R & R

Arrived back in the city yesterday,from an amazing week in the Orkneys. We went there to get away from work, computers, iPads, iPhones and just to be on our own with the Wonder Dog of course. We succeeded and had a lovely vacation, in fact loved it so much could have stayed for another week.
The journey over on the 'Pentalina' was great an hour from Gills Bay in Caithness to St, Margaret's Hope on the island of South Ronaldsay took an hour and was great.
We rented a lovely cottage on South Ronaldsay at St Margaret's Hope and it was amazing, I had forgotten just how wonderful it is to be in such close proximity to the sea at all times. The light is superb whatever the weather.
We relaxed, I read and almost finished Bella's cardigan also attempted to do some watercolour painting which I enjoyed.
St Margaret's Hope is my favorite place, there and the Burgh of Birsay which is a tidal island at the N/W of the mainland. On the day we visited the sea was in a great mood, roaring and crashing against the rocks and cliffs and sending off fantastic sprays! Would love to visit when one can walk over the causeway to the island. Saw lots of seals all in a line, looked like they were waiting for their lunch.
During the week we visited Aikerness beach where I found two Cowrie Shells, the Ring of Brodgar and Stenness Standing Stones which are truly amazing--would love to know the history of them--their reason for being?
Visited Stromness and Kirkwell loved the narrow streets and lanes, but as Graham said the places could have been set in aspic!
Enjoyed the cottage especially the grapes, yes grapes growing in the 'Sitooterie! delicious. Loved the beaches the white sand and the clear blue sea fantastic.
Visited Northern and family a blipper who lives on the Orkney Isles, lovely to see them again, great chat, meal and a good laugh! Thanks R and family.
Back to the mainland on the 'Pentalina' after a lovely week with plenty R&R. Love the sea!

Movie Night (Thurs) Damson Port (Friday )

Busy morning on Thursday did the bathroom, ironed then attempted to clean the car before having a shower. Had my shower then got ready to go to see Layla and Bella, and take Bella to her club. Graham was taking Layla to the hospital for her appointment all crossed she gets to know something today.
Took the wee one to her club, met her wee chums Granny must be a Granny day. Took Ruaridh for a wee meander, then sat and had a chat with S the other Granny!
Back to theirs Layla very late being seen at the hospital in fact 11/2 hours late which is a disgrace. However she got some satisfaction in getting a diagnosis--means surgery but her leg should be fine afterwards.
The family looked after Ruaridh (who apparently vomited quite a few times) whilst Graham and I went out to the Filmhouse to see 'Days of Heaven' excellent well worth seeing. We also had dinner out and a glass of red wine!
Got the bus back to theirs Ruaridh appears OK.
Home and bed--tired.
Up usual Friday morning then after G left had a shower then with the Wonder Dog set off for the hairdressers. Took the wee fellow a walk along the shore, amazing down there now they have made some lovely walks and put wooden benches for people to sit on.
Had my hair done then over the see Layla and Bella, they were in good form.
Had lunch with them then Bella and I went to the shops with the buggy and doll took quite a while.
Then we all sterilised the bottles for the Damson Port and poured it in, looks rather pale but tastes good!!
Graham came said bye to the girls as we are going on holiday tomorrow for a week!
Roasted vegetables and salad for dinner--lovely.
Spoke with mum she appears to be OK.
Packed--tired--still things to do. Goodnight.
No blog for a week attempting to get away from IT all:)

Pumpkin Day-- Not!

Today was another busy day, usual routine this morning then down to the shore before going over to Layla's then heading off to meet Bella. Layla had made a picnic lunch so once Miss B and Ruaridh were in the back of the car we headed off to the allotment.
What a lovely day so warm and sunny, the allotment looked great. had a nice picnic then got stuck into the work. Layla managed to do some work, she goes to the hospital tomorrow after three diagnosis I hope this time they hit the nail on the head (not literally) of course.
Bella was as good as gold, I did lots of weeding, watered the greenhouse--(lovely tomatoes and cucumbers)picked broad beans and dug up tatties. Really enjoyed the time spent there.
Into the car and over to theirs, Graham came and we left for home.
Popped into Waitrose on the way home to get some messages for our holiday.
Butternut squash risotto with homegrown tomatoes and cucumber salad delicious!
Goodnight.

