Beetroot Chutney Day

Yesterday Tuesday drove over to the studio with Graham dropped him off then Ruaridh and I drove on to visit Layla and Bella as we were all going to the allotment. Layla had been to Physio at the Health Centre this morning (early call) and had been told by the physio that she has a rip in the lateral quadriceps muscle. Layla said the young women was very good and gave her exercises to do.
We decided to go to the allotment so we all including Ruaridh bundled into the car and off we go. It was quite warm and we spent a couple of hours picking raspberries, peas, beans, potatoes. About 4ibs of beetroot were pulled up ready to make the beetroot chutney tomorrow. Grabbed some apples that are being left to rot, and took some onions from the shed.
We then headed home and had a very late lunch, I had taken bread rolls over so we had those with humus, olives and peppers and a big mug of coffee.
Stayed for a wee while then went to pick Graham up. Popped into the supermarket on the way home.
Quiche, potatoes and green beans for dinner, did my blip the got quite a lot of knitting done!
Awoke Wednesday to a dull day, however never daunted up, washed and breakfast. G left for the studio and after doing a bit of house work I set off in the car with Ruaridh for the shore and beach.
It was very warm at the beach, had a lovely time must have thrown about twenty shells/ stones into a sea pool for the wee fellow, he run in after them up to his oxters and had a great time. We walked to Cramond then back to the car, to drive over to see Layla and Bella.
Layla had made some lovely rolls for lunch she got the recipe on her bread making course--they were delicious--got the recipe.
After lunch Bella and moi put the beetroots on to boil, we left them on and went to Asda to get messages for them and us as we are going to the cottage on Friday! Bella got some smashing new wellies great for her horse riding!
Back to theirs beetroots ready to peel, Layla chopped them, I peeled and chopped the onions layla peeled the apples and Bella helped chop them, soon all ingredients into the big pan to make beetroot chutney.
Made the batter for the veggie toad in the hole, Joe and Graham arrived Bella happy to be with Grandpa teaching her some Scottish words and also how to play the ukulele. Enjoyed the coffee Joe made, finished getting the tatties ready for roasting, they went in the oven as did the veggie toad in the hole!
Enjoyed our dinner, and the lovely dancing a tired Bella did afterwards, then home. Phoned mum she is Ok going down to see her next week.
Going to make a cuppa and do a bit of knitting then bed. Goodnight!

Two Lazy Days !!

After the Birthday celebrations of yesterday, we decided to 'chill out' over Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday
Sunday dawned dry but there was a definite chill in the air. Up with Ruaridh then made the early morning cuppa, back to bed read, then up and made scrambled eggs on toast with Graham's coffee for breakfast had it in bed--Wow living it up. Had another read then decided it was time to get up.
Had a wash then got ready to take the Wonder Dog to the shore, the tide was in so we couldn't get down to the beach!, however had a good walk even though it was quite cold!
On the way home called at the supermarket to get messages, then home kettle on for a cup of tea and a piece of chocolate cake!
Feeling very drowsy, fell asleep on the sofa! awoke after sleeping for about an hour had another cuppa!
Graham made a lovely dinner of butternut squash risotto with chili and salad!
Too late to watch a film caught up with Blogging and my blip.
Monday dawned overcast, up as usual with the wee fellow made the cuppa then back to bed, cuddled down and fell fast asleep until 1030h!
Graham made us toast and coffee delicious--which we had in bed!
Up spoke to Layla her leg is still troublesome, she managed to get a physio appt. for tomorrow. Had a shower and washed my hair then made a delicious veggie fry-up for breakfast.
Took the Ruaridh to the shore where he was full of 'beans, then back home and Graham and I went up to town to look at tiles for the bathroom at the cottage! We wondered why the assistants in the shop kept looking at their watches as we sauntered along looking at tiles and paint--apparently as it is a Bank Holiday they have a shorter working day and finish at 1600h instead of 1730h.
We hadn't seen the notice in the window! Oh dear!
Short meander then we got the bus home, Ruaridh very happy to see us. Made the bread dough had a cuppa and biscuits.
Once again Graham made a delicious dinner of baked onions in a mustard sauce with roast tatties and butter beans
Just watched a programme on BBC 4 about George Prince Regent quite good
Goodnight.

