Hola 2011

So, let's start the year with a catch-up; why change the habit of a blog-time?

I'll start with xmas: It was truly incredible. Despite each setting a budget to stop there being any gift upset... the chg decided that my xmas and bday can be rolled into a big gift. So for my bday we're heading to Amsterdam for a 4 day break. Complete relaxation, and art - bloody perfect. I was a little overwhelmed.

But enough of that - the foood. We had roast Duck (thanks to Hugh Fearnely-Whittingstal's recipe, and the lovely people at Crombie's), and all of the other trimmings. Bread sauce.... yum. And then Opera from Manna House. Starters were delayed for another day - there was just so much Duck. CHG then made duck soup with roast veggies. It was incredible. Best soup ever ... more later.

The following day Smoothie, TallTales, and the assorted rugrats invited us round for xmas dinner. Whoo Hoo 2 xmas dinners. This was mini tartlets, incredible roast pork and all the trimmings (sprouts with cream & pancetta) (spiced red-cabbage); and then I'd made Orkney Fudge Cheesecake for the first time. It rocks. GO MAKE IT.

We finally managed a bit of a blending of friends. The Bailie pub quiz was the location. And we (HH, Teech. CHG, Me, Smoothie) did a mighty fine job... but were beaten by Brain Drain. All I can say is sodding Brain Drain were our nemesis from years ago, and apparently still are! The Quiz Master hasn't lost his touch though, but maybe his passion for it was lacking... possibly just the winter blues.

I also manged to see Atlantic Boy and his delightful new girlf (not that new, but when you live 1000s of miles away time is a little more flexible). A wonderful burger and beers at Holyrood 9A made us all smile. It felt, as it always does, like we see each other every week.

NEW YEAR - we packed the car, the pooch and our expectations. We were going north. To Aviemore. But not without a mini-trip to St. Andrews as my Dad had suggested it would be nice if he met the chg (and suggested it was 'on the way'.... on what atlas). All was delightful. Tea was drunk and she was v pleased to be handed the controls to THE GIANT TRAIN SET THAT RUNS ROUND THE ENTIRE BACK GARDEN (I so wish I was joking). I'm not sure I've ever been handed the controls to the train set?

We found our yurt, our host, and all things north to be truly splendid. The stove did heat the place; and as I told Teech, "Warm is a state of mind." Other friends asked if it was Glamping. I told them categorically that no, it was not. Fantastic, fun, peaceful, beautiful yes - glam, no.
All you need is plenty of planning and imagination. This is where the best ever roast duck soup came into its own. I would die happy if that was my last meal! We were glad, however, that our trip didn't coincide with the -17 C weather. Those people put in the visitors' book that they had to DEFROST the hot water bottle before managing to get the ice out so they could fill it and heat the bed. Bbbbbrrrrrrrr



We started January back in Edinburgh and climbed Arthur's Seat to the very top. And then went round the radical road, it seemed like the perfect start to the year. All that sky and view and possibility.

Due to both impending dissertation and also the incredible trip to Amsterdam the chg and I are due to be apart for 19 days this month. That sucks. However modern technology is a marvel that allows us to see each other everyday, and even have dinner together occasionally.

Since then I've fitted in 2 runs. ***attention to all those expecting a running blog***
A natty little 5k up and back on Arthur's Seat - 31.45 sllooooow, but I'll take it.
And a 4 miler - 4 whole miles, round the seat with a little detour in the Duddingston direction 40.40. Again, I need to speed up - but I'm just happy to be out again.
I was about to head out yesterday morning then I realized the small snow shower had turned everything to snow and ice, yet again. I hate running on ice and snow. I like to run without thinking about it, without worrying about tripping, falling, or generally watching my feet. I've got my fingers firmly crossed for tomorrow!

But sociability has been the watch for this month:
I've had lunch with meeper at the always lovely Urban Angel
Cinema with HH & Teech and cakes!!!!!! (But do go and see the King's Speech - as much tension and drama as the best thriller.)
And I'm off to meet Chopper for a wee bite and a quiet pint, a place where the gold dog can come too. Bliss.

Tomorrow I cook, run, work and attempt to clean the flat a wee bit... too ambitious for a Friday?

Almost that time of year again. 2010 - a summary.

2010 - it's been a ...