Bottles

No Blog Monday spent a good day though, up with Ruaridh, spoke to John H who is doing the bathroom at the cottage, then breakfast before Graham left for the studio! Had a shower and washed my hair!
Then took Ruaridh down to the shore and beach, warm with a blustery wind. had a super walk to Cramond with lots of stone throwing into muddy water! Back to the car and down to Sainsbury's to get some messages.
Back home changed the bed and did some washing. Had some lunch, then did the the ironing whilst listening to the afternoon play on BBC Radio 4 'The Shining Guest' excellent. Then got he dinner ready rice and vegetables and made a soda bread. Made leek and potato soup for a friend who isn't too well. Made the tomato sauce for the dinner tomorrow!
Spoke to Layla as there was a programme on after the play 'Caring too Much' which I thought she might be interested in. Spoke with mum she is OK. The rain has started and it is getting very windy tail end of Hurricaine Katija on our doorstep?
Graham arrived home by bus, we had a cuppa and some soda bread, Graham very kindly made the dinner, rice and vegetables with prawns and a mushroom sauce--delicious. Tired to bed.
Tuesday dawned still quite windy but not as much rain. Busy day ahead up to the usual routine.
Then in warm and blustery weather set off in the car with the Wonder Dog to the shore, this time we walked east on the beach had lots of fun chasing leaves in the wind and running after shells in the water. Once all that was exhausted back to the car and drove over to get Layla who was coming for lunch.
She was ready, the new canning machine had arrived with 12 jam jars--useful. We then went by car to buy some bottles and corks for the damson port which should reach fruition by Friday!!
Over to ours had a lovely lunch, then I made the white sauce for dinner. We went to meet up with Miss B who was delighted with her new sticker books from Harrison. Made pancakes (crepes), Bella gave the final whisk!
I made dinner then Graham and Joe arrived, sat down to Pasta Al Forno, salad and homemade bread followed by pancakes--delicious.
A wee play then the family left, we then sat and watched Mark Cousins 'Odessey of Film' on More 4--brilliant. To bed. Goodnight.

Slept 12 hours!

Travelled down to the memsahib's on Thursday, unfortunately developed lower abdominal cramps ?something I had eaten or a bug anyway didn't feel too ill just rather tired. Both train journeys the one from Preston to mums and the return one were cancelled. Managed to share a cab on the first one had to fork out £30 for a cab on the second one livid.
Managed to have a good visit with mum, eating paracetamols every 4 hours! Didn't do much, down to the shops and went to an appointment with mum, hope everything is sorted there now!
Friday evening went to a concert with mum by a local group called 'Fiddle Faddle' who were excellent--two fiddlers, a pianist and singer great stuff--Golden Oldies!
Left mums at lunchtime Saturday to get the 1250h train Another c--p start to my journey as Northern Rail once again cancelled a train.
So I went to get a taxi to be told by the driver he didn't think he could get me to the station at Preston as a main link road was closed due to a bridge being rebuilt (after being demolished by a lorry some time ago) as the farmer required this to move his cows from one pasture to the other!!
To be fair to him this is what he stipulated when he sold his land so that the link road could be put in.
After driving along country lanes I had no idea existed I made it to the station in time for my Virgin train North. (Having spent on taxis due to cancelled trains what my return fare had cost me.)
Arrived home safe and sound--feeling the worse for wear:(( Ruaridh very pleased to see me.
Had some lovely celery soup that Graham had made then went to bed.
Awoke with the wee fellow at 0730h this morning saw to his needs then back to bed, with the early morning cuppa. Slept until 1030h then Graham made toast and lovely coffee.
Got up later, wash had breakfast before taking the Wonder Dog to the shore, warm and very blustery! Visited three outdoor clothing shops in Leith today. Bought two pairs of waterproof over trousers at the third one Trespass, imagine my delight when I was told it was buy one get one free especially after the 'Carry On' yesterday. Came home after getting a few messages at M&S.
Graham made a lovely dinner of leek and potato in a white sauce in a puff pastry pasty with broad beans.
Very tired again so to bed.