Happy Birthday Graham!

The Birthday Day dawned and it was raining, however the rain soon stopped and it became a little warmer. Wished the Birthday Boy Happy Birthday, then saw to Ruaridh and made the early morning cuppa.
Up and washed then made breakfast before making the veggie bacon rolls to take on the picnic with us also made a flask of coffee, Layla and Bella made the fairy cakes.
S the dog sitter came for Ruaridh first time in nearly seven years he was left with someone else!
Then the family arrived and the fun of Bella and Grandpa opening presents began. G got some lovely presents and cards. However we had to leave quite soon as today was G's Special Birthday, to celebrate the Family Blogs and the two of us, traveled to Anstruther in Fife, to sail to the Isle of May.
What a super island this is we spent time seeing different birds, seals enjoying their afternoon swim, and a walk around some of the island.
We picnicked on veggie bacon sandwiches, drank champagne from pink plastic cups and ate Bella's Birthday fairy cakes.
The history of the Monastery fascinated me the view from this window is facing East!
On our return to Anstruther we queued at the famous Fish Bar there, when we got a table we enjoyed our fish and chips, G had lobster.
Enjoy your year G, today was great fun:) Bx
Layla bless her did really well, must have been very painful with her bad knee, she was determined to enjoy the day as we all did. Thanks Layla for all the suggestions--a lovely day!

Blipfest!

This evening I drove Layla, Bella Ruaridh and myself to the blipfest at Inspace! Once again a fun time and good to meet friends old and new! Bella was a star and I did a trip over a small wall causing the show to stop for a split second--no damage done!
After the event went with the family and M to the 'Red Box' and had a lovely 'supper' of rice noodles, vegetables and sauce, Bella bless her managed almost two thirds of her noodles and vegetables even at this late hour.
Ruaridh had been in the car, was delighted to see us and we took him a wee walk around The Meadows!
Friday morning was quite hectic, made the bread dough, had a wash then got organised with Ruaridh to go for a walk in the woods. Met K and her dog Bria, Ruaridh had a wee play and I had a chat with K then we went our separate ways.
Home, made the bread then put the icing on the sachertorte cake it looks great!
Got all G's clothes ready as I was dropping them off at the studio!
Spoke to mum she is fine, realises I am busy. Then up to have a shower and wash my hair!
Got everything into the car including Ruaridh and I, then set off with my lunch in the bag(forgot to have it) to see G and go to the family's.
Left Graham's close for him, then over to see Layla and Bella, who were cozied up watching TV. had my peanut butter and jam sandwich with a big mug of tea, the layla made a lovely mug of coffee. Bella was busy organising a card and pressies for Grandpa's Big Day tomorrow!
At the appropriate time we left for the gig, parked and a good timewas enjoyed by all:)

No Cake Tin

Today was a good day Ruaridh and I had a lovely time down at the shore and beach in warm sunny weather. We walked to Cramond with plenty of running and jumping for stones, the wee fellow had a great time. We the headed over in the car to see Layla and Bella, Layla's leg is still giving her quite a lot of pain, so after Bella had her lunch I took her to meet up with her chums for some activity:)
Then back to theirs had my lunch with Layla then into the car and to the allotment. We had a nice time Bella is so excited with the produce, we picked broad beans, green beans, courgettes, took some of the onions home and still more raspberries! Ruaridh had a great time rummaging though don't know what he is seeking!
Dropped the girls back at the house into the car to pick up Graham, then on the way home stopped at Sainsbury's as I had to buy all the goodies to make the Sachertorte for G's Birthday which is on Saturday--he is going to be eligible for that 'Free Bus Pass.
Courgette and bean risotto for dinner with salad, G&T before, Chablis with went to make the cake no cake tin! Couldn't drive so had to walk to Sainsbury'(not too far)!
Back home made cake--baked it--looks delicious. Goodnight!

