Thank Forsters It's Friday Live

Forsters Bistro in Bradford, Centenary Square, City Park is holding different genres of live music every Friday.

Last night was Jade Helliwell who proved very popular. She is a singer/songwriter so sang her own songs alongside a number of cover songs. www.jadehelliwell.com
Support came in the form of Laura Holt, a young lady who is certainly one to watch!

Next Friday, 6th June, is the turn of Matt Baxter, an acoustic guitarist and singer with a folk, blues & soul influence. Matt Baxter UK - SoundCloud

On Friday 13th June another singer/songwriter Dorota will be showcasing alongside Gurgles Band local to Bradford playing pop music.                     Gurgles: Music

Further From The Truth playing Friday 20th June should not be missed, a supercharged female fronted heavy rock band who have played venues across Britain. www.furtherfromthetruth.co.uk
Further From The Truth - 'Crimson Smile' - YouTube

Not only can you be entertained completely FREE of charge but there is a great choice of alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks. Their cocktails are to die for!!!
Add to that the fantastic 'street food' available for a very reasonable price & Fridays are sorted.

For anyone travelling by car there is ample free street parking otherwise it is easily accessible by train or bus.

Anyone unsure where it is, it is opposite the Alhambra theatre!

Of course as well as the Friday music scene @Forstersbistro is an amazing restaurant. The food is fantastic and not expensive so if it's a meal for family or friends, a birthday party, Christmas get together, corporate occasion, wedding or any reason for having great food, drinks, fantastic service and a great atmosphere this is the place to go!

www.forstersbistro.co.uk  9, Aldermanbury, Centenary Square, Bradford, BD1 1SD 01274 739788

Back to Skye

Back from another brilliant trip to Scotland!

 

The decision was to break the journey to Skye this time. 9 hours is a long drive with little opportunity to stop unless to eat.

So we decided to stay in Glasgow. Having only ever driven through one part I knew little about it! So I turned to Twitter and asked @colinjustin for suggestions for lunch. I then asked @IainWEwing if he was singing any where.

 

I just booked a Premier Inn for the first night, well you're guaranteed a good night's sleep after all! Their vegetarian breakfasts aren't too bad either and paying in advance was inexpensive.

We headed straight into Glasgow to find The Bay Tree for lunch managing to park very cheaply with only a very short walk. Now this area of Glasgow was lovely with choice of shops reminding us of London and some fabulous residential buildings.

We chose the vegetarian breakfast having eaten little before setting off and it was very tasty. The place was very popular and busy for a Sunday.

 

Then over to the hotel at Bearsden another lovely area after popping to find the restaurant we were to go to in the evening.

We had time to rest before preparing to go out. Originally I was to meet Iain for a drink but then a gig was arranged so we went to Balbirs to listen and have our evening meal. We had phoned to book a table and request a dish without garlic or onion. As we got there Iain was setting up with the band and I went to introduce myself.

 

 

We ordered drinks and then our meal stating we had phoned ahead for a specific dish. As the scuttling started we realised the request had not been passed to the kitchen. They finally said that they could accommodate. After waiting a while, not having ordered starters and realising there were no complimentary poppadoms we ordered some with dips.

The food was well worth the wait. During this time we had the privilege of listening to the jazz band and Iain's dulcet tones. 

We were out late considering I still had a long drive the next day! But of course we had a good night's sleep and a good breakfast to set us on our way.

 

Driving in the highlands is never a chore and we treated it as part of the holiday. A lovely sunny day and beautiful scenery, what more could anyone ask for?

 

So the places we usually had to go flying past we were able to stop at. Although our first stop was to use a loo but even there we found this!

 A floating pier with an amazing view!

Then on further and the chance to stop at Eilean Donan Castle!





 

So onward  and close  to the Kyle of Lochalsh but before crossing the bridge we headed to Lochcarron to an area I had gone to last year. Finding a farm B&B with cottage gave us an idea for another year with a different area of the highlands to explore but close enough to Skye. 

 

So back to the bridge and finally on to Skye.

Another beautiful drive arriving at the The Old Croft House and eating things we had taken with us.

 Then a huge breakfast to start us on our adventures.

 

We wanted to go back over to Oransay Island but were unsure of the tides, that wasn't going to stop us! But first stop was back to the Fairy Pools for another dip!