Zipping all over the City.

Up and about with the Wonder Dog, back to bed for an hours doze, up made breakfast then when Graham left for the studio I had a shower and washed my hair. Then got organised before driving with Ruaridh down to the shore and beach, weather warm and sunny very windy
He met a working Cocker Spaniel and they had a good play, on a sandy beach I was able to throw stones in for him, I did this for quite a while but then continued on as today was going to be quite busy. Ruaridh trotted along at the side of me-- he is a lovely dog. A good walk then back to the car.
Then drove over to visit the family called to get diesal so that G would have enough for the next few days as I am going to visit the memsahib tomorrow for a couple of nights. Traveling by train so I can knit, read, and drink coffee!
Picked up Bella then went to Tiso's Bistro for lunch (very good), nice area for children to play! After lunch we went over to the allotment, lovely tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes. Picked some broad beans and raspberries and took some onions home.
Went to pick up a bucket for the liquid from the soaking damsons to drain into through the jelly bag! Shop closed! Anyway a guy in fixing computers heard me hammering on the door and very kindly opened up and sold me a bucket. Thanks to him.
Back to the house sorted about 10lbs of plums to go in the freezer to await the arrival of the canning machine!
G arrived came home via Sainsbury's, as we left the heavens opened, got a little wet!
Cauliflower cheese, tatties and peas for dinner, delicious!
Spoke to mum she is fine looking forward to my visit tomorrow.
Tired to bed. Goodnight.

Edinburgh

Monday dawned warm and sunny a lovely day for the delivery of our new bathroom materials and tiles for the shower. Up saw to Ruaridh had a wash then just getting breakfast when I saw a van disappearing down the lane needless to say it was all the materials for our new bathroom bar the shower tiles! Two or three phone calls and the van reappeared with two guys from Glasgow who had been on the road since 0600h to deliver our goods, They checked everything off with the 'patter' refused a cup of tea/coffee and left with our thanks.
The tiles were another matter, we had told them we would only be at the cottage on Monday so the delivery had to be on that day and we paid our dues to ensure this happened! In the morning I phoned the shop in Edinburgh to be told everything was in order and express delivery was between 0900h and 1700h.
????? when the tiles hadn't arrived by 1630h I phoned again to ask why and what was happening, to be sent an email saying that due to our postcode the tiles would not be delivered until Tuesday. I tried phoning the shop in Edinburgh --no reply livid wasn't the word this was 1700h and they don't close until 1730h. To customer services where I vent my fury in a calm way!!.However the tiles won't arrive until Tuesday.
Spent the day clearing out the utility cupboard took some plums to a neighbour.
Seethed at the inadequacies of certain people. Made bread!
Graham made a lovely dinner of rice and vegetables which we ate with wraps and mushroom sauce!
Ruaridh didn't get a walk we were exhausted by one thing and another, he had a great time playing in the field--running with his little ears bouncing up and down.
Tuesday awoke to pishing down rain and strong winds,up with the wee fellow made the early cuppa then had a read in bed.
Got up had a wash and breakfast then made my phone calls apologies all round but that is not good enough. Got our money back for the delivery what about the hassle ? Informed the tiles would be delivered by the middle of the afternoon--felt better when I knew it was 'Skye Express' delivering them!
Graham and I cleared the small bedroom as J will require access there for the lights and shower fittings.
Christine arrived had a cuppa and cheese and biscuits caught up on the gossip-- the tiles arrived delivered by 'our man', they look great! Christine helped me take up the garbage then G and I picked about 15lbs of plums and got soaked. Poor Ruaridh wonders what the hell is happening.
Eventually the car was packed and in torrential rain and strong winds we left for the city. The rain only ceased for about five miles of the journey through Perthshire, however we had a good journey arriving at the house at 1845h.
Texted Layla, phoned mum I'm on the road or rails again on Thursday as I go to visit her!
Pasta and tomato sauce for dinner. To bed exhausted yet again!