Cloud Man

No blog yesterday as over the past few days I have been quite busy. After the usual morning got ready to take Ruaridh to the shore and beach before heading off to visit Layla and Bella. Layla is still incapacitated but has the hospital tomorrow, hopefully she will find something out at the fracture clinic!
Bella and I went to the mobile library and got some good books-sadly this is the last time it will be coming as hardly anyone uses it! We then went home and played a couple of games with Layla before lunch. Had our lunch then Bella and I went up to town to pick up her new dress, then we meandered along and got some ice cream at The Mound and stopped to watch two women doing amazing things with hula-hoops.
We then walked up to the High St to watch more performers, I think this gentleman pedrotochas was the hit of the afternoon. What he could do with long balloons was nobody's business!! We were mesmerised by his antics.
Also quite revealing (in more ways then one) were the two belly dancers (woman and man) who made their abdomen bellies wobble! Nuff said:)
We then wended our way down to get the bus and home. Had a lovely time.
Waited for Graham to come and pick me up then home.
Corn chowder with corn and crackers for dinner lovely.
Wednesday dawned warm and sunny after breakfast we all went in the car to the family's as Bella and I had an early start going to see a show 'Cloud Man'. We were a bit rushed however managed to get there in time!
The show was really well done and enjoyed by the young and young at heart! As Cloud Men live over the mountain Bella thought we might find some up North! -Though they are very quiet and difficult to find!
We the popped into one or two shops before going to have lunch at Porto & Fi on The Mound which we both enjoyed.
After which we went back to the High Street to see more performers , we both liked listening to a cappella group called 'All the Kings men' and stood there until the rain started. Another fun day:)
Back to theirs Layla still at the hospital, she and Graham arrived back about 1645h, soft tissue damage to her knee to have physio.
Waited for Joe to come back from Glasgow then had dinner pasta al forno lovely. Then Bella entertained us with her dancing she is a star!
Home tired to bed. Goodnight.

Allotment

Today I took Ruaridh to the woods we had a lovely walk in the warm sunshine, Graham worked from home today, I was taking Layla to the allotment and Bella was going horse riding!
After lunch got Ruaridh into the car and off we go to visit Layla, then on to the allotment with her! Spent a lovely couple of hours there, collected green beans and broad beans and brought home an onion. Back to theirs to drop Layla off and get the low down on the horse ride--it appears to have gone really well--bravo Bella. Got lovely photo's off Joe of Bella on horseback.
Left for home, spaghetti alla puttanesca with salad for dinner delicious.
Tried once again to catch up on some blogging did a little, quite tired to bed. Goodnight.

Calamity Jane & Watery Landscapes Course

Busy, busy day yesterday got home to late to Blog--had a fantastic day! Up and about on Saturday morning made the early cuppa then had breakfast before having a shower and washing my hair. Then we all got into the car and headed for the beach to take the Wonder Dog for a walk. Had a great time with him throwing big shells and stones, he retrieved lots of shells.
back home a we are expecting visitors from the Isle of Lewis T & K for an overnight stay as they are going to the Edinburgh Tattoo! Sure enough arrived almost on the dot they said they would 1335h, lovely to see them, cups of tea and coffee then we all set off to the town.
Graham and I were meeting the family to go to a singalong with the film 'Calamity Jane', T&K for a meander around the town. Met the family Bella dressed in her Glam Calam gear. Met one or two people we know, the cinema was packed--all I can say great film, singing and clapping:)
Really enjoyed the afternoon, Joe dropped us off at the house T&K there, we had a natter then they went to catch their bus we got Ruaridh and drove over to the family's.
Had a Chinese take away for dinner, then sang along to Buddy Holly whilst Bella danced. Read the wee one a story and told her one about when I was young, 'How can it be about you if you are telling it Granny'--pass.
Goodnights said and we called at Asda to get messages.
Home T&K arrived they had a great night, nattered a wee while then bed.
Sunday up early as I am going to do the Watery Landscapes course. Saw to Ruaridh had a wash then made breakfast when our friends got up. Another blether and goodbye then Graham and Ruaridh dropped me off for my course.
Love Lauriston Castle where the course is being held--in the Glasshouse, about seven of us turned up. Found it difficult--remember now how to mix colours and let them run etc. also how to use brushes to achieve different shapes. Must buy three new brushes, think G used mine to pollinate the tomatoes when we lived at the cottage:)
Enjoyed the course especially the chocolate cake for lunch with coffee! Graham picked me up and home, he and Ruaridh had spent time with Layla and Bella.
Made our bed with clean linen, Graham made a lovely dinner of falafel taco's with roasted veg, salad and chili sauce, delicious.
Attempted to catch up on my Blogging getting difficult again--bye!

