Neighbour, garden and soggy toast

I have started the morning with soggy toast- is this an omen? My daughter was making some toast; she shouts me in when it is ready; l grab some butter and spread, unbeknown that she had already done the same. Woe is me. My tomatoes are falling off left, right and centre! lol

The photos of the garden were taken yesterday- it was overcast and humid. I had deadheaded the roses earlier; you can see some still lying on the bench. This cottage style garden will look its best come August- everything is just getting ready to bloom. :)

I am so blessed with my neighbour, he loves gardening and we are often out the front at the same time. His wife passed on a few years back and he is now 87yrs. I admire his spirit and enjoy my time with him when we are gardening together- l think he feels the same. We will often bring each other out a cup of tea and chat across the railing.

Mucky work indeed!

Today has been quite productive, my boys and l decided it was time to set to work and work we did! We chipped around the outside of the old 1950's fireplace in the dining room and pulled it out- it weighed a ton! The hardest bit by far was manoeuvring it outside.

My husband has been left with a lovely big hole to make good- slap on a fair bit of cement, build up with some breeze blocks and l am sure it will be fine-lol.

When l ripped back the carpet l was surprised to see the floor ~ a few years back when l had been feeling creative l had decided to cover the floor with a collage of famous composers, artists etc. Unfortunately the varnish did not set and l gave up. The other part of the floor which looks better has music sheets in between. I wonder down the road when someone else goes to replace the flooring- l wonder what they will think of this-lol.

I have to say l was as happy as Larry in the dirt- the thought of doing something- covered in coal dust and muck- kind of reminded me of my Grandfathers- both coal Miners.

I remember when my Dad worked at the hospital he got a peek at his father's medical records- over the years my Grandfather had broken just about every bone in his body! My Dad was stunned to find this out- most of the breaks had come from mining but my Grandfather was also a Boxer- who fought as a prize fighter - also a preacher - go figure!

My Mum's father was also a Miner but he was a Shotfirer-the one who worked with explosives- they were few, got paid more but it was extremely dangerous. My Mum remembers her Mother watching every night by the gate for her husband to appear at the bottom of the brae. My Mum has always loved that song by Patsy Cline, ‘A Coalminer’s Daughter’.

I am very proud of both of my Granddads- they worked hard to provide for their families- l have great memories of them both.

Hey when l think about it- today l was covered in coal and this past week l planted my coal bunker-lol.

Is there a message here??

Just a note

First one from Randy:

Nothing succeeds like a toothless budgie... l may be timid; l may have no teeth but my dearest Rosa... your words of endearment have fastened my resolve- l must fly this nest and come to you.

Oh boy has it been busy these past few days and hot, hot, hot. When l lived in the U.S. l can remember temps. with humidity at 120! Often in the 90's and long periods without rain.

Here in Scotland we are having a heat wave this week and it is killing me. Sleeping with the windows open, hardly a sheet to cover and the fan on high. Believe it or not it even got to a whopping 86 today.lol

Ok l laugh a bit too but don't forget that your blood thickens up in cooler climates and thins out in hot climates- this takes a while to process though. I would have loved this temp. years back but at the moment it had better not go any higher.

The photo is of a British beach this past weekend!

The kitchen renovation is in full swing, starting to rip out and make good the space for the installation. l am headed across the water this weekend to order every part of the units and there are loads! It has been like putting a giant puzzle together - not to mention in the heat! Ok l'm moaning- forgive plz.

Have also been helping out my mumzer with some things.

Good news - washings all up to date, kids are all home and well, my blogging friends are still there. I haven't had a chance to comment.

I can hardly see my computer screen for paperwork on this kitchen at moment-lol

- a very messy creative person.

Waves to all from over the horizon :)

Earth laughs in flowers

Such glorious weather we are having here in Scotland- shame to stay inside so will be out in the garden much of the day- getting my fingers dirty!

Anyway- some garden photos from last few days attached and the job on the coal bunker done.

Photos from top:

• Coal Bunker Planted

• Victorian Petunias

• Penstemon- grown from seed last year

• Clouds and Silver Birch tree

• Sweet Williams

Tennis Tournament & Maturity

Melissa did really well at the tennis tournaments - held behind the castle house this year.

She won two silver medals and one gold - the gold trophy was for Singles.

Her strategy: just having fun.

Truth: at 6ft she can hit those tennis balls high and deep – watch out!

I found out later (not from Mel) that she threw a game for a boy who was not doing so well - some teachers at the Grammar had been quite impressed with this. She used her left hand instead; even though her friends thought she was mad to do it.