It's been too much to sum up in one word, so I thought I'd try just a few more. Here's a month by month summary - 12 months in 69 words (dude).

No heating. Curling.
Break Up. Incredible friends.
Paris. Secured flat.
Incredible friends. Ceramics.
Meet chg. Celebrate friends BDays.
Bridie goes. Discover Acoustic Dave.
21212 & spa with Meeper. Marrakesh.
Festival Madness. Scotland trip & discover Orkney.
Move to Edinburgh. chg moves to London. See new house on the Island.
Manchester. London. House warming.
London. Granny Greens. Time to Breathe.
Bridesmaid dress shopping. Chopper xmas party. Xmas expectation & preparation.

Ultimately I can't have imagined this year; but then the things you don't expect are often the most fundamentally life changing and life enhancing. It's been a big year: Friends have got married, friends have got engaged, friends are emigrating, and it starts and ends with SNOW. Not only is snow a challenge that makes you realise you are at the whim of the elements, but also makes you want to play like a kid. Bloody brilliant.

Not even the random occurrence of my neighbour (below) letting me know the main soil pipe is frozen could dampen my xmas spirit. [Luckily neighbour across the way has given me her key (and is away) so we have a loo until the thaw comes!! Thereby demonstrating that it pays to be nice to your neighbours, and friendly! She gets a big bunch of flowers as a thank you come 2011.] Although this does make it clear that plumbing problems are not just restricted to country dwellings. (Damn it... DAMN IT.)

I'm looking forward to 2011 with much, much happiness as I sit in my warm and lovely flat with a snoring dog beside me, a fridge full to bursting, and the chg on her train north. Only my cold is a minor irritation, but then again, even that could be worse. It's just a cold.

There's a lot to look forward to in 2011. I've got another birthday approaching. (I like birthdays but can't quite understand how they seem to be so close together these days!) There are wedding's aplenty; I even get to be a bridesmaid for the very first time! And a whole world of opportunity out there. (Some possibly exciting work projects in the planning!)

I normally give a running update at this point but shucks, the running has been a bit poor this year. Still churning out 5ks with regularity - but life has been a bit busy... I do have ONE decent stat for the year: January saw me do my fastest ever 10k at 53.40... pretty sure there's been no improvement on that... might even be much slower. But hell, I'll get there. More running is definitely in the plan for 2011. Need a few more 1/2 marathons under the belt. Maybe when the ice clears ... whenever that might be.

There have also been many challenges this year, not least of which was behaving like a grown-up when my contractor held his phone towards me and said: I've got some great pictures of black knobs for you!

Ah, the kitchen does look good.
*cough*
Moving on to 2011 at great speed.

Enormous amounts of love to all my incredible friends and all those who have helped to turn 2010 into something very very special.

Running away

I ran, then I forgot about it. It was when it was clear enough from snow and ice (sort of) to attempt a run round Arthur's Seat. I managed 3.5 miles (mostly as the 5K was so slow I had to keep going ... side stepping the ice had been a bugger). I think it was about 34.50-odd. Not stunning. Think it was last Thursday morning first thing. It was about -3 and lovely with it.

But I do love it, and I felt like I could have definitely run substantially further. But the gold dog was not happy. Not happy at all. Too much ice. There was even a tiny bit of limping at the end. I don't think it's caused by running, I think it's caused by when she goes completely puppy-mental in the snow. She rolls, dives, and generally makes a complete fool of herself; even turning her nose into a doggy snow plough.

Now all Christmas making is done - or at least all Christmas making that I can get done. The collet inside my millbro fractured into pieces today .... just glad most things were done; only some hand finishing took extra time.

Just food to buy and house to clean. But the tree is done. It's short and fat ... no funny comments please. :-) All presents bought, sent, wrapped and ready. Come on Christmas, I'm ready for you now!

Merry Christmas one & all.

Not running but thinking. Possibly just ranting.

Crimble, crumble and all things chr....

The snow, the m*f* snow. One or two days is pretty Now we're up to our 10th day (here in Edinburgh). One of my great loves of the British weather is that is changes. Just seeing a white winter wonderland is lovely, but I don't like the same-ness - I find it slightly repressive, particularly today as it's a bit foggy and I can't see far enough. I'm a girl who needs a big vista.

