Two Fabulous Days--

--spent with Bella and Ruaridh! Monday Ruaridh and me spent the day with Bella and what a lovely day we had. It rained and rained, so donning wet weather gear we set off and took Ruaridh for a walk, only met one or two hardy dog walkers as the rain became torrential. Back home saw to The Wonder Dog then Bella and moi hotfooted it to get the bus up to town to visit The Portrait Gallery. Here we had a lovely lunch then set off to do two of the trails they have for the children. Lovely dinner with the family then home. Tuesday After meeting Bella and driving home she decided we would have a cafe! First a waitress 'pinny' had to be made (old pillowslip) then I had to wait until the cafe was set up. The spinach and yellow pepper soup (apple juice with a large amount of water) was delicious. As was the apple crumble ( pencil shavings with apple juice) :) Family here for dinner--- a fun late afternoon:) A lovely two days. Becoming lighter in the evenings The Wonder Dog and moi are able to go to the woods for the evening walk! Thursday Lovely evening spent with Layla, Bella and Ruaridh,the guys were out for an important dinner. Saturday Grandpa and Bella picked up the new car today ( I accomplished my part of the mission yesterday!) So to give it a run Grandpa, Bella, Layla, me and Ruaridh headed off for North Berwick but ended up on Dunbar. What a lovely harbour and we saw the seal!

Days Of Doing Very Little

At the cottage for eight days attempting to do very little. Sunday A dreich day, but sleeping late, chat with a chum, making bread lit up the day!! Oh yes just making a cuppa last night and the power went off, managed the cuppa (gas ring), then crept to bed with my candle--felt like Wee Willie Winkie:) The candlelight added to the mystery of the 'Labyrinth' the book I'm still reading! Monday no rain got some logs split and stored in the greenhouse (I know but not living in the Glen at the moment we can't grow anything) drove into Kyle to get some messages. In the Co-0p shopping :- Me - Could you tell me where the flour is? Assistant - (Looking harassed ) over by the door as you come in. Me (Looking puzzled ) Ta! On getting to the door saw the mistake, as I saw lots of bunches of flowers. Eventually found what I wanted. Love and Peace to all wherever you are for 2013. Spare a thought for all the peoples living in areas of conflict tonight, may Love and Peace be theirs in the coming year. Started watching 'The West Wing' again, brought the new year in with a glass of rum. Spoke to the family. Had spoken to the memsahib earlier as she is an early 'bedder'. Tuesday (New Years Day)! January 1 2013 Late to bed, late to rise (don't know what that makes me ?) Tired! Breakfast in bed, then set off for a brisk walk along the beach before heading off to capture the last rays of the sun. Walks in the rain more logs split and stored, finished the 'Labyrinth' started 'The Killing'-- very good. Saturday -back to to the city. Lovely curry and great game of charades with family blogs. Thanks.

First day of R&R

Today Friday 28 December was our first full day at the cottage we drove up yesterday and we were pleased that Christine was there and had the stove on in the Red Room.we had a pretty hectic time this week and the week before so wer looking forward to some R&R. I had brought two 'big'interesting books with me 'Labyrinth' and 'The Killing' so was looking forward to some reading. Friday The wind blew and the rain lashed down -- a wee break and The Wonder Dog and moi went down to the woods. The river and burns were in full flow so we were limited to where we could go--then the rain started again. On the way home we saw two wee puppies, Misty Ruaridh's chum had become a mother! {Nothing to do with the Wonder Dog I hasten to add:)} They are lovely only seems days ago that Misty was a pup! The stoves are roaring, hoping to sample the Damson Port tonight:) Monday we spent at mums, lovely walk on a misty isolated beach this morning with Ruaridh then a quick drive to Lytham to buy fish for Christmas Eve dinner. Bought some lovely halibut and scallops which Graham cooked to perfection with potatoes and peas--washed down with a lovely Chablis. Mum had opened most of her presents as she had a quite early start on Christmas morning. Church then on to friends for Christmas lunch as we were heading to Edinburgh to be with the family. Had breakfast then took mum to church before hitting the road. Great drive North, lovely to be with the family, Bella was so excited she had got lovely gifts from Santa, as had we all. Today is Ruaridh's Birthday--Happy One wee pal. We made the crackers for the dinner table--Christmas Dinner was delicious. We watched 'Room on the Broom' played games and read stories. Finished the evening off by the 'big' people watching 'The Royale Family' excellent. Goodnight. Wednesdayslept until 1200 h. Delicious breakfast made by G. Walk along the shore and beach with the family. Getting ready to go to the cottage. Two of our oldest chums have become grandparents today --Hurrah and Congratulations all round:) Saturday 29 Dec After a stormy night with the wind howling around the gables we awoke quite late! Breakfast of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon with a big mug of coffee and we were set to brave whatever the elements could throw our way:) The beach was practically deserted and the watery sun played on the incoming tide. Had a chat to one of our dog walker chums, then carried on in the hope of finding some mussels for dinner-- no joy as we had chatted the tide had covered the rocks--tomorrow maybe! At last after a couple previous attempts am reading 'Labyrinth' by Kate Mosse and am enjoying it -- good holiday read!

Christmas Play

Today Wednesday I had the privilage of going to see Bella's Christmas Play and what a joy it was to sit and watch the children perform. It was the Nativity and Bella played the Angel Gabriel and managed to hold 'The Star of Wonder' over the stable without it wobbling. All the children did amazingly well, after the play the candles were lit on the tree and the children gathered round to get the gifts they had made for their parents. Then they each received a gift from their teachers. We finished by having spiced fruit jucice and shortbread biscuits, delightful!Thanks to Bella, Layla and the teachers for the invitation. Layla and moi then went for lunch as Bella was having lunch with her teacher before going to see "The Shepherds Play". Layla and moi had lunch in a cafe and then I did some Christmas shopping. Monday I visited Fiona for a massage felt great. Thursday bought new Wellies for G and mo. Friday invited out for lunch by blipcentral good food and chat, thanks guys enjoyed the lunch. After lunch down to the 'rides' the one Bella wanted to take us on was kaput (breathed a sigh of relief) so we went on the Carousel (better that than nothing). Saturday lots of baking done--lovely mince pies (Nigella's pastry)Followed Nigella's recipe for the pastry -- fandabby:) Busy day---2230 just settling down to watch 'Geronimo' starring Gene Hackman and Robert Duval, enjoyed the movie Goodnight! Sunday set off for the Red Rose County to visit the memsahib, good journey down. She was pleased to see us. Nice dinner. We drive back North on Christmas Day to be with the family.