Strip the Bathroom! Hunting Chanterelles!

Saturday dawned--drizzle and rain, well a good day to strip the bathroom out ready for John H to put in the new one, when he returns form holiday!
We had breakfast then immediately set to work. We worked hard all day, Graham taking the plaster board, tiles and everything off the walls and ceiling then I bagged it and put it into the shed until we can dispose of it one way or another ?
We worked from 1000h until 1700h stopping only for lunch of fried egg, mushrooms and toast, with a big cuppa.
Early evening we decided to take the Wonder Dog down to the beach, we had a lovely walk the sun came out at last between the mountains, Ruaridh was delighted to be running into the sea after thrown stones, he came back with quite a few whether they were the ones we threw who knows, he thinks it is great fun!
Back home Graham made a lovely vegetarian risotto which we had with salad for dinner, lovely.
Did some knitting in the evening then to bed.
Up with the Wonder Dog Sunday morning, made the early cuppa then back to bed, read the Guardian on my iPhone then read my book before dozing/sleeping until 1030h. Up had a bath and washed my hair before the bath is removed!
Breakfast then we piled into the car with the Wonder Dog and set off to find chanterelles, the weather was lovely warm and sunny. We drove to our favorite spot and lo and behold we found chanterelles growing everywhere. We picked lots, some were quite wet but once home and fried in oil quickly they can then be frozen which we did. However for dinner this evening Graham did chanterelles in cream and whisky sauce which we had with spaghetti, salad and brown bread--delicious.
The sunset this evening was amazing, the sky in the west was ablaze.
Listened to a play on Radio 3' The Light of Darkness' based on the real-life experiences of Leslie Davis, as recounted in his book Slaughterhouse Province.
Goodnight.

At the Glen:)

No blog yesterday although it was a very busy day, up and about, breakfast. Then after Graham left for the studio I had a shower and washed my hair. It was then time to get Ruaridh into the car and set off to get Layla and Bella who were going on an errand. Layla's leg/knee is improving but very slowly and she is unable to drive at the present time.
Dropped the girls off and took Ruaridh for a lovely meander in pastures new! he met a lovely springer spaniel called Rubic and they had a great play. Then back to pick up the girls and take them home as Layla was expecting a friend for lunch.
When we got there, I took the small compost bin and drove over to the allotment, emptied all the 'goodies' into the big bin. I then collected tomatoes, cucumbers, more raspberries, courgettes and dug up some tatties for the family and ourselves.
Back to theirs with the produce met S and baby L a lovely wee fellow.
Took Ruaridh to stay with G then off to meet my chum Jane, had a cup of tea and a blueberry muffin at hers then the two of us walked to town and visited '400 WOMEN' an exhibition by Tamsyn Challenger at the Canongate Venture, 5 New Street.
The exhibition consists of paintings/drawings done by various artists showing the missing/murdered/raped women who lived in Mexico.
The paintings reflect the horror not only of the women who have disappeared but also their families--harrowing!
We then popped into the Fruitmarket Gallery for a chat before I walked down to Stockbridge to meet Graham and Ruaridh, we then went to Waitrose to get messages as tomorrow we head for the Glen.
Home I made pasta with cheese sauce for dinner which we had with salad and was delicious. Did a little knitting--fell asleep counting stitches to bed.
Lovely to have a wee lie in on Friday morning. Up with Ruaridh then back to read and have the early cuppa. Got up made breakfast then a wash before taki ng Ruaridh to the woods--met a nice gentleman with a dog called Shula.
Back home packed then over to Sainsbury's for a few more messages, then off texted Layla.
Good journey up, quite cold at the Glen, got the stove going, I unpacked then made a cuppa and had bread and cheese.
Did some knitting, caught up with some blipping, Graham made a lovely dinner pasta with tomatoes, garlic, chili and basil in oil with bread and a lovely salad.
Very tired G already in bed 2217h, Goodnight.