I am very proud of Melissa for being so kind hearted and thoughtful of his feelings. Every mum wants their kids to grow up and do well in the world but as a mother l am also concerned that my kids use discretion and show care.

Well done Mel.

Pictures from Saturday

*A wee bird found its final resting spot in one of my flower baskets.

*Geraniums from the front porch ~ one of our Geraniums is over 50yrs. old.

*Sam is very pleased with his new fish (thanX Tammy)~ he changes their names every day.

*I am working out back today, putting some flowers in the old coal bunker.

Bests to all.

PS- You can now leave comments on the post below- had so much bother with Blogger on that one. :)

Trip to Rothesay ~ Isle of Bute

Hope you will be able to leave a comment on this post ~ having trouble with Blogger today.

The Isle of Bute, in the Firth of Clyde, is only 15 miles long and 3 miles wide. Bute is separated from the mainland of Scotland by a narrow channel called the Kyles of Bute.

During its heyday in the 1950’s, Rothesay could attract up to 700,000 holidaymakers during July and August. Glaswegians would go over to Rothesay with their weans for the summer holidays, buckets and spades in tow.

Now the Island of Rothesay is enjoying a comeback and has become popular with tourists who are interested in the outdoors: hill walking, fishing, cycling etc. Connoisseurs of Victoriana will have a field day here with so much to see in architecture and other artifacts.

Lets not forget the wedding of Paul McCartney’s daughter last year, held at Mount Stuart (home of the Marquesses of Bute) and Sir Richard Attenborough who also has his home on this wee Island.

Last year during the arrival of all the A-list celebrities for the wedding of Stella McCartney my husband was working on Rothesay. Daily he would commute on the ferry and during this time saw the arrival of many a limousine- he caught a glimpse of the supermodel, Grace Jones- ‘ she was just frightening!’ he said. LOL

Not such an important occasion but on Thursday l went to Rothesay with Gerald, did some shopping when he had to work- wonder who got the better deal?

The photo journey is quite long so feel free to go get a stiff drink-lol- just hope l don’t bore your socks off.

Cultural Sharing

Main Entry: totem

Function: noun

Etymology: Ojibwa oto.te.man his totem

1 a : an object (as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry; also : a usually carved or painted representation of such an object b : a family or clan identified by a common totemic object

2 : one that serves as an emblem or revered symbol

Main Entry: totem pole

Function: noun

1 : a pole or pillar carved and painted with a series of totemic symbols representing family lineage and often mythical or historical incidents and erected by Indian tribes of the northwest coast of North America

2 : an order of rank : HIERARCHY

Earlier this morning l was listening to the radio and heard news of a Scottish artisan, Kenny Grieve who has started a project to erect totem poles all over Scotland in collaboration with the Canadian First Nation Indian carvers. An unusual thing to do in Scotland you many think but believe it or not we have many similarities, none least, our own historical totems - standing stones, cairns, clan crests, tartans, the Wallace monument, etc. Our Neolithic communities also had a special affinity with certain animals: some with dogs, some with deer, or with white-tailed sea eagles. Many eagle bones and talons have been found in highland cairns - a totem of the people who lived there. It is thought that the standing stones were even thought to be portals into other worlds.

These newly raised totem poles will be national monuments for the future- to share with future generations. They will combine symbolism from Celtic and Canadian Northwest Coast cultures.

A thought however occurs to me that without a story to go along with them, how will the future understand their meaning. In this country, before we could read we passed our traditions and tales by story/song- the old Scottish Bards, Folksongs etc.

If l had a totem pole perhaps it would reflect my love for the garden, nature, design and mothering. For some it would reflect playing an instrument, the Good Shepherd or achievements in sports. We have to ask ourselves however, ‘how do we explain these carvings?’ I have heard the phrase, ‘A picture paints a thousand words’- is a thousand therefore enough? What if that sport or particular instrument is no longer in play, who was the Good Shepherd anyway? Stories give meanings to things- a description of order. How else could you explain that your Granny was such a character? If a totem pole has a story to tell (good or bad) then how do we understand the story unless we know the poles history? What were the stacked symbols meant to honour or memorialize?

I think that the new totem poles and this transatlantic sharing is a wonderful idea and it does not really surprise me that the Scottish people are soaking up the idea and that these sculptured cedars are popping up all over the Highlands. School children are being given the opportunity to help design the carvings – a fantastic hands on experience for them.

Hopefully these totems will depict the history and achievements of Scotland and its people - perhaps even with an accompanying folksong or story.

