Saturday at the Cottage!

No Blog yesterday, busy morning as Gittan (MissRAble) was arriving for a visit from Sweden. Up early saw to Ruaridh, had a shower and washed my hair then breakfast before taking the Wonder Dog to the park and woods. After this we went to Waitrose to get messages for the weekend at the cottage. Had lunch boiled egg, bread and butter and a cuppa then set off to meet the airport bus!
At the West end bumped into Magpie a fellow blipper lovely to see her, then the bus arrived with Gittan on it,
Great to see her again, after the hugs and greetings back to the house a quick drink then on the road to the Glen.
Good journey, arrived at the cottage 2030h showed Gittan around, she appeared to like it. Had a cuppa, then a G&T before dinner of spaghetti, tomatoes, garlic, chili and basil in oil made by Graham--delicious.
Saturday morning dawned warm and sunny, up with the dog made the early morning cuppa, back to bed for a wee doze. Heard Gittan stirring so got up made porridge for the two of us, then Graham got up and we had scrambled eggs on toast and his delicious coffee!
Had a wash then made a soda bread.
Then we decided to take Gittan to Corran, lovely drive there the views were magnificent and she managed to get lots of photo's. Walked out on the beach Ruaridh in his element he hasn't been here for ages. Sat on the rocks at the end of the beach ate our plums and drank juice.
On the way back found the skeleton of a Heron, took the skull as it was loose to soak in bleach and keep!!
Wended our way back to car through the woods, G and G found two chanterelle mushrooms each!
Drove home, Graham made a lovely meal of rice and vegetables with mushroom sauce for dinner.
Did some bliping and chatting, tired to bed. Goodnight.

Punjab Cafe for Lunch

Today Ruaridh and I headed over to see Layla and Bella in the rain. Justine and Cameron had gone to the Museum of Flight in East Lothian and were meeting us later at the family's for dinner. I had made two quiches last night so took these over with new potatoes!
Set off to the allotment and worked in the rain, collected raspberries, broad beans and courgettes and got wet through--especially the wee fellow! Dried him at the car and decided to go to the Indian Ladies Cafe for lunch!
So glad we did the food was amazing, we had veggie curry and rice, the wee one had rice and chapatti.
Left there and went to Asda bought the wine for the weekend at the cottage.
Back to theirs, then waited for everyone to arrive--got dinner ready and when all were ready we ate--quiche, new tatties and peas.
Stayed for a while and played with Bella, then we all piled into the car and home!

Glorious Sunny Day!

Another glorious sunny day as my mother says,--it is! After the usual morning ablutions for the dog, Graham, Justine and Cammy we had breakfast. J&C were getting the bus over the water to Fife to 'Deep Sea World' and I well who the hell knows on this stunningly warm/hot summers day what one could get up to NOT:)
Went down to the beach and this time walked eastwards, lovely time for Ruaridh he had a great time running into the sea after thrown stones! His jumping is coming on leaps and bounds. Met a couple of nice women out with their dogs had a chat with both.
Called in a Sainsbury's on the way home. Late getting back home had lunch outside then got the dinner ready for this evening. Also mad pastry for two quiches for tomorrow,s dinner at Layla and Joe's
Justine and Cammy arrived back, then we went a short walk to the park and woods with the wee fellow.
Graham arrived home cuppa's all round, then we had mushroom risotto with salads for dinner yummy!
Had a chat then all to bed as we were tired! Goodnight.

Visitors!

Justine and Cammy arrived today for a short visit--lovely to have them here! Got up this morning had a shower and hairwash, then after breakfast the Wonder Dog and I set off for the park and woods. The weather was once again warm and sunny, met lots of dog walkers=lots of chats. Ruaridh was very good and just meandered along. Had a lovely walk through the meadowland, so many wild flowers.
Back home made the bed up for Justine got the mattress organised for Cammy. Made the dough for the bread.
Had a text from Layla to say she and Bella were having a super time camping with their friends.
Made the tomato sauce for the dinner to tonight.
Had a text from Justine to say they would arrive between 1700/1730h--said I would meet them off the bus--just to phone when they reached a certain point on the route-- which they did. Went to meet them with Ruaridh, good to see the two of them again.
We had a good chat then Graham arrived home, coffee and tea then I made the dinner. Veggie meatballs in tomato sauce with pasta, salad and homemade bread. Yummy.
Lovelt to have the two of them here. Goodnight.

Cleaning Day!