 

 

 

We decided to go to the closest pools so not as deep and quite slippery so this time we paddled rather than dipped. We could have walked further to the deeper pools, no ice this time but we wanted to move on.

 

Luckily the tide was out although rapidly closing in. Last time the walk way was quite sandy with stones, this time there were more stones and large ones making it harder to walk over. We didn't stay long on Oransay with the tide getting closer but

had the pleasure of sitting watching it lap over the stones to change the walk way yet again.

We had to go for chips after all that walking...had to be done! Shared with a greedy seagull.



Then dessert was awaiting us in the form of yet more amazing vegan baking awaiting our return!

 

 Then another good night's sleep ready for the next adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



Barry, Broadmoor, Booze, Benidorm and Bitch

Time I blogged again!

Always the Mistress Never the Bride!

June had that feeling of de ja vue. She had been here before. She would never learn. Why did she always get drawn towards married men? Maybe it was less likely that she would have to make a future commitment but the first one wanted to leave his wife and that caused so many problems and ended the relationship. This one was already intending on leaving his wife and retiring back to his birth place.

It was an accidental meeting at his cousin’s party celebrating 20 years in business and they chatted about so many things they had in common, motorbikes, the countryside,a love of Scotland, music….

They followed each other on Twitter; ah yes, social networking has so much to answer for! So initially it was just some banter on Twitter and then that moved to direct messaging and on to texting. June questioned the photos Jerry had been favouriting; young women but wasn’t that what men did?

So he told her he was married but they had separate rooms and lived separate lives. This fell in line with everything his cousin had told her. She had talked about her cousin visiting; holidays to Scotland and on his motorbike etc. and how would he have so much freedom otherwise.

So the texting turned to sexting. She hadn’t fancied him that night but that had been the trouble with her other relationships; chemistry that soon fell by the wayside! It was his personality that impacted as they could talk about so many subjects and his humour.

He lived in the south but visited his cousin about every 3 or 4 weeks. So during his next visit he was to split the time with his cousin and June. As the time neared she worried that she may not like him or the first kiss would not have the effect she had imagined!

So the day came and June answered the knock on the door. Then he walked in, they chatted and she stretched on her tiptoes to kiss him, not exactly fireworks but there was something!

So they went out to eat and have a few drinks then back to her house. The sexting was to become reality! He was older than her but she wasn’t sure how old and as she looked much younger the gap seemed even bigger. Once in bed age just disappeared and as she had always claimed; age is just a number.

It soon became obvious something wasn’t quite right, yes it had been a few years but she had always had an effect on men yet nothing was rising. The sexting had been amazing and surely a preview of what she could expect. Had he lied? Yes he had but covered this by stating he had been embarrassed and thanking June for being so understanding. Understanding? How would it look if she dumped him because he couldn’t perform, she wasn’t that shallow, had he banked on that?
 

So Jerry could only spend a few hours with June on Saturday then he was moving on to his cousin, not too far away. She would have liked him to stay longer but understood he had been visiting her a long time and for now would need to share. She was going to see him for a short time before he returned on the Sunday.

Within a short time Jerry was asking June if she wanted to go on a biking holiday to Germany, of course she would. All her friends and family told her to go for it, why not! He had spent a number of years going on biking holidays with his cousin but she no longer felt safe. Apparently Jerry had had the sun in his eyes one day, clipped the side and fallen off, no injuries and his cousin had not been on the bike. Unfortunately as it unfolded June wouldn’t be able to get the time due to work commitments. So they discussed it further and decided to have a biking holiday when she was available and to Scotland. She realised this would be far better as she had to renew her passport and at least in the UK she could go home if there were any problems. She embarked on buying a crash helmet and riding jacket. Jerry removed the communication lead from his cousin's helmet and placed it in June's. She questioned what if his cousin changed her mind and he vehemently stated she was not going to Scotland. The way he had said it made June wonder if that had happened and Jerry had had to tell her he was taking her.

So started the relationship! Each time he came to stay she looked at him lying next to her and asked herself what it was that kept her with him but could never answer that.

The time came for the holiday and she was surprised at the amount she could pack into the bag for the side pannier, with extra room in the top box and roll he had on top.