Now that does seem like a bit of bah-humbug but I've been stymied left, right, and center by the white stuff. I was meant to go and see RF tonight (no chance); no Granny Green's for 2 weeks; and I'm desperately waiting on materials to make stuff - despite ordering them 11 days ago...

On that note huge thanks and praise go out to Royal Mail - after 5 days I got post from them; and my postie is battling through the snow (with a smile) and constantly friendly. City Link on the other hand have failed to deliver anything, and have failed to update their tracking system.

Also, to continue in this ranting frame, snow stops me running, and makes me eat more as it's so cold... this is not a good combo. This is, in fact, a bad combo. I *could* go to the gym, but I still baulk at £6.50.

Hmm, but what have I been up to? (Apart from ranting against the snow.) Well the chg came up for a visit and we just chilled out and enjoyed the snow (1st two days - I still thought it beautiful).
I've also managed to enjoy some lovely meals with friends who were enjoying/feeling guilty about getting snow-days. Tried Treacle for the first time with Meeper & it was lovely. Great value, super lovely service, and really enjoyable food. A pie will actual pastry, and sides - not just a square of dust piled on top! I was then lucky enough to be cooked for by HH - she made great stroganoff, and we drank fizz whilst watching crappy tv - what perfection.

We (HH, Blarney and me) all braved the snow & christmas shoppers to go bridesmaid dress shopping. I think we did a great job, lots tried, many ideas gleaned and just a lovely catch-up and girlie day. Can't remember the last time I did that - maybe with RF around her Birthday... hazy of brain, must be the cold.

In between all this I managed to get all of my xmas shopping done - and the important stuff is now sent (although who knows when it'll get there). Christmas cards were also posted on the first. I feel far too organized, but it does make for a calm December. I just need to buy/order the food now... even the xmas tree is ordered to collect nearer the time.

Today only a tiny treat (and a lovely bagel) from Manna House saved me. The walk to the post office and back had me practically crying with cold despite being properly dressed. Two pairs of gloves (one lined) and my hands hurt so much even warming them up was miserable.

Right. I need to try and work on what things I can. Still snowing, no let-up in many hours.

Merry Christmas all.

Finally made it back to the gym today after too much fun, frivolity and feasting to go into detail.
It's been a bit of a whirlwind recently and we're not even started on Christmas!
Since I was last here there's been a day in Edinburgh xmas shopping, a circuits class which was ABS HELL, dinner with some village ladies, a murder mystery party (whoo hoo), and, and I tell you - the neighbours took us out for dinner ('cos we looked like we needed feeding up after that lot!).

Everything seems to be slowly coming together. Getting (almost) all the xmas orders done was a real bonus. It feels a little like taking the monkey off my back. I just needed to know they were all where they were supposed to be well before xmas; much better than having nervous and irritated clients calling to 'just make sure' that items will arrive in time. So understandable, I too get a little impatient at this time of year. ... If I've paid for the delivery... I expect delivery in decent time.

Ah well. Today was a day of relaxation. A lie in was called for, then my only plan involved sending off parcels and going for a run.

I managed 10K - the furthest I've gone in 7 weeks (since the dreaded half). And it was quite painless, and rather lovely. Apart from me being a muppet: TheO had jumped out at the post-office and run from there. I'd seen her on my way to the gym. She initially hadn't fancied too long a run so I was sure I'd see her at the gym pretty smartly.

I ran for 4.2 miles (38.25) and got really quite panicy (can often happen to me when I run anyway, think it's a kind of syndrome). It had been almost 40 min since I arrived and she was only 10min from the gym when I passed her. Even taking into account a much longer run it was now really, really dark - and surely she had to come in soon.

Luckily I managed to hold it together mentally (for a bit) as people kept coming into the gym and no-one had that tell-tale look on their face that said "oh my god did you see the mangled and mutilated body of that runner lying by the side of road". My real fear was that, as it was dark, she'd run along the woodland path and was simply fallen and injured.

So thinking that I'd never forgive myself if I 'just finished my run' before searching for her prone body I got off the running machine (this is something that may never have happened before). I made a quick sweep of the changing room, headed outside, and saw a v happy and relaxed TheO running past me. Ascertaining she was absolutely fine, and had waved at me twice (sadly I couldn't see the outside from my position in the gym) I quickly hot footed it inside to finish my run.