Today was spent in the main cleaning!Ready for our visitors coming tomorrow, Justine who we have known for many years and her son Cammy are coming to spend a few days with us.
First things first, so Ruaridh and I set off for the beach, a lovely warm sunny day had a super walk towards Cramond with stone throwing and me getting very wet feet!
Then down to Sainsbury's to get some messages before going home to attack the cleaning.
Cleaned the bathroom, hall & stairs and washed the kitchen floor.
Had my lunch sat outside as it was a beautiful day! Listened to the afternoon play on BBC Radio 4 'A9' excellent--did some knitting.
Ironed, made the pastry for the dinner.
Took Ruaridh for a walk he only went around the park! Posted my cheque for the Water colour course in August.
Graham was quite late home had a cuppa then aduki bean pie, tatties and peas for dinner -lovely.
Busy day to bed! Goodnight.

Cycle and Compost

Today was the day Layla and I are going to move the compost bins and compost at the allotment. Bella was going to spend the time with her Daddy, Grandpa and Ruaridh as they were going on their bicycles we decided to take Ruaridh with us.
I got my Brompton Bicycle unfolded as I was cycling over to the family's house, haven't been cycling in years but enjoyed the ride over there! must try to get out more often on the bike!! Graham came over in the car with his bike and Ruaridh!
Layla and I along with the Wonder Dog set off for the allotment in the Figaro roof down, hot and sunny!
Worked really hard, moved the compost bins and then the compost (looks great BTW), planted the leeks, and picked more raspberries. Drank lots of water!!
Back to theirs, Graham resting in the hammock! Joe and Bella away to buy a basket for her bike-no joy. When they returned G and I left for home, with our courgettes.
Called for a bottle of Chablis to drink with the courgettes in cream cheese sauce with pasta and salad, which was delicious.
Very tired, listened to a play on Radio 3 'Between Two Worlds' Excellent about communication between this world and the next. 'Fraid I dozed at times. To bed. Goodnight.

Lazy DayI

G, Ruaridh and moi were going to have a day out today--we didn't. Woke up this morning and the thought of driving-------.
So we had a late breakfast, went to the beach lots of shells as the tide went out. Weather warm and sunny
Also managed to fit in a shower and a hairwash.
After the beach went to the wet fish shop to buy fish for the dinner tonight, don't know what Graham is planning --it is a surprise:)
Well the surprise dinner was delicious--fried fish, with guacamole and creme fraiche with coriander taco's--so tasty then dessert coffee granita with vanilla fresh cream.
Lazy day--lazy evening. Wonderful--bed. Goodnight.

Repaired!

On the ball today as the repairman for the dishwasher would be making an appearance between 1200h and 1700h. Up and about, breakfast, wash then into the car with the wee fellow as we were heading down to the shore and beach.
Lovely walk along the East side of the shore and beach, Ruaridh enjoying the play with the stones being thrown into the sea. Another dog joined in, Ruaridh watching me this other dog watching Ruaridh--funny. On the way home called in Sainsbury's for some messages, then home.
Made the dough for the bread, did the ironing, went out to see if the food bin had been emptied it had, spoke to my neighbours mother who was reversing down the lane. Noticed a car attempting to come up the lane went to see if I could help -- the man turned out to be the repair man for the dishwasher in a car NOT a white van:) Got that situation resolved and he came into the house, asked if I could help 'No just leave me!' so I took my sandwich and left him to it!
Layla and Bella arrived they had been to visit a friend of Layla's in Dunblane. Bella had crisps, we had a coffee then got ready to go to the play park with Ruaridh. Stepped out of the door and the rain came, so we went for a quick walk around the park and then the girls returned home.
I made the bread and the batter for the veggie toad in the hole.
Phoned mum she is fine.
Graham arrived home had a cuppa, then a G&T with remainder of the crisps.
Veggie toad in the hole with new potatoes and peas for dinner--lovely.
Going to watch a movie--to tired. Goodnight.

Dentist and Beach!

Had to be at the dentist for 0900h this morning, up and about, breakfast, wash, saw to G's things then into the car with Ruaridh and off to the dentist. Spent about an hour in the dentist chair getting my teeth fixed!
After this in warm and sunny weather Ruaridh and moi hit the beach running, so relaxing there. Had a great walk, Ruaridh loved running and jumping after stones that I threw--I just dreamed!
Popped into the supermarket on the way home, back home made a soda bread then got the vegetables ready for roasted veg. for dinner. Two loads of washing done and dried!
Lunch veggie bacon&egg toasted sandwich--great, with a big mug of coffee. Listened to the afternoon play on BBC Radio 4 'Positive', excellent, well worth listening to.
Took Ruaridh for a wee walk in the woods collected a few wild raspberries.
Graham home had a cuppa, roasted vegetables and pasta for dinner with salad and bread-lovely.
Listened to part 1 of a Swedish thriller on BBC Radio 4 Extra "The Ice Princess", OK, then to bed! Goodnight.