Home Day!

Today I spent at home as Layla's chum C was looking after Bella in the afternoon so no need for me to go over!
Usual early morning routine then got the Wonder Dog ready and away to the local woods, lovely walk met no-one. Back home made the dough for the bread, then made Ruaridh's dog bicuits.
After this cleaned the stairs before sitting down and reading some of Donald's story on his and Andy's trip to America -- pure brilliant.
Then I tackled our bedroom as T & K are coming down from the Western Isles to the Tattoo and spending the night with us tomorrow! Phew. Made the batter for the veggie Toad in the Hole
Took Ruaridh for a jaunt around the park that is what he wanted!
Home did the tatties and cabbage to go with the Toad in the Hole for dinner, it tasted delicious BTW.
Very dozy in fact can hardly keep my eyes open! To bed. Goodnight.

Buying Logs!

No Blog on Wednesday should have gone to my chum J's for lunch with her and C however went over to see Layla and Bella instead as Layla's leg is still painful and she is on crutches!
Spent time with the wee one she is such a wee character lots of joy and fun to be with. Made lunch of eggy bread which we ate outside, then we all including Ruaridh piled into the car and over to the allotment! Bella said 'Isn't it exciting now everything is growing' and spent a long time at the tap washing a lettuce in her wheelbarrow. We then picked the green beans before driving home.
R came to visit Layla so Bella and moi trotted off to get biscuits and coffee at the Co-op. Bella took her toy buggy with her doll in it, everyone who passed smiled at her and got a smile back. I went to pick up Graham as it was pishing down we drove home via the supermarket to get some messages.
Butternut squash risotto for dinner with a salad of green beans, tomatoes and basil-delicious.
Thursday dawned warm and sunny, made the pastry for a quiche. As Ruaridh didn't get a decent walk yesterday took him to the shore and beach OMG he was like a puppy. Straight down to the beach and run along like crazy, I eventually met up with him and throw stones into the water and up in the air. His jumping prowess his amazing, well done that dog.
After all this exertion into the car and over to the family's as I was taking Bella to a class as Layla is incapacitated due to her bad leg.
Met up with Layla's chums and their children, had a nice chat then a coffee whilst the class was on, met a couple of folk I know!
Over to have a late lunch with L and B, then we drove over to buy logs for their new stove. Also bought paint for our two stoves in the N/W.
Graham came to pick me up and we left shortly afterwards.
Cuppa when we got home, then leek quiche for dinner with tatties and broad beans.
Did my blip and some Blogging catch up then BED. Goodnight.