I think I was away from the machine for a MAXIMUM of 3 min. So I did my last 2 miles in 18. 18
This gave me a fine total of 56.43 - not bad given I did lots of hills and am a little out of practice.

This week I just have to keep the running up and the eating down. And get the rest of the presents sorted and wrapped. Then I'll be all prepared for Christmas. Oh yes I will.

Killing one bird with 2 stones.

Now, this could be a post about weight, but sadly there is well more than 2 stone that I'm dragging round as additional ballast.

This post is about the idiot who thought that combining my hill training with my long run would be time well spent. IDIOT. It was time knackering myself. The stats are pretty horrid.
I'll describe the run:
Out of the door and 1.25 miles uphill
Back down again (total 2.5miles)
Then up again
then down again (5 miles)
Then 0.25 miles along a flat section and back (5.5miles)
Then up hill for 0.75 miles
and back down again - 7 miles total.
Was meant to be 8 miles but the hills really did me in. 1.15.00 time. Avg 10.44 (11.54 was my slowest mile - eek)

So, I'm still at least one week behind on my training for the Island Half (which may become the Island 10K... it's been a while since I raced that distance...). But I have managed 17 miles this week and a circuits class (which was shit - taken by new guy who was rubbish).

Also - that time has come again to celebrate another anniversary. It was 3 years since my first ever run yesterday - and I'm still going.

Now last year there was a lot of stuff going on, this year has been quieter-ish.
We really did move house - it only took 2 months longer than expected and there's still plenty to do! We also managed to sell the old place. TheO passed all her exams with flying colours and qualified as a massage therapist. (Lucky, lucky me.)
Got a new nephew and the Cheeseboard had it's first addition (finally a girl!). There was Friends' Christmas, my Dad got married; we went to Santorini, and I developed a love of Gardening and asthma.

So put that way, it really was a quiet year compared to the year before. However it was the year we/I needed. Now I can focus on the future, and work, and a burgeoning love of travel - I'm already planning the next trip...

From a running point of view this year had been pretty shocking. I did the IslandHalf last August but haven't raced since. Mostly due to laziness. Luckily it's the Island that calls me again this year and hopefully that'll kick start the racing again. I've also logged my fastest 5, 8 and 10 mile runs this year so the PBs do keep improving all be it incrementally.

Whilst I haven't blogged as much this year as last year, and I definitely haven't run as many miles - it's fantastic to have a record of everything, and to be able to assess what I've done and how I've done it (slowly and with much winging) a the years pass.

Feeling quite introspective now but I think that's just the endorphins leaving the need for a shower growing. Here's to another year where I might even get the extra ballast shifted too.

When everything was orange

There is now evidence that everything in the 1970s (this was v v early 1980s) was orange. The floor, the curtains, the chair (really, have a close look - it is stylin'), the kitchen, my great grandmother's rinse; and let us not forget the v early PC attempt at a Gollywog* Yes indeed, my Golly could not have caused offence to any person of colour. Possibly done as an anti-Irish statement, it could not have been any paler - or more ginger.

I need it to be known that I HATED those dungarees.

Also, there is a lot of talk in the press about children being wrapped up in cotton wool and protected now. People say that 'just didn't happen when we were children' - and here's the proof: I'm less than 2 years old and I am casually playing with a box of matches. Got to love that 1970s parenting.




*Used with no intent to offend in any way - only used as a description of toys we may have been given as children (when we knew no better) in an less than enlightened age!

Honestly, I'll get better at this blogging lark.

Since we last met many days ago much has occurred.

1. The drains have been fixed (finally) .. did I already mention?
2. The chimney sweep has swept everything.
3.RF and Wheeler and MiniMe came up to ours on Friday and we ate much, talked much, then headed north (and I mean, North) the next morning to fair Brora (a lot North of Inverness, and a little south of Wick) for a whimsical w/end.

This whimsey occurred as TheO said one day: "Do you want to go to Wick, I'd like to see a motorbike there." Me, with my new attitude of saying 'Yes' instead of, 'Oh no, I couldn't possibly I need to tidy something and make sure the books are aligned properly', said "Yes!"(More evidence of that new strategy later.). She then got on t'internet and we eventually found us somewhere to stay (any site that popped up playing 'Scottish Music' was instantly closed, as was any hotel swathed in tartan, or anywhere that just looked shite - and my god, there were a lot of those.).