Return

Yesterday Layla, Bella and I came back from the seaside in the rain to the city in the rain. We had a lovely time with the memsahib regardless of the weather! Travelled down by train on Sunday, as the weather was not at its best trotted down to the pier where we had fun spending money! Then for a pizza to the new Pizza place--delicious. Spent Monday and Tuesday eating and attempting to miss the rain, Jenny and Hari (16 on Monday) popped in to see us. Arrived back in Edinburgh at 2020h on Tuesday Bella met a wee boy on the train and they drew for most of the journey!
Today Wednesday awoke to the sound of rain pounding the pavement, G took the car, after I had a wash Ruaridh and moi walked over to the Family's (rain had stopped). Lunch of minestrone soup and bread with an almond slice for 'after's'!
After lunch we went to the allotment--picked raspberries, a little weeding and watered the tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in the greenhouse with 'nettle tea'. Back to theirs to wait for Graham to pick me up.
Played cafes until I accidently stepped on Bella's finger then that game finished. Read her a lovely story about a pig with a wig-loved it.
Graham came and we went to Waitrose to get messages then home, courgette and broad bean risotto for dinner lovely!
To bed. Goodnight.

Thunder!

Awoke to the sound of heavy rain this morning--up with Ruaridh who ate his breakfast then declined to go out for a pee in the rain, would you believe he hung on until 1330h! Made the early cuppa then back to bed looked at the news then dozed on and off until Graham appeared with toast and raspberry jam and a cup of his delicious coffee--enjoyed.
Up had a shower and washed my hair then made breakfast-boiled egg and toast-more raspberry jam and delicious coffee!
Pottered about making bread dough, then as the rain had stopped took Ruaridh down to the shore. The clouds were amazing however thunder was rolling in the background so we walked along towards the East. Graham threw stones into the sea for the wee fellow which he loved; a couple of hardy kids were in the sea then came out and sat under an umbrella listening to their radio:)
Back home made bread, spoke to the memsahib who it appears is finding one problem after another now her stopcock cannot be turned? why the hell at ninety-one she is messing about with this God only knows!!
We are going to have a salmon sandwich for dinner this evening with a cuppa!
Away to visit the memsahib tomorrow for a couple of nights with Layla and Bella, so no Blog for a day or two. Bye.

Shore, Sea and Raspberries:)

Layla phoned me this morning to say Bella wanted to meet Ruaridh and I at the shore with her new bike. We drove over and met them in lovely warm sunny weather, Bella was soon on her bike and off peddling for Scotland, OMG how she can GO! Layla had to run after her, Ruaridh stayed somewhere between them and me--eventually we all met up at Cramond. Went to the wee cafe sat outside Bella had a strawberry icecream Land moi shared a sparkling water!
Bella came with Ruaridh and I back to theirs. Layla made a picnic lunch and then to the allotment. Really enjoyed my sandwich so good to eat out in the open air! Collected more raspberries, watered the greenhouse did a bit of weeding before going back to the house.
Layla got stuck into making the raspberry jam what an amazing colour it looks, Bella and I washed the jars and lids. We then played in the garden in her 'tunnel' and had a good laugh as I got stuck, read a story then watched 'Charlie and Lola'.
Graham and Joe arrived and we left, called at Asda to get themessages then home.
Starving had a cuppa and bread with the new raspberry jam-lovely. Made dinner vegetable risotto, avocado, tomato and basil salad yummy!
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Dishwasher Repair

This afternoon the engineer is coming to fix our dishwasher-miffed that it is kaput as it is only eighteen months old!! The chap arrived and guess what although I told the agency what had happened he did not have the appropriate part ? Now due to the Glasgow holiday on Monday the repair won't happen until midweek C'est la vie!
Took the Wonder Dog for a walk in the woods and meadowland, his paw appears to be improving, weather warm and sunny.
Layla and Bella arrived for lunch then we sat outside to enjoy the warm and await the engineer. Once he told me the news, we left to go 'raspberrying' on the cycle path.
Managed to get quite a lot of wild ones, poor Ruaridh nearly got knocked down by an elderly gentleman on a bike who was doing a bit of wobbling, who lowered himself off quite gently and was not hurt!! I got all his recent medical history and saw him take his Calcium tablet!! Said goodbye to he girls and walked back to the house. Graham arrived home on his bike we enjoyed a cuppa.
Leek quiche, new tatties and broad beans for dinner--lovely. Bye.