They were riding a route she had taken many times by car. It was many years since June had been on a bike but this was different, not a sporting bike but a comfortable coaster, a Honda Goldwing but it still gave her the same thrill.

They stayed close to Glasgow on the way up and sauntered the rest of the way the next day. What a beautiful journey. June realised a little more about Jerry’s character. They passed a woman riding a push bike in lycra and he put his hand out as if to grab her arse. June scolded him for this and found he wasn’t so impressed when they passed a layby where a number of young, virile men were standing decked in kilts. June couldn’t stop herself saying ‘Way hay’ to which Jerry responded with a derogatory remark. He made a few other comments about women he saw over the week and was over charming when talking to female bar staff. They went for a meal and drinks each evening and some lunchtimes. Jerry liked to drink and was sporting a beer stomach even though some years ago he had had a heart attack. That was the reason for his erectile dysfunction, the tablets he was on. He was using a progesterone cream with little impact.  June explained this could be controlled by what he ate. He had already been away and commented that a number of days he had meat free breakfasts. Yet during this holiday not only did he devour bacon and sausages but a number of other meats during breakfast time.

The holiday was amazing, on a motorbike touring Scotland, bliss. They got on very well and only really had differentiating views over things on the news a couple of evenings. Jerry commented it was the best holiday he had had in years. His cousin usually dictated an agenda each day whereas June wanted spontaneity and cheered when the Sat Nav broke. Jerry soon got used to just going where the roads took him. At first this was a chore for him but eventually led to a far more relaxing holiday.

Taking pictures became easy even whilst moving. June didn’t want to return home and the holiday was extended by staying overnight whilst travelling back.

So they started to unpack the bike and sort through things when the bombshell dropped. Jerry was going to spend the next week with his cousin, she had only recently found that out and as it was no distance to pop over during that time to see her she wondered why he didn’t appear to want to. He did say that they may go away for a few days. Then he told June not to bombard him with texts, when asked he said that he would be busy. Busy with what, just busy was snapped back at her. Well that was the holiday well and truly over and ruined.

So June went back to work and awaited a text. She decided not to text him after what he had said. He eventually questioned the silence, how dare he! She tried to discuss via text and at no time did he try to call or go over to her house. She was so incensed and he appeared oblivious to what he had done or that was the impression he gave.

He had told her some bizarre things about his cousin; rubbing her feet, holding her hair whilst she threw up and in Scotland pointing to a place they had stayed stating it was the last room, quite ironic for two people who usually like things pre organised and sharing a room?  He followed it by saying he slept on the sofa. June had stayed in many hotels and very few had sofas and certainly not big enough for Jerry to sleep on.

So Jerry chose to stay with his cousin rather than sort things with June. She was so angry that she took to Twitter but with nothing that could not be evidenced! Her friends kept messaging her to dump him, even people on Twitter she had never spoken to were messaging her saying so including men. Not one person unfollowed or blocked her for her ranting.

June blocked Jerry and his cousin and they did the same with a few of her followers doing the same, ironically most June never followed in the first place.

Yet still Jerry did not attempt to see June or call her. Then he suggested they meet at a local pub to talk. He was to meet her at 6.00pm, the time he usually set off home; obviously no intention of cutting his time short with his cousin! They met but the air was tense and nothing was resolved, he just relayed how angry his cousin had been, shame, but June explained everything was evidence based on what he had told her.

Once he was home they kept in touch by text but infrequently at first. This slowly built up and they were back to how they were before. However June stipulated that when Jerry came up to visit it would no longer be split he would have to arrange something else with his cousin.
This was prompted by the fact that two weeks after the incident, when everything had died down she posted vile comments about June on Twitter. She never mentioned her name but made reference that made it so obvious. She was an absolute bitch and the whole tone was that of utter jealousy! Even commenting on the use of a hit man, June could have taken this to the police.
It always had been strange that June and his cousin knew each other yet as soon as June started seeing Jerry the communication stopped!

So the visits continued then some became halfway meets around Leicester. June didn’t mind as she enjoyed driving and it meant the comfort of hotels, one time it was Harrogate.