This whimsey led to excellent walks on a lovely beach (cue happy dogs), a pool to play in (cue happy everyone), mountain biking (cue happy but muddy TheO, Wheeler, MiniMe)... oh and some people went off and looked at a bike. RF summed the bike expedition up nicely by asking of the bike: "what colours does it come in?" Got to love a girl cutting to the chase on that one.

4.Since getting back I have discovered that due to idiots at Amazon refusing to deliver a particular item to a Scottish Island I have lost all my Auntie/Godmutha points as Wrecker therefore lacked a bday gift. I think he might not realise, but his mother will. Eeeek.

5.I have also run 4 miles (in the gym as I am lazy and only get round to running when it's getting dark and love the sauna afterwards) in what I thought was my fastest ever time (35.03) only to get back and be sadly mistaken. Ah well, it was still 4 sub-9-min miles on the trot (all at 1%) so I'm still pleased.

6.Ordered some new trainers - just new versions of my old ones and discovered that they've changed them sooo much that they no longer fit my feet. I am heart broken. I now have to go to a running shop and go through the whole process again. Damn. It is both dull and fraught with the possibility of expensive mistakes.

7. GONE SHOPPING. Oh yes, the proper kind of shopping. Not a trip to Tescos shopping. But shiny things in shiny bags from shop assistants with asymetric hair and 'edgy' clothes. This is where my saying 'yes' leads me.

Now I will admit that saying 'yes' to shopping is not a leap, not even for me. But I am not good without planning. Today TheO asked over breakfast if I wanted to go into the delightful Edinburgh and exchange my Christmas present (it was lovely, but not something I was going to use). I brushed myself up (wearing an outfit, rather than clothes, I've heard tell that people in urban areas do that sort of thing) for fear of looking in changing room mirrors and despairing at every glance, and we headed into town.

Man am I glad I said 'yes' to that trip. I am now the proud owner of some truly fabulous items. So fabulous and so wonderful some cannot be discussed (as I will unveil one for my bday). But others so perfect for me that I sit in a pool of wonder and delight right now. (That sounds both suspicious and more disgusting than I originally intended.)

A great cotton print dress that is both stylish and relaxed.
A fab top/jumper/garment that flows and hides flaws whilst being a little edgier than your average jumper/top/garment.
The unspoken of wonderfulness!
A brilliant green (and by this I do mean bright-fuckoff-green) aline mac.
My Christmas present swap of a lovely leather box for my desk which holds all the various cards I use to write to people.
I am very much Christmased and Birthdayed to the max. :-)

We also managed to fit in a coffee and some antipasto snacks in a rooftop cafe. It really was a day that filled my idea of perfection.

Tomorrow night we have the neighbours coming round for supper. Something else I said yes too (albeit with slight reluctance as I am really a shy recluse at heart).

And on one final note, after trying on lots (and lots) of clothes today I think that despite some evidence I might be a (worse case senario) apple, or (more realistically) a brick, I think I'm really a goblet*. Well, in my heart I'm a goblet and if I pretend I am, then I can, in the immortal words of Tim Gunn 'Make it Work'.**


*For all those who finally think I've lost the plot a £2.81 hard back copy of Trinny & Suzanna's (evil, evil women who think that a man talking to your tits is acceptable as then you've managed to 'make the best of yourself') Body Shape Bible appeared in our house (courtesy of Amazon and the Postman) and I perused it with too much interest.
**Please tell me I'm not the only viewer of Project Catwalk.

The giant catch-up - get a coffe and come back.

It's been a while folks. But I am back. At home. With no additional guests. I'm going to try and give you the high/low lights of the last 3 weeks as fast as possible. Life seems to be either puttering along at a very sedate pace or manic. Maybe that's just us; or maybe that's just the Crimbo time.

13/14 Dec: It's Islander's birthday and MaYa is intent to throw a full-on kids bday party with cake, balloons, pass-the-parcel, she gave birth less than 24h before but the manic state induced by birth gives her the energy to not only prepare gifts, but shop and make cakes too. A fine time was had by all. And we managed to hold off on the kids food so enjoyed a lovely adults supper at dinner time. Excellent roast beef and champagne.