Raspberries a-go-go!

No Blog yesterday--had a lovely but busy day with Miss B. The sun shone the kids played, Ruaridh rested his sore paw. In the afternoon myself and Bella with her chum Eve meandered over to Waterstone's to a Story Time sadly we were the only ones there and the story wasn't up to much! However we enjoyed big ice cream cones.
The kids continued to play in the sun, Ruaridh moved from the sun to the shade, I attempted to get in the hammock and fell out! tried again and made it.
Graham and Joe arrived home, I started to get the dinner ready--pasta al forno with salad and bread. Layla arrived and we had dinner tasted really good!
Graham cycled home and I drove.
Wednesday took The Wonder Dog down to the beach today so that he could go into the sea to soak his sore paw in the sea water. It was warm and sunny one of those days to keep walking on the beach!
Threw stones into the sea for Ruaridh to run after or catch. He is so proud when he finds something to bring back (today it was a shell) oft times it is a huge rock that he can hardly carry:)
Layla and Bella had been doing a course making fish out of tree bark (amazing) then came for lunch. We had to be quick as Ruaridh was due at the Doggie Groomers to get his hair stripped. Bella and I dropped him off, then took the car for Graham as he was picking him up.
Layla then met us and we went to the allotment. Raspberries++ picked, some weeding done brought four radish home courtesy of Bella:)
back to theirs then I walked over to meet Graham. Popped in to see Graciela good to see her and had a good chat.
Headed for home via Sainsbury's, made dinner fish, rice and tomato sauce--delicious.
Caught up with some Blogging then bed. Goodnight.

Sore Paw -beach

Usual early morning. After a shower and hair wash into the car with Ruaridh and down to the shore and beach as Ruaridh has a sore paw and I thought the sea water would do it good. Had a good walk Ruaridh limping/hopping some of the way then all four paws down for the remainder:) Down on the beach had a great time throwing stones for the wee fellow to catch or run after--it got him into the sea! paw starting to look a wee bit better.
On the way home called into Sainsbury's to get messages.
Back home made a soda bread then had lunch and caught up with my Blogging. Attempted to listen to the afternoon play but couldn't get interested.
Made dough as we are having pizzas this evening for dinner.
Took Ruaridh to the park for a wee walk due to the sore paw (still hopping/limping at times) however he took off into the woods, somewhat miffed when I wouldn't let him go to far.
Home, made the pizzas, also made some coleslaw, put anchovies on one pizza food tasted delicious.
To bed. Goodnight.

Cloudbursts--

--as we travelled South! Got the house, shed, greenhouse, garden in some degree of order and left the Glen for the city! Good journey with frequent prolonged cloudbursts--the rain was torrential, then periods of brilliant sunshine.
Arrived in the city about 1645h.
Unpacked the car down to George's for milk and gin then forgot the tonic bah!
Made corn chowder for dinner with crackers delicious.
Tea and toast before bed, crashed out. Goodnight.

Mowing & Strimming!

What a day Friday was did most of the strimming and mowing just part of the grass at the front left for tomorrow. Graham started to finish the painting he started at Easter doing the woodwork of the house, it is starting to look really good. Ruaridh went off on an adventure so we left the walk for today a we were very busy with everything!!
Over the past few days we have 'Skyped' the family Miss B likes the camera on now! I prefer just the phone:)
Christine coming for dinner tonight, washing machine working again, though appears to finish on a hot rinse. Christine to get the electrician to look at it!
Misty came over to play with Ruaridh though his paw is still sore, they had a great time.
Pasta and tomato sauce with salad and homemade bread, followed by chocolate gingers(from Christine) for dinner. Had a good chat about the state of things in the country.
Saturday usual routine, today the sun shone and it was warm. Got the mowing and strimming finished and Graham did a paint-a-thon! woodwork on house looking great, as is the garden. Made bread as when we come again we are hoping to have MissRAble a blipper/blipfoto.com from Sweden with us for a few days!
Went down to the shop to get a few messages, then the beach for Ruaridh to soak his foot.
Stuffed pancakes with cheese sauce for dinner lovely.
Blipping, Blogging this evening. Bye. We leave for the city tomorrow!