June was never interested in Jerry’s past but had no choice as he spilled everything out. Touring round the Dales he commented on places he had been and many related to being with females. Oh the tales June could have told but she found no need to. So she listened to him telling her about the females he had bedded; she knew he had had two relationships whilst him and his wife had been estranged. Then she discovered he had left his wife on two occasions in the early years, leaving his children too and had continued to have numerous affairs over the years. She felt he needed to tell her to compensate for his lack of function by his stories. Bells should have been ringing but they weren’t and she didn’t know why.

June had never put her life on hold for Jerry but kept weekends free when he was due, then on a couple of occasions he changed the date. So she decided just to make arrangements and he would have to fit in round her. One such time was a special meal at her favourite restaurant and she told him he could either go with her or change the weekend to come up. So they went together and he must have seen her in a different light, she chatted to friends and hardly had any time for him.  She did have a photo taken with him and later saw he looked like a cat caught in head lights!

She had wondered if he had kept seeing her due to worrying what she may do after the Twitter incident. That same weekend they ate at her local Chinese restaurant and the patron was desperate to explain how June had instigated one of the options on the menu. All Jerry could say was that he knew as June had told him. He was blatantly put out when the attention was on her. If only she had been in a better frame of mind she would never have stayed with him, she didn’t know at the time.

They had booked the Goldwing Treffen trip that was being held at Kelso, Scotland again, June couldn’t wait.

They arrived at the B&B and she knew immediately that the owner was someone she could get along with; she was very disorganised and hilarious.
Jerry took a shine to her but on a number of occasions she stated she had forgotten his name, he obviously had made no impression on her!

So they settled in and went down to see where the Treffen site was after finding somewhere to eat. That was interesting as he over-heard a woman discussing going to Benidorm whilst paying the bill and had to join in, June walked outside. She knew he went once a year with two mates but couldn’t imagine anything more horrendous. He had also gone with his wife early in the relationship; had a voucher off a holiday and of course they were still friends. How naïve she had been or blinded.

Jerry always struck up a conversation wherever he was, leaving June twiddling her thumbs and often being ignored. He had to be centre of attention as June cringed seeing the faces of people, usually women wishing he would shut up.

There were other bikers in the B&B who were lovely people and during conversation over breakfast Jerry ran his mouth off as usual. He told them they were from Leeds and Bradford but when probed explained he worked at Broadmoor and had a house down there. One bloke stated that it must be hard for June, hilarious after such a short time he perceived what Jerry was oblivious to over months!

There were very few trips arranged during the day so June and Jerry went off exploring and this was territory that June knew well.

Then each evening it was down to the Treffen ground. Jerry had been before with his cousin and apparently never gone on an evening. How absurd to go for that reason and yet stay away, what hold did she have over him? One evening they sat opposite a bloke who chatted and even June enjoyed his company. As Jerry went to the bar they continued their discussion and he commented on the age gap.

During their time together Jerry had to speak to the police about historical happenings where he worked having worked there for so many years. He stated he had seen nothing and it was impossible to get near female patients. It wasn’t until June stopped seeing him that she saw programmes and links on Twitter stating clearly that the person in question had keys and could access all areas. She also remembered the sleazy comment when she questioned something about other women and he responded that he did not have teenagers chasing him, a strange response.

It all came to a head when Jerry stated he wanted to see June before the five weeks they had arranged. He suggested a weekend and June thought it was all arranged. Suddenly there were all sorts of excuses why he could not come up to her. This was the last straw, she was starting to see what friends had told her that he was controlling and manipulating.

She told him that if him and his wife were friends and lived separate lives then he would be able to arrange it. He told her he was trying to sort something but the excuses kept coming. June was at breaking point and told him there would be consequences for the way he had treated her. She posted something on face book and the flood gates opened. Initially he told her to ‘pack it in’, who the hell was he, her father! Well he was old enough. He then stated she had set him an impossible task, blaming her as he always did. He had told her he was arranging to see her. However the flood gates came in the form of his family, his daughter, son-in-law and grandson. His daughter asked questions so she got the answers, his son-in-law just sent vile messages that were hilariously grammatically incorrect and soon showed the calibre of family Jerry had. June hoped they were giving him hell.
What did come out of this was the surprise that June knew Christine. How strange June had never thought of his cousin's name being shortened. Then she started to wonder. His daughter was called Kristina very similar. Why choose that name. Her detective mind started to kick in. Jerry had told her a story from the past that made no sense. He told her that many years ago he had gone to a strip club and with them was a young, naïve man. The stripper draped a towel over the guy's knee and touched him underneath. June felt sick at the thought. The young bloke could not control what happened next! Jerry then went on to say very angrily that some bastard had told the blokes wife to which June retorted good. Jerry was fuming at this and went on to say that the bloke's wife was pregnant. She waited to have the baby then threw him out. He then went on to say that the bloke went on to meet someone else who was patient and taught him things about sex. Now June started to think. Yes Jerry would know about the incident, about the bloke and his wife splitting but about intricate details about his next relationship, no that did not add up. Then she wondered, was the bloke him? He had left around that age to leave his family and move hundreds of miles away. It fitted with him running away from responsibility after all he left his wife and children twice. Why did she take him back? June did know many women who hold onto husbands and partners for the children or monetary reasons, something she could never do.
But this meant that his cousin could actually be his daughter, again the age was right. This would make sense of why he wanted to see her so often, why he pandered to her ways and demands but the sharing of a hotel room was still bizarre. She was like a child with him in many ways, asking him to get things for her, he also took her shopping when over even though she had a car and he ensured she was ok financially. He had helped her move flats to somewhere more comfortable and was considering buying her flat on moving up.
He had bought June an Easter egg and had one for his cousin stating she did not care what egg she had but demanded a mug.
It would also explain her reactions towards June when she started seeing Jerry.
However she would just have to wonder.
June had been ill and in hospital during their relationship and Jerry had text into the early hours checking how she was. It was those times that impacted, he could not just drive up to see her. However after leaving hospital June was still unwell and Jerry was due up. He was supporting his cousin with a cake sale supporting MS as his daughter Kristina was a sufferer. June was aware this was a busy time but he had driven up the night before yet continued his arrangements before going over to see her. There were plenty of helpers on the day so him not being there or leaving earlier would not have mattered.

Now this draw his cousin had over him seemed easy to explain if his cousin was his daughter. If this was not the case then the relationship remained a very strange one indeed! 

So that was the end of that relationship and she was saddened by no more bike trips to Scotland!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the sea to Skye

During the week after Easter weekend I took another holiday to the Isle of Skye with my daughter.
A drive of 9 hours including a couple of stops, one at The Real Food Cafe to devour a delicious lentil burger with chips.
Yes it's a long journey but we're not talking busy motorways! Once we are on our way the holiday has started.
So we arrived at the best possible B&B...The Old Croft House with its vegetarian and vegan fayre for breakfast and home made vegan baking to return to at the end of the day.
We were determined to try and go wild swimming but other than that we had no plans.
So each day after breakfast with many choices, we let it settle and set off never really sure of our destination! This was after waking to peace and quiet, the birds tweeting and eating at the feeders; the pet hens clucking; the sheep wandering close by and the hares frolicking; we didn't see any deer this time; no sea eagles either although the possibility of one in the distance!
We knew there were still plenty of places to explore that we hadn't managed to see the last two years we had been there.

So we set off to find the walk to go over to Oronsay Island. Although the whole of the island is beautiful there are secret places tucked away but a walk is necessary.
We parked up and walked through some rough terrain until we came upon a gate, through that, downwards through a narrow gap and onto the shores with its strip of land, water rippling at either side, welcoming us to walk across onto a deserted island bar a few sheep. Yes an island to ourselves and it was magical and the sun was beating down while twitter had told me that morning that it was still snowing in England; 16 degrees there!
So as we took photos and wandered the island we heard something in the distance and looked across  the water to see a quad bike heading down the narrow gap and coming towards us, it was a young farmer and he toured the island checking his sheep and at times coming very close to dropping into the sea...that island was certainly not flat!
He headed towards us to explain the tide would be up in about an hour unless we fancied spending longer there....three hours if we waited for low tide again, this was very tempting but we had no provisions. He told us his sheep were ready to lamb.
So we sauntered around watching the sea birds and jumping at the screech of a jet fighter whizzing over our heads and awaiting the second but none came....when I lived in North Yorkshire they always flew in pairs!
We headed back looking at the shells and stones and there are some amazing ones.

Each day we drove around a few places stopping for photo shoots and taking walks so went back exhausted. We had taken some food so ate back in the room most nights.

Another place we visited was