During their stay the delightful nephews also managed to get red play-doh on the cream rug in the nice 'grown-up sitting room'. Also projectile vomited onto said rug. Joy. Got to love the predictability of a cream rug and small children.

The drains did indeed get fixed - thank god - but I showed a severe lack of knowledge about our access points and now I need the nice drain dudes to return and fix the rest of it. And it's new year, so I've had to wait...

17th Dec: All family (including BroinLaw who popped up for a flying visit to see Jr) leave in a flurry of things forgotten.

18th Dec: We do all our xmas shopping at top pace. Even going into E'burgh to have tea with Blarney and meet Expat for a lovely steak. It was good to catch-up and all too brief.

19th Dec: Tigger and Badger arrive that eve. I make manic call to HH as I bought the perfik gift for RF then lost it - no really, just gone. Luckily HH went and bought me another. That was quite a moment. I still don't know how it happened. I just hope whomever has it loves it, and wears it. Buggers

20th Dec: Quickest trip to the Bridge to see my would-be god mother. She makes amazing xmas food as presents every year. I'd very unsubtly told her that there would be lots of us for xmas - she did me proud. Amazing pies, cakes, puddings, and biscuits - everyone was delighted.

We then hightailed it to do the world's largest tesco shop (again). A giant family size trolley and we were still carrying the rest of it to the till. Finally we got everything packed into the car - including presents, dogs, sledges, guitar, food ... it seemed like we'd be set for any eventuality.

Arrived at our holiday house to discover it was a thing of wonder. Huge, warm, welcoming and nice enough to be a real holiday but not so prissy you worried about coasters and if your dogs were going to destroy e/thing.

All set to do too much eating for 7 days straight.

22nd Dec: Took a huge walk up Ben-y-vrackie. Not the final peak but the rest of it. It was stunning and a great dog walk. We all felt truly energised and managed to enjoy all the food at the excellent Moulin Inn.

23rd Dec: Went for a random rambling run with hills. Eek. Manged to get through 5K in 34min. Both RF and I were just happy to get the trainers on and enjoy a really perfect winters day.

24th Dec: Really lovely day making stuff in xmas preparation. Sauces. A terrible angel cake. So bad we remade it. And therefore had another terrible angel cake. Luckily all else was a great success. HH and Balrney did masses and were in fine spirits all day. TheO, Teech, Spartan and RF went skiing and had a marvellous time.

25th Dec: Excellent loot and the best xmas food ever. It was a spectacular day and getting into Black Tie was a stroke of genius. I loved every minute, even if I am shit at sardines. Really, really shit.

26th Dec: A lovely 3-ish mile walk along the Cateran trail with some happy dogs and a chatty RF. Spartan and Blarney did their best to get lost but eventually found us and got a glimpse of the far mountains covered in snow and mist beginning to fill the valley. Excellent boxing day shenanigans.

27th Dec: We made light work of packing up and were efficient as all get-out. However when splitting up the left over food and booze we discovered that we had planned and bought food and drink as if we were 21. Apparently all we drink is a wee gin and tonic of an evening and a few glasses of wine. It was almost embarrassing how much we had neglected to devour.

28th Dec: After a nice relaxing evening at home we made it into town to get TheO's xmas watch adjusted. She looked at the others and eventually chose the one I had picked out. But her eyes did light up at a far dressier watch too. She deserves surprises and great gifts as she's always so thoughtful and fantastic to me (huuuuurl) so I asked the assistant to put that one aside so I could collect it the following day. A very exciting thought.

29th Dec: TheO was horribly ill with 'the cold' that has swept through all of us. She felt miserable and just needed to curl up. I popped into town to get her xmas watch adjusted (luckily a great excuse to head in) and do some shopping. I managed to find a great little black evening bag to pop her new watch into and give as a surprise. She'd hated one of my gifts at friends xmas so I'd taken it back (necklace - wooden, chunky - apparently everything she's not fond of, who knew; we've only been together 10 years - you think I'd have noticed); this also gave an excellent ruse to then get her another gift all wrapped up to cheer her up at home.

