sunny, had breakfast with mum this morning and made porridge eaten with maple syrup and milk delicious. Then had a wash before taking Ruaridh for a walk in the woods, once again we met no-one but enjoyed the walk. Back home to pick up mum and down to the fish van to get the fish for dinner.
Layla and Bella arrived for lunch then we all went over to the allotment mum very happy to see it. Bella had a nice time playing with some wee girls on the next allotment. Did a little work then back to Layla's to wait for Graham to pick us up.
Drove home and had rice with dill and fish for dinner with tomato sauce, mum had her fish with boiled potatoes.
Thursday once again took the wee fellow to the woods, Layla and Bella came and Bella decided we would go to Sainsbury's for lunch which I think we all enjoyed. After which we did some shopping then the girls left and mum and I came home.
Sat and chatted and once again caught up with a few things.
Graham home we all had a cuppa, made leek risotto for dinner and salad.
Once again to bed early as we are tired. Goodnight.

Dance, Circus and Song Girl:)

Missed some days-- that wedding, putting books back, taking books to Oxfam--OMG so busy as the memsahib arrives on Monday for a few days.
Monday took Ruaridh to the shore had a super walk in great weather, Ruaridh on top form especially with the thrown stones!
Home and had lunch before setting off to the station to meet mum, her train was on time and she had a good journey, good to see her. Into the car and home Ruardih delighted to see her.
Had a cuppa and some pancakes then I finished making dinner, Graham home and after another cuppa we had dinner asparagus quiche, new tatties and peas. We were all quite tired so to bed early.
Tuesday up with Ruaridh and G had breakfast mum slept late, I had a wash then got mum's breakfast ready before taking the Wonder Dog to the woods. Had a lovely walk in solitude the bluebells look amazing. Back home and mum was ready we had a chat and I prepared dinner for this evening, lunch then into the car with mum and Ruaridh and over to get Bella. Weather good and Bella saw us straight away and over she came, mum delighted. Into the car and Bella chatted all the way home she cracks me up.
She helped me and then she watched a couple of Charlie and Lola before going to play in the garden. Soon Graham and Joe arrived followed closely by Layla so we ate!
Pasta al forno, salad, olives and homemade bread, for dessert there was apple sponge and ice-cream coffee for the ones who wanted it.
Bella then gave us a show of her circus tricks, brilliant! what a star!
Family then left for home, caught up with things then bed. Goodnight.