The Beach

Today we decided to go to the beach as The Wonder Dog has a sore paw and we thought the sea water would help it. Poor wee dog hopping along, apart from when he is running and jumping after thrown stones:) Didn't walk too far as the wee fellow has a nasty cut on one of the pads on his paw. Hope the sea water helps to heal it?
It was warm and sunny with the occasional shower. Really enjoyed being at the beach, love the sand and ocean here.
Back home made bread and did more strimming whilst waiting for John H to arrive to discuss the renovation of the bathroom.
Eventually he arrived, have decided how we want the bathroom and he appears to think our plan is feasible. Have finally decided against a bath just a shower unit! Had to abandon the strimming again as the rain came. John stayed a wee while more gossip!!
Graham made rice and vegetables for dinner lovely.
Quiet evening. Listening to all the news re the 'Hacking Scandal' it is a disgrace that politicians, police and last but not least journalists involved have got away with this for so long!

Rainy day!

No blog yesterday Tuesday, we decided to have a lazy day after the weekend and the long drive from Monymusk to the Glen!
Up and about, leisurely breakfast then later down to the village to the shop and the beach. Had a chat with someone we met a wee while ago who now at a cottage near the village beach--talk mainly about wood and G's new axe!
Back home Ruaridh as per usual took off on an adventure, I started to strimm the grass around the green house and Graham started to mow, suddenly the rains came so we abandoned that for another day!
Graham made a delicious Shepherdess Pie for dinner with broad beans lovely!
Wednesday we awoke to torrential rain so bad even Ruaridh would not go out in it after his breakfast. Tossing up whether to don wet weather gear and go to visit Christine when she arrived on the doorstep. I was making a soda bread so continued with that, when it was ready we all had a piece(still warm)with a cuppa. Had a good chat some gossip as per usual.
Walked Christine back to hers with Ruardih, noticed the wee fellow was limping, looked at his paw noticed there was a cut at the end of one of the pads on his paw-poor wee soul. walked back through the field.
As the rain had stopped started to pull weeds out of the path.
Graham made a lovely dinner--pasta with courgettes in a cream/cheese sauce and a lovely salad, delicious.
Spent the evening attempting to catch up on my Blog! Bye.

Apologies again!

It is now Monday and I'm sorry to say I have missed five days of blogs--but eh today is Independence Day in the good old USA. Three days as the internet was down!!
What happened in the past five days. On all days Ruaridh had at least one constitutional, Wednesday had lunch with Layla & Bella at theirs, then the allotment. To Asda, then to get some books at Waterstones. Thursday the car didn't start, took Ruaridh to the woods, tried the car again it started but to garage tomorrow. Thursday evening met up with chums from work had a great time lots of laughs, some serious discussion. Friday walked over to the family's as Graham had taken the car to the garage, told to run car. Had a lovely walk. Had lunch--over to the allotment. Then Graham came for me.
Saturday to Aberdeenshire for the Wedding bash of Justine and Stephen. Great run up, Aberdeenshire is so lush, love it (we lived there for eight years).
Staying at The Grant Arms Hotel in Moneymusk for a couple of nights the family for one. We all met up got ready to find the village hall at Tullynessle. A great night was had by all great to meet up with friends old and new, Disco music from the 60's--recent, then an amazing ceilidh band the dances were great even managed two--last time I was about ten when I did Scottish dancing! Bella had a great night and joined in.
Ruaridh was not left out and stayed with us in the hotel!
Sunday saw us up and about, after a family breakfast we took the Wonder Dog and Bella to the playpark, they both had great fun running about and Bella sang to us. Joe and Layla arrived and we had a walk down to the River Don, Bella saw a red squirrel lovely to spy it,apparently there are quite a few in the area. Then went over to Fettenear to see the ruins of the 'Bishops Palace' Layla and I spent lots of happy times here when we used to pick raspberries with Layla and Justine. Then had cakes coffee/tea before the family headed back to the city!
Graham, Ruaridh and I had a doze then had dinner with our chums, another walk then said our goodbyes as we were heading for the cottage on Monday via Inverness.
Monday dawned, had breakfast, paid our bill, bought eggs and strawberries at the wee store in the square at Monymusk, quick walk for Ruaridh then on our way. Good journey in warm, sunny weather. Stopped off in Inverness to get messages and some paint, arrived at the cottage around 1600h. Ruaridh in his element!
Had a cuppa, unpacked, checked email, checked landline--made dinner. Vegetable risotto with salad. Rather tired to bed. Goodnight.