One of my best memories is her opening the bag and taking out the watch, then suddenly realising that it was the watch that she'd seen the day before. She did squeel and couldn't believe it. Her reaction was everything I could have wanted. I hope I can manage to pull it off again - hopefully she wont have to wait for another 10 years. Images available at: http://lifeofawastrel.blogspot.com/2008/12/feeling-proper-girlie.html

31st Dec: We do more shopping and start to cook up a storm. Blarney and Spartan are coming for New Year with her parents. As there were only 6 of us we could try some new stuff for the food which was great. I made nibbles (cheese palmiers), we had smoked salmon and brown bread for a bit of tradition; amazing roast lamb and my first ever dauphinoise (which worked despite being slightly overcooked on top); then ginger syllabub (RFs inspiration) and TheO made Brandy snaps - bloody gorgeous. All washed down with some nice wine and champagne. (I love this time of year, champagne at every turn.xx)

Our nearest neighbour had popped in and invited us round the next evening. So we suggested first footing which they were happy to accommodate. We had an excellent evening of songs and cheer followed by a short walk up the road to see our neighbours (and their neighbours) - everyone was exceptionally welcoming and the drink was flowing copiously.

The next morning we all managed not to be too worse for wear and I think Blarney's parents couldn't quite believe the fully Scottish experience of new year that had just had. To be honest neither could I, it was my first experience of 'first-footing' too!

1st January 2009: The year started with as much oomph as the last finished.
Cousin popping in for tea with wife, dog and daughter.
Round to the neighbours again for drinks and nibbles (omg blackpudding and goats cheese).
Out to dinner with Ceegar and Meeper.

Then rest.

Yesterday was nothing but some take out and Christmas pudding (not a fine combo) after a lovely crisp 3-3.5mile walk around Kinnoul woods with our well behaved dogs.

2009 has a lot to offer. My thoughts on 2008 and aims for 2009 to follow. (Bet that manages to hold your interest......... )

Catchup (or: I'm too tired to think of a witty title.)

As usual much has happened since I last bored you. In my last post I neglected to mention that Kevin the contractor returned thanks to TheO playing peacemaker (whilst he accused be of being demanding and belligerent... surely my good friends know I am neither, unless under duress). Now we are still not finished - but getting ever closer. Just a few tiny things to finish. Like a fecking stove!!

As you left the house was being prepared for yet more guests. This time broinlaw and quiet-style were coming up for a w/end and poke around the new house. First night was a gentle catch-up and a nice easy-osey chat and relax. Sisinlaw cooked and I chilled out.

However I could only be partly relaxed as I knew that the next morning I was up at crack-of-sparrows to do a craft fair in Edinburgh for 2 days. Being up at 6.30 never pleases me. I'd had about 4h of sleep, has the worst period pain of my life, the temperature had dipped permanently below zero, and I was pissed off at having to work when people were visiting. Only a trip to Starbucks made the morning even bearable.

After a day of relatively poor sales, I raced home to help TheO prepare dinner for 13. Yes 13. TheO was a little stressed as in the previous 48h a total of 3 guests (all male) had dropped out for various reasons and things were a bit unbalanced on paper. (Luckily the natural testosterone of our female contingent meant that you couldn't tell!) With courses and choices for each course. It was a delightful night. It all worked well and I manged to keep my eyes and ears open long enough to catch up with friends and family.

Sunday was a bit of a case of same-shit-different-day. Enough sales were made to cover the costs and make a small profit but sales were about 50% of the previous year. Pah.


Monday was much better and we all headed to the gym to go swimming with godlet. He was delightful in the water. TheO then went shopping whilst letting me go to the gym where I managed to run 10K. This was a great moment as I felt truly dreadful, like I was coming down with something. Hot. achy. sore. But the run helped a bit and I finished all at 1% in 59min. I managed a quick sauna afterwards but the ill feeling soon came back with a vengence.

Tuesday - bit of a blank; think I might have slept and grumped my way through the fog of illness.

Wed - all was GO GO GO as Islander and Gemil arrived to make life fuller (and a little louder). TheO went off to Oban to get them and braved -10 temperatures in Crainlarich. Talk about brass monkey weather! I scrubbed, mopped and tried to make everything a little shiny round the edges as Atholl was due to arrive too - much to the delight of her daughters.

Then we relaxed with a little gentle shopping and PANCAKES in Perth the next day. A delight all round. Ok - trying to shop with 2 wee ones might not be too relaxing.