Randy through the years.

Did we know we'd have days like this?

"Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments will hum about mine ears; and sometimes voices, that, if I then had wak'd after long sleep, will make me sleep again; and then, in dreaming, the clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me, that, when I wak'd, I cried to dream again."

William Shakespeare

The Tempest, Act. 3, Sc. 2

Ahh, just to stop and listen ~ quiet is good.

To feel nature, be in touch with our land/life, to feel part of something bigger. Sometimes it is good just to stop, breath, hug your kids- hug yourself!

Blogging can be a wonderful thing; you meet others who share the same interests and build new friendships. However, even blogging should have it's own ‘check and balance’ sheet- don’t you think? At the end of each computer is a human being with a life that requires attention as much/more!

I only started blogging back in March but have already found myself emotionally undulating like the waves in the sea – more preoccupied at times with my posts and leaving comments than making the tea! I have had a steep learning curve to climb but think perhaps l have now levelled out.

Sometimes l don’t say much, perhaps l just post some photos- that is me 'taking a breather'. Other days l love to let it all out; have so much to say; the rattle of my typing is almost melodic. Life is such as this: fast days and slow ones.

Hugs to all my blogging friends out there.

Melissa and Samuel

Melissa is a typical teenager, full of angst and hormones but she has a wonderfully loving side too. This past weekend she made a pirate game with Sam and let him stick it all down with tape. He was so delighted with the result ~ especially the Parrot. Poor Randy (our Love bird) got himself into quite a flutter when Sam held it up to his cage. Melissa is so creative, a wonder at dressmaking and is sitting her Advanced Highers in Art this year ~ she is thinking about using the subject of American Indians ~ anyone out there with any ideas on what she could do?

Sunday Showers & Sunshine

Rained much of the day but got a few shots in anyways. Gerald and l have decided to start on the kitchen renovation so we cleared that room out today. Roast lamb for dinner tonight with fresh mint from up back- yum.

Hope your all enjoying the weekend.

Ice Cream Shenanigans

Took my kids out to run some earns yesterday ~ afterwards bought some ice cream. It was a little overcast but still quite warm. Photos are of the boys in the back seat- l can take them nowhere!

Angie - Davey Graham

Click here to hear Gerald playing 'Angie'

'Angie' was written by the now legendary Davey Graham - for many the originator of the folk acoustic guitar style in the 1960's and setting the scene for Bert Jansch, John Renbourne. Davy experimented with music from many places - Morocco, Bulgaria to add new textures to English folk music. One of the great legacies for guitarists was the DADGAD tuning - I have used this for many years now as well as others such as CGCGCD. Happily after many years of obscurity due to encounters with drugs Davy is back and recording again. He has a website. Angie was made famous by Bert Jansch and copied (as were many things) by Paul Simon. Davey's version is, and always will be the best - he manages to get a subtle swing into his. But - we all play it our own way - here I give it some uncouth walloping and rock it around - disgraceful.

by Gerald

Music- a language of its own

My husband, Gerald writes and plays his own music. He is my guitar man. All of the tunes that you will hear on this blog are played by him alone.

Click here to hear 'Solitary-Highland-Lass'

This tune makes me think of Highland Mary who sits high on Castle hill. She is looking across the water for her love- Robert Burns.

(Gerald's own)

Click here to hear 'Carolan'

This photo was taken this evening. It is where my husband and l got married- lovely views across the Clyde.

Click here to hear 'Dunoon-'

This is a photo of the grounds at Castle House. You can see the High Kirk silhouetted against the sky. On Sundays l open my windows to listen to the bells from this tower - l moved back to the town that l grew up in and find this sound very comforting.

(Gerald's own)

Love Divine

Click here to hear 'Love-Divine'

It's an old recording- l found it the other evening.

This was the song that made me fall in love with my husband- he has such a gentle voice and l especially like it when he sings for me. Gerald writes these songs and plays the guitar - l will download more songs if this post works.

Paddington Bear, Marmalade and Me

Ahh, wonderful things: a decent brew and a quality marmalade.

A brew (not the alcoholic kind although l like those too) : TEA

Tea is the world's most popular beverage. From the north of Russia to the tip of southern Africa, from the West Coast of America to the Far East, tea is enjoyed in endless different ways. Its versatility makes it the perfect drink, adaptable to every climate and culture. I like it hot.

What better to go with a hot brew than a jammy piece (A jam sandwich: plain bread smeared liberally with butter and jam); for me that jammy piece would be a marmalade one.

Marmalade- the best jeely piece around and another Scottish invention!