Bagpuss

Today I had the pleasure of Bella and Granny K's company to see the Bagpuss Show Oh how I love that adorable cat!
Up and about, after breakfast had a shower and washed my hair then took Ruaridh to the shore and beach. Not a too long walk as I was going to get Bella as we were going to see 'Bagpuss'. We did however manage some stone throwing, Ruaridh as always delighted. Into the car and over to the family's house, Bella was ready so I left Ruaridh with Layla and Bella and I went to get the bus. As always at this time of the year the traffic was horrendous, maybe some of the driving too. However eventually we arrived at the stop for the venue, got a call from Granny K to ask where we were, told her we were on our way. She was in the queue, would you believe they had us queueing outside and the rain was coming down! Ah well.
The doors opened and in we went lots of young people and people young at heart:) The show was amazing the two women actors were superb and Bagpuss well he is adorable still! They encouraged audience participation and of course we obliged.
After the show we said goodbye to Granny K and went in the rain to get the bus home.
Had lunch with Layla, played with Bella then Eve came to play. I took the two girls via the cycle path to Victoria Park where they played on the play park. Back home and Graham and Joe arrived
Got dinner organised, spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatless balls, salad and bread. Tasted good. Joe made a lovely coffee I helped to tidy up then we left for home.
Goodnight.

Shopping at Asda

No Blog yesterday, a quiet one anyway! Awoke with Ruaridh saw to him then back to bed to doze/sleep didn't even make the morning cuppa! Graham did that later much to his chagrin!
Eventually got up and made a 'fry up' for breakfast--delicious.
Got organised and took Ruaridh down to the shore and beach the tide was in so not much joy with the stone throwing.
After our walk popped over to take the allotment vegetables to Layla as she forgot them yesterday. Bella was playing with her wee friend Abbie on the street, as the weather was warm and sunny, Ruaridh got lots of attention from the two wee ones:)
Home Graham made a lovely dinner of rice and vegetables with prawn curry sauce.
Monday dawned quite bright, after breakfast got the Wonder Dog ready and we set off for the woods,as I had my wellies on walked through the woods and back through the meadowland. All the wild flowers were away and the blackberries were out in abundance albeit still red! Met E a dog walker who said she felt a 'nip' in the air Autumn is on the way!
Cleaned the bathroom then made minestrone soup for dinner also made the tomato sauce for Tuesdays dinner. Got the dough ready for the bread. Had my lunch before going over to Layla's to take her shopping. I parked close to the supermarket and Layla managed to walk to the door where we arranged to get a wheelchair, the men were very good and even looked after L's crutches. I wheeled her round in the 'care chair' for some reason this reminded me of 'The Care Bears':) The chair had three baskets and as I wheeled her round we managed quite well to fill them.
After this expedition I drove Layla home and got her messages into the kitchen, then Graham came and after a chat we drove home.
Had our minestrone soup for dinner with crackers/bread decided not to have any sandwiches as we were rather full.
Later had tea and crispbreads/bread. Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Family Home

This evening the family arrived back from their week at the cottage, poor Layla her leg in a splint and on crutches after her accident last Monday, when she hurt her knee. Good to see them, and as usual Bella was on top form.
Made the early morning cuppa, then crashed out until Graham came up with toast and coffee delicious.
Got up had a shower and washed my hair, then had poached eggs on toast before setting off to get the messages and take the Wonder Dog for a walk.
Over by car to Newhaven Harbour got the haddock for tonight's meal from Welch's wet fish shop. We then had a lovely walk along the waterfront at Newhaven. After this went to Asda got messages then over to Waitrose to get the remainder.
Home, Graham started on the dinner I did some knitting then the family arrived had a chat and made them coffee and played with Bella, then I did the fish gougons--yes we were having fish taco's with guacamole and creme fraiche followed by coffee granita for dinner--lovely!
Family stayed quite a while then away home. Tired to bed! Goodnight!

Great Night Out!

