Tuesday, May 25, 2004
For the record I would just like to highlight my "impending excitement at Adam's summer visit"
Monday, May 24, 2004
30 something... ugh. This birthday thing is really starting to lose it's shine. I have vivid memories (and my Mum certainly has it ingrained in her vengeance) of what a little shit I was at the birthday parties my Mum used to put so much time and effort into organising for me. If I didn't win all the games of my parties, I would climb up a tree until all the other kids went home. I'd come down only to find that Mum had saved a little prize for me anyway. What a spoiled little git.
Anyhoo... I digress. This year I didn't climb up any trees. I baked two cakes (I think possibly the first attempt at cake baking since year 10 home economics, aged 14?!) I baked a banana and walnut cake with vanilla cream cheese frosting and then a carrot cake with orange glaze. Well... they're all gone! Moist and scrummy, so I was well chuffed people ate them.
Saturday I managed a glorious morning run and then spent the rest of the day either on the phone, pottering around the house or making salads... well kinda all three at once really. I have to say a big thank you to my folks for the first call of the day. Then my dear friend, Sly, who it seems woke up at 0430 in Hope and decided to call me. She was a bit slow to get going, but boy, did we get into the swing of it once she woke up. Bless her! Dad's cousin, Judy, rang and it was lovely to hear she had returned safe and sound and happily back in the arms of her family since her whammy bammy world tour. My dear boy, Banks, called (but unfortunately I was deaf with all the raucous carry-ons in the back garden - had about 30-40 people out there at one time). Lots of lovely emails too, my fave from Kath who said she wished we could get the gal pals together for bubbles, giggles and a picnic in the sun... couldn't think of anything much nicer my friend!
The first guests arrived right on time at 5pm. I had only just got out the shower. Don't you simply HATE prompt people?! So I popped open a bottle of bubbly that Mum and Dad sent and carried on until the last guests left about 3am.... ooooooofff. Got pretty whacky in the end with my ex fling, Giles, break-dancing in my living room?! Glad he came and provided some free entertainment.
Couldn't have asked for more springy than spring weather with blue skies, sunshine, blooms in the garden, gentle breeze and no rain! Thank you Edinburgh! Mighty kind of you to hold off for the old Aussie gal.
Sunday was much more subdued being woken by Ben ringing to see if I was still alive. Grabbed a garbage bag and started the big clean. Not so much red wine across the living room and up the walls as the house warming last year. As I was tidying, the elderly couple upstairs invited me to a garden on the loch of the quaint old village of Duddingston. As it's only open to the public twice a year I accepted their kind offer. They are such a darling old couple. Still hold hands, give each other little kisses and cuddles and poke fun at each other. Sigh.... I bought them a cuppa and a slice of cake in the church hall to say thank you for inviting me, and they were as pleased as punch.
Kirsten and I managed a wholesome detoxifying run Sunday. Weather remained clear and sunny throughout. Back home to finish vacuuming and washing the floors in the evening and then I crashed and burned to ma bed.
Sure gave 32 a warm welcome.
Anyhoo... I digress. This year I didn't climb up any trees. I baked two cakes (I think possibly the first attempt at cake baking since year 10 home economics, aged 14?!) I baked a banana and walnut cake with vanilla cream cheese frosting and then a carrot cake with orange glaze. Well... they're all gone! Moist and scrummy, so I was well chuffed people ate them.
Saturday I managed a glorious morning run and then spent the rest of the day either on the phone, pottering around the house or making salads... well kinda all three at once really. I have to say a big thank you to my folks for the first call of the day. Then my dear friend, Sly, who it seems woke up at 0430 in Hope and decided to call me. She was a bit slow to get going, but boy, did we get into the swing of it once she woke up. Bless her! Dad's cousin, Judy, rang and it was lovely to hear she had returned safe and sound and happily back in the arms of her family since her whammy bammy world tour. My dear boy, Banks, called (but unfortunately I was deaf with all the raucous carry-ons in the back garden - had about 30-40 people out there at one time). Lots of lovely emails too, my fave from Kath who said she wished we could get the gal pals together for bubbles, giggles and a picnic in the sun... couldn't think of anything much nicer my friend!
The first guests arrived right on time at 5pm. I had only just got out the shower. Don't you simply HATE prompt people?! So I popped open a bottle of bubbly that Mum and Dad sent and carried on until the last guests left about 3am.... ooooooofff. Got pretty whacky in the end with my ex fling, Giles, break-dancing in my living room?! Glad he came and provided some free entertainment.
Couldn't have asked for more springy than spring weather with blue skies, sunshine, blooms in the garden, gentle breeze and no rain! Thank you Edinburgh! Mighty kind of you to hold off for the old Aussie gal.
Sunday was much more subdued being woken by Ben ringing to see if I was still alive. Grabbed a garbage bag and started the big clean. Not so much red wine across the living room and up the walls as the house warming last year. As I was tidying, the elderly couple upstairs invited me to a garden on the loch of the quaint old village of Duddingston. As it's only open to the public twice a year I accepted their kind offer. They are such a darling old couple. Still hold hands, give each other little kisses and cuddles and poke fun at each other. Sigh.... I bought them a cuppa and a slice of cake in the church hall to say thank you for inviting me, and they were as pleased as punch.
Kirsten and I managed a wholesome detoxifying run Sunday. Weather remained clear and sunny throughout. Back home to finish vacuuming and washing the floors in the evening and then I crashed and burned to ma bed.
Sure gave 32 a warm welcome.
Monday, May 17, 2004
What a weekend. I have to say that the more time I spend in Scotland, the more it grows on me. It's not as instant as Vancouver, but it's definitely getting under my skin. The spring weather has just been glorious.
However, in my usual dribbling, self indulgent style, I'll give you a blow by blow...
Friday night the post-work drinkies with Mo and Sue got well outta hand. Met up with a nice group of Mo's friends at a good ol' workin' man's pub Robbies and later hooked up with Ben et al in the more yuppified Outhouse until close. As Ben has seriously got into the triathlon training, he has lost quite a bit of weight. The man seems to have lost the ability to hold his liquor! The three stayers staggered back to mine and polished off a bottle of wine. Ben passed out on my floor and Sue and I just about fell asleep in the gentle 4am breeze in my back garden.
Up at 7:30am raring to go.... um... not really. But made it out with Ben on the road bikes for a change. We drove out to East Lothian with the most stunning views of bass rock and the rolling hills covered with the intoxicating scent of vibrant yellow canola (that's rapeseed to the locals) in bloom. Here's a taste of the lovely road view I've knicked off the internet.
Saturday night I made a brief appearance at a ceilidh, but honestly, the 4 hours sleep the night before was not overly conducive to jigging around much.
Sunday morning I was up at 6:30 am to whizz over on my cycle to Mo's. The awesome foursome set off to Glasgow and we ran the women's 10km. About 12000 women of all different ages, sizes and running abilities competed and it was a brilliant day all up. Such a positive vibe. I ran a personal best at 47 mintutes. A well deserved pub meal was had at the Granary before heading back to Edinburgh.
Came home and pottered about in my lovely garden... all the poppies, blue bells and peonies are out in flower... ahhhh
However, in my usual dribbling, self indulgent style, I'll give you a blow by blow...
Friday night the post-work drinkies with Mo and Sue got well outta hand. Met up with a nice group of Mo's friends at a good ol' workin' man's pub Robbies and later hooked up with Ben et al in the more yuppified Outhouse until close. As Ben has seriously got into the triathlon training, he has lost quite a bit of weight. The man seems to have lost the ability to hold his liquor! The three stayers staggered back to mine and polished off a bottle of wine. Ben passed out on my floor and Sue and I just about fell asleep in the gentle 4am breeze in my back garden.
Up at 7:30am raring to go.... um... not really. But made it out with Ben on the road bikes for a change. We drove out to East Lothian with the most stunning views of bass rock and the rolling hills covered with the intoxicating scent of vibrant yellow canola (that's rapeseed to the locals) in bloom. Here's a taste of the lovely road view I've knicked off the internet.
Saturday night I made a brief appearance at a ceilidh, but honestly, the 4 hours sleep the night before was not overly conducive to jigging around much.
Sunday morning I was up at 6:30 am to whizz over on my cycle to Mo's. The awesome foursome set off to Glasgow and we ran the women's 10km. About 12000 women of all different ages, sizes and running abilities competed and it was a brilliant day all up. Such a positive vibe. I ran a personal best at 47 mintutes. A well deserved pub meal was had at the Granary before heading back to Edinburgh.
Came home and pottered about in my lovely garden... all the poppies, blue bells and peonies are out in flower... ahhhh
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Hey my good friends. What's shakin? (hint - leave a comment below by clicking the link 'comments'). Well, it's been a few weeks of being out n about, so just a quick catch up from me...
Still running, out mountain biking, lots of nights out... generally same old same old in that department. Knees and achilles seem to be holding out well from the exercise; so that's great. Generally keeping on track with my recent resolve to eat in a more healthy, moderate manner and slowly losing the silly excesses I gained from over indulging.
It was a recent treat to have my Dad's cousin, Judy Jenner, stay with me for the last week of April. She is such a treasure and I loved coming home to a cheery, chatty and cuddly lady. Certainly made sure I got my fill of family cuddles whilst she was here. Highlights of her visit (other than the lady herself) were:
1) a lovely afternoon strolling around the Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh. It is stunning at the moment with the rhododendrons and other spring flowers out in full bloom. We giggled at each other chasing bumble bees and squirrels around the garden to take their photos. Magic place (great website too, so check out the link above).
2) we spent Sunday riding the gorgeous coastal train journey up to the foot of the highlands in Dunkeld and Birnum. The Beatrix Potter garden and institute was delightful. She was a talented lass! It was an enchanting stroll along the River Tay amid century old Oak Trees and carpets of anenomes, tulips etc.
3) scrumptious local fare at The Scotsman and Howies in Stockbridge.
I was very sorry to see her leave and felt a bit low waving her off from the platform of Waverley Station.
Still, have my parents coming over for a visit mid June until the beginning of August. Something to look forward to.
Really feeling for my dearest friend, Lil, right now. She has brought her wedding forward to 29th May this year in the hopes her mother can be there before the pancreatic cancer takes over. I was absolutely thrilled to be asked as her special friend to such a small intimate wedding... but at this late hour, I fear I will not make it. I would LOVE to be there by her side. Either way, here's wishing her nothing but a warm and wonderous day and enormous happiness in her marriage to Darren. Loves ya Lil Lil!!
Still running, out mountain biking, lots of nights out... generally same old same old in that department. Knees and achilles seem to be holding out well from the exercise; so that's great. Generally keeping on track with my recent resolve to eat in a more healthy, moderate manner and slowly losing the silly excesses I gained from over indulging.
It was a recent treat to have my Dad's cousin, Judy Jenner, stay with me for the last week of April. She is such a treasure and I loved coming home to a cheery, chatty and cuddly lady. Certainly made sure I got my fill of family cuddles whilst she was here. Highlights of her visit (other than the lady herself) were:
1) a lovely afternoon strolling around the Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh. It is stunning at the moment with the rhododendrons and other spring flowers out in full bloom. We giggled at each other chasing bumble bees and squirrels around the garden to take their photos. Magic place (great website too, so check out the link above).
2) we spent Sunday riding the gorgeous coastal train journey up to the foot of the highlands in Dunkeld and Birnum. The Beatrix Potter garden and institute was delightful. She was a talented lass! It was an enchanting stroll along the River Tay amid century old Oak Trees and carpets of anenomes, tulips etc.
3) scrumptious local fare at The Scotsman and Howies in Stockbridge.
I was very sorry to see her leave and felt a bit low waving her off from the platform of Waverley Station.
Still, have my parents coming over for a visit mid June until the beginning of August. Something to look forward to.
Really feeling for my dearest friend, Lil, right now. She has brought her wedding forward to 29th May this year in the hopes her mother can be there before the pancreatic cancer takes over. I was absolutely thrilled to be asked as her special friend to such a small intimate wedding... but at this late hour, I fear I will not make it. I would LOVE to be there by her side. Either way, here's wishing her nothing but a warm and wonderous day and enormous happiness in her marriage to Darren. Loves ya Lil Lil!!