▪ Marmalade: James Keiller (1775-1839) In 1797 James Keiller (1775-1839), a Dundee grocer, bought a shipment of Seville oranges that tasted too bitter to sell. His wife Margaret boiled them and added sugar and that's how marmalade was invented. Keiller's became one of the biggest names in the making of marmalade and preserves and exported throughout the world.

Possibly my love of Marmalade (and duffle coats) came from a childhood cartoon, 'Paddington Bear' : Paddington bear speaks English although he comes from darkest Peru. He wears a Duffle Coat, Wellington boots and a battered hat which he refuses to part with. He is always polite and well-meaning (though he inflicts hard stares on those who incur his disapproval), loves marmalade sandwiches, and has an endless capacity for getting into trouble. However, he is known to "try so hard to get things right".

More likely however my love of this delicious nectar came from my father. My dad is a connoisseur of marmalades and makes his own. Whiskey marmalade is my favorite – just the smell is enough to blow your socks off ~ a fantastic kick start in the morning!

What can you not live without?

A Kids Perspective

Sam (4) is coming out with so many unusual statements at the moment. Yesterday l was up in the back garden chatting away with him as l hung out the washing. Sam informed me that it was a good thing to be a mum because if l were a granddad l would lose my glasses all the time.

When Daniel was younger we were waiting at a Taco Bell drive through and he screamed out from the back seat, “Watch out Mum, that sign says, ‘Concussion, Wet Floor’!” That one still makes me smile- (Caution Wet Floor).

When living in America, a tornado warning came on the weather channel. In all the excitement Melissa felt it important to reassure me that a tornado does not wear any shoes! Does that mean it travels slower?

Oct 05- I bump the car tyre when parking and groan.. A little voice pipes up from the backseat, “ Did that really piddle you off Mummy?” You have to be so careful what is said around Sam now – it can be a worry.

I love asking Sammy what words mean – here are a few from this morning. I say a word and he gives me his definition.

HOLIDAY- It’s when you carry bags and go to sleep in a cottage

BODY PARTS- Bones.. blood…eyes

ORNAMENT- You just don’t touch it

WEATHER- Puddles and slugs

GARDEN- You dig and plant seeds.

DOCTOR- He has a soft head, telescope and jaggy needle.

That last one is funny- our doctor is bald by the way. I must write these down.

I took Sammy swimming Monday- first time in years. After we got home he was so tired and just asked for me to rub his tummy. He looked up at me and said, “you have lovely eyes; four lovely eyes mummy.” Hmm.

Sweet Rosa Rita

One of my blogger friends has a Love Bird named Rosa Rita. I have a Love Bird named Randy. They are both currently single however, this morning l was handed a piece of paper from Randy with a wee song to post for sweet Rosa Rita ~ his feelings for her are heartfelt.

He's lonesome tonight out on the long branch

Thinking of Missouri and sweet Rosa

The family are sleeping, the moon's sinking low

But his mind is on perching with Rosa

CHORUS

He's singing, "Rosa Rita, my sweet Rosa Rita

Across a blanket of blue

Fair blows the wind across this wide sea

Blowing my love o’er to you"

Fair blows the wind across these wide skies

Dear Lord how he cries for sweet Rosa

The love of his life yet so far to fly

This bonnie young lass that he loves so

With love from,

Randy

Avalon by Holy Loch

I took my Mum for a drive to the garden centre today and on the way stopped to take some pictures for my old friend (the friend that l talked about a few posts earlier). This was her house by the Holy Loch where we would spend time together.

These photos are for you Stacy. The house has changed a little but not much and believe it or not, is up for sale! Interesting~ fancy moving?

These photos were all taken just as a thunderstorm was rolling its way up the Clyde- what a roar. Unfortunately l was driving and missed a great photo opportunity to capture the rain as it moved as a swath on the horizon.

I threw the camera at my poor mum who tried to get the photograph but ended up holding the camera the wrong way round in all the excitement ~ arghh! A great close up though –lol.

Ladies Limo Adventure

Ok lovely ladies - rest your weary typing tips - we’re going for a whirl! Some of us could really do with a wee break just now so Peter and Grish have offered to chauffeur – the limousine is booked and waiting. Our other ‘blogger’ friends were hiding from the camera and are in there already checking out the mini bar!

l was thinking perhaps ‘cream teas in Cornwall’ but has anyone got other ideas about where we could go?

Best to come with extra clothing, not just hats and heels but some all-terrain gear ~ you never know!

Pick you up after 5pm. ☺