Tonight Im going out with the 'girls' from work and the college, meeting up for a drink maybe eats, and who knows we might do a show!
Graham took the car so after a shower and hair wash Ruaridh and I set off to walk to the studio. We have had so much heavy rain the puddles in Inverleith Park were so big the ducks were swimming in them:)
Arrived at the studio, then when Graham was ready we left to go out for lunch at the Punjab 'n De Rasoi, had veggie curry with chapati's and I had rice we also had veggie pakoras--delicious.
We then went to the allotment collected some vegetables and put food onto the tomatoes before going to pay for the painting we bought last Friday. Then on to Bath Store to order the items for the new bathroom in The N/W.
Home tired but got ready to go and meet my chums, traffic was horrendous eventually arrived, at 'The Udder Belly' the gang were there good crack and beer. We then got freebies from G's hubby who was working a venue to see Claudia O'Doherty in 'What is Soil Erosion' a somewhat surreal comedy show that I have to admit made me laugh. Before that had a delicious tuna melt and a glass of Merlot in the Teviot cafe.
After the show a beer then home on the bus, where a fellow Festival goer proceeded to fall asleep whilst talking on his mobile:)
Home to bed. Goodnight.

Waiting!!

No Blog yesterday as there was very little to Blog--it pished down all day torrential for most of the time. Ruaridh very reluctant to go out especially as I had the umbrella--for some reason he does not like it! Set off had a walk and bought fish for the dinner from Kev. Short walk in the woods then home.
Both of us wet through, dried the dog and myself then made the bread dough. Phoned Bath Store to find out if they deliver to the Highlands and Islands, they will let me know. Did some ironing then had lunch, postie came with a gift from Gittan a lovely waterproof jacket. Eventually started painting the under coat in the kitchen, managed to get some done before taking Ruaridh for a walk.
Graham home cuppa, followed by G&T then for dinner we had fish tacos with guacamole and yogurt with lemon, delicious.
Still raining when we awoke this morning, after the morning ritual, Graham left for the studio in the car. Never to be put off by the pishing rain, after a wash Ruaridh and I got ready for a walk. He sat at the bottom of the stairs watching me put my wet weather gear on then when he saw me get the umbrella he dashed upstairs--lots of shouting to get him down, eventually a treat did the trick.
Only walked around the park which was flooded in parts, waded through eight inches of water at one point.
Home dried Ruaridh off then I trotted to the wee store to get a few messages.
Made tomato soup as Jane C is supposed to be coming for dinner. Did some knitting 1230h no Jane, 1330h no Jane, rather pissed off as she didn't let me know. Sent her a text then had my soup tasted delicious.
Got on with painting the undercoat in the kitchen, received a text from Jane she would phone later!!
Finished the painting bar some over the sliding cupboard, need the steps for that and they are wet through.
Had a drink then took a rather reluctant wee fellow to the woods, only a light drizzle.
Spoke to Layla and Bella on Skype think their weather was OK today, Layla has the Dr tomorrow re her leg.
Graham home had a cuppa, made dinner risotto frittata, tatties(from allotment) guacamole-lovely.
Jane phoned to apologise--accepted, allsorts of excuses what the hell!
Away to bed. Goodnight.

Produce

Up and about usual routine, breakfast then a wash. Sorted the washing and put a fresh load out as the weather was warm and sunny.
Then Ruaridh and moi jumped into the car and set off with our lunch to the allotment. First we stopped at the Family's to leave some strawberry jam and my bag, then walked to the allotment. Had a lovely walk especially over the links.
Did some weeding first then sat down to have our lunch--very warm in the sun, not many people at the allotment. Did more weeding, then watered the cucumbers in the greenhouse before collecting produce. A couple of cucumbers, green beans, broad beans, courgettes and some tatties.
Then walked back to the house to get the car and pick up Graham from the studio, had a chat with Sybil who was baking 'angel fairy cakes' for an event at her church.
Drove to Homebase to get some paint for the kitchen and some tomato feed, then popped into M&S to get some messages,
Home, bean and courgette salad for dinner with tomato and cucumber salad delicious.
Layla phoned she hurt her leg yesterday, saw the Dr in the Glen--to the hospital now her leg is encased in a huge splint. Poor Layla on holiday too, hopefully she can and will rest the leg tomorrow.
To bed. Goodnight.

Strawberry Jam Day!

Today back to work day for Graham after a somewhat leisurely weekend. So up, breakfast then when G left had a shower and washed my hair before setting off for the shore and beach with Ruaridh. Had to cancel my dental hygienist as I have a cold sore that is not only sore but slightly infected!
Had a super walk Ruaridh declined to play with any dogs until he met a Labrador on the way home when he had a fun time. His jumping skills are getting much better, high in the sky now.
Returned home started to make the strawberry jam didn't get any certo as I was convinced if I followed 'Sophie Grigsons' recipe non would be required. Hmmm I think the jam is more like a French Conserve i.e. quite a loose 'set' but smells and tastes delicious if very sweet!
Late lunch did some knitting, took Ruaridh to post a letter then round to Strachan Rd and the woods before coming home.
Graham arrived home had our cuppa, then had aduki bean pie new tatties and broad beans for dinner.
Listening to and watching the rioting and looting that is occurring in London, I can't find words to say how I feel about these horrendous acts.
To bed. Goodnight.

Lazy Weekend!

No Blog yesterday, no wonder didn't get out of bed until 1245h! though had the early morning cuppa dozed then coffee and toast with rhubarb & ginger jam before getting up. Up then had breakfast, took Ruaridh for a walk in the woods then managed to get to the supermarket and back home before the heavy rain came. This had been forecast but fortunately it wasn't as bad as they intimated.
Made bread, did the ironing, left the bread rolls in for about one hour instead of the usual twenty minutes--forgot them!
Had a lovely veggie, prawn, crab paella for dinner courtesy of Graham. Watched the film 'Neds' interesting!
Sunday awoke to the torrential rain, usual ritual of early cuppa, slept, awoke then had the overdone rolls with rhubarb jam and coffee--tasted good!
Up--breakfast, wash then into the car and to the allotment with Graham and The Wonder Dog. The rains came down G checked the greenhouse all OK, in the rain I picked courgettes and some broad beans.
Over to get the preserving pan then onto Asda to get the strawberries to make the jam--couldn't find the £1 a punnet ones Layla had told me about, so bought three punnets of more expensive ones, then on the way out found the ones we should have bought, so three more punnets purchased! Got more messages then headed for home.
Strawberries in sugar to be left overnight.
Graham made a lovely dinner, red peppers stuffed with garlic and tomatoes and roasted, topped with mozzerella, served with courgettes, tomatoes and basil cooked in olive oil.
Eaten with the overdone rolls, lovely.
Watched a Japanese film on TV interesting! To bed. Goodnight.

Goodbye to Gittan!

Today dawned warm and sunny Gittan was leaving today and Layla, Bella and I were taking her out for lunch. Had breakfast and a chat with her then I had a shower and washed my hair. Decided as the weather was good to take Ruaridh down to the shore and beach, before going to pick up Layla and Bella and leave Ruaridh with Graham at the studio.
Had a lovely walk, Ruaridh was in his element running and catching stones thrown into the sea. Met lots of dog walker chums and introduced them to Gittan had a chat then into the car and over to the family.
They were ready so we drove over to the studio and deposited Ruaridh who wondered where Hilda was(she normally has a treat for him) today she was away as her son C was visiting.
Left and run to catch the bus to Pizza Express in the West End, Layla phoned to say we would be ten minutes late!!
Had a lovely lunch and chat with Gittan then took her over to the bus for the airport, lots of photo's still to take. Then the bus arrived fond farewells the she was away till the next time!
Layla, Bella and I had a lovely time in town visiting some shops and stopping to see 'acts' at The Mound. Eating ice cream and bumping into lots of Layla's chums, lovely to see how delighted they were to see her.
Then got the bus to theirs Graham already there. We waited a wee while then took the car to town to visit Phil Braham's opening at the Union Gallery treat ourselves to a painting!!
Home dinner tomatoes, chili, garlic, basil in oil with pasta and salad.
Tired, for the first time in a couple of weeks just G, moi and Ruaridh at home. Goodnight>

Wet Day--out for Dinner!