Now, here we get to the big news. The first of the Cheeseboard has sprogged up. Blarney is 13wks gone, has had her scan and is sharing news with the world. For various reasons I've known for a few weeks and I'm over the moon. Over the stars. And have possibly shed a tear (or two). I can't wait for there to be a babybell.

Last night we met to discuss friends xmas and the news was spread far and wide. The pressure is off and the celebration begins. (We also managed to plan a great deal of xmassy joy to one and all.)

I am so excited by the thought of xmas but a bit overwhelmed by the thought of it all. With Sisinlaw and her two, and husband and Atholl staying. And work; and the hideousness that has been housemoving all my shopping is being condensed into an ever smaller space. Luckily I've been putting in the thought if not the action.

So 10k run. Illness fully in progress. Friends xmas planned. Dinner for 14 and a total of 10 house guests over the last 7 days. I can just lie in a darkened room soon right. Please. Maybe take a bottle of rum with me.

Just about holding grumpy at bay.

Despite managing to use the wonderful new Garmin (drooool) on the 29th - a delightful 5K up past the quarry (29.50 - yippee) - I cannot upload the data as my computer's operating system is too old. Boo. Never mind, I'll update it, at some point.

It's been a bit hectic here. Sis in Law with Islander and the boys couldn't make it back to the Island due to Godson having a febrile convulsion (fever fit in a baby) whilst still in Malta. So they were with us and Highheels and Teech. HH and Teech really were great with Archie - they put up with a mammoth amount of Monster Rumble on the Playstation. (Great games for wee ones but a bit mind numbing after 15 rounds!!!) They may never breed though.

Everyone managed to be fed and watered at appropriate times (a miracle as we did the shopping about 5min before they all turned up). I think everyone had a good time - New Year was delightfully understated and full of games.

Yesterday I did manage a paltry 40min on the elliptical machine. It was nasty. Boring. And, for some sins I swear I don't remember committing, I decided to do it on a hill. The gradient oscillated between 4 and 7 (out of 15) - something I've never done before - it hurt.

This New Year malarkey has put me in a bit of a funk though. It might be the cold. It might be the dark. It might be being so damn busy, and stressed, about important bits of work to get done. It might be the feeling that having worked hard this year I'm still skint at the end of it. It definitely gives a nagging sense of a lack of achievement. I want to start the year with a bang but it all feels a bit wimpery. I also feel horribly hormonal (always helpful when added to the other general bleurghhh-ness). Maybe this year I'll manage to turn it all around.

Looking back at 2007 - it' really was a pretty amazing year.
I went to my first Trade Event (and survived).
TheO and I decided to make our ramshackle partnership legal (she's a fool for accepting this albatross).
I ran my first Half Marathon.
My work was stocked in galleries for the first time.
Went on trips to Madrid, and Malta and Skye and York.
My liver survived TWO whisky tours. And I learnt to like whisky after the second.
We went on an incredible trip to Iceland.
I saw some extremely good friends tie the knot.
We discovered a great hotel - or two ... maybe three.
I applied to run my first Marathon.
I was accepted for my first exhibition.

It doesn't look too bad when listed all together. And I love my life so much; I am fully aware that I am, quite possibly, the luckiest girl in the world. Which makes me all the more irritated with myself when this type of whinging funk descends.

I though this funk was passing - I managed to get a fair bit done today. Stuff to post off tomorrow. Bits and pieces to work on - all going well so far. However, I thought I'd check my credit card account online. It's an account I never use. The card has never left my house. I was idly checking to see if my Edinburgh Marathon application had been processed (yes, yes, I'm checking 20 days early - but you never know). I'm damn glad I did - some utter bastard has charged £120 to my account in bloody bus fares to Birmingham. So, cancelled card, and tomorrow the fight starts to prove it wasn't me. This DOES NOT IMPROVE MY MOOD or my fecking bank balance.

Help ...

I've been kidnapped by the spirit of Christmas.
It's forcing me to be cheery.
To sing carols (ok - nasty Christmas chart toppers).
To wrap presents with a smile on my face.
Bah Humbug.


(I've packed my running kit - I'm away for a total of 5 days, including travelling time - can anyone say optimistic?)

Merry Christmas to all my readers. Have a great Yule.