Today was a very wet day-after the morning ritual and when the rain appeared to have stopped Gittan and I along with the Wonder Dog of course set off for the woods!! As soon as we arrived at the park the heavens opened but being the brave souls that we are we carried on and got soaked. Walked form the woods round to 'George's' then home.
Had lunch and I caught up with some business calls and calls to friends.
Going out to dinner with the family tonight as this is Gittan's last night with us. We have booked a table at the Suburban Pantry a new cafe/bistro just up the road from us. have had lunch and afternoon tea there which was good see what dinner brings.
Met up with the family at 1830h the dinner was OK but I'm afraid I could do better myself with the pasta and the risotto, starters were good as was the lovely chocolate torte Graham and I had. We have friends coming in a week or so will maybe go somewhere else. Only problem being in the Festival in Edinburgh it is difficult to book a table, one as a resident is expected to queue along with all the tourists, shame I say:)
After the meal we walked back home and I attempted to catch up on bliping and blogging!
 

The allotment!

As Graham had left his bicycle at the studio he took the car to work, after breakfast and a wash and listening to Joe talk about blipfoto.com on BBC Radio 6, Gittan and I left to go and visit Layla and Bella with the wee fellow.
Lovely walk through Inverleith Park then onto the cycle path. Miss B was playing with Eve when we arrived but quickly came in to receive her presents from Gittan (MissRAble under the table. She got a lovely skipping rope and a rolling pin, she was very pleased.
We then all piled into the car and went to The Punjab'n De Rasoi a Community Enterprise cafe run by Sikh women. The food is delicious bought an I Love Leith bag for Gittan, and a Tiffin Box for Bella!
Over to the allotment where we all worked whilst Bella and Eve played, Gittan appeared to enjoy herself and we came away with broad beans, courgettes, raspberries and blackberries from Ricky a fellow gardener. All the onions were picked and stored in the shed and green house.
Back to the house and waited for Graham, all drove home together.
Vegetable stew and potatoes for dinner courtesy of Graham, lovely!
Graham to bed early, I tried to catch up on my Blog, Gitten slept on the sofa she woke and she and I had a dram of Danske Dram (fire water) and a chat before going to bed. Goodnight.

Journey-weather Humid!

No blogs for Sunday, the weather wasn't brilliant but not too bad. After a fry up for breakfast Gittan did the mowing and I did the strimming of the grass, everything looks so much better once this is done! made dough for bread!
Ruaridh had his own adventures then decided to come out for a walk in the woods with Gittan and myself. Thank goodness Gittan was there to spy the fox that was lurking on the road, I thought it was a cat! It must have seen us and took off before Ruaridh could eat it--NOT. He was very excited by the trail and smell it left, then he was down in a ditch and a rabbit shot out had to shout really loud of Ruaridh as he set off on the chase, he came back rather disgusted to be stopped!
Courgettes in cheese, cream sauce with pasta and salad for dinner.
Monday we decided to take Gittan on the wee ferry to the Isle of Skye, the weather was good and as the tide was out we decided to go to Lower Breakish the beach was amazing. We paddled in the sea, saw seals and Ruaridh had a super time running and jumping for stones. Also everyone got lovely photographs. We ate plums and crisps and drank juice, then returned home via the Skye Bridge which we walked over. Stopped in Kyle of Lochalsh to get a few messages then back to the cottage.
As I was getting dinner ready Christine our neighbour arrived , nice that she could meet Gittan and good to see her.
So she stayed for dinner courgette and broad bean risotto and salad, nice chat good company and wine!
Tuesday warm and sunny, getting ready to leave the Glen, had breakfast Graham did a lot of strimming packed the car and away.
Had a walk in the woods with Ruaridh on the way out. Weather very humid not good for traveling! Stopped at The House of Bruar for a sandwich and coffee--sandwich horrible!!
Arrived in the city at around 1700h.
Had a cuppa then later rice and vegetables with mushroom sauce for dinner.
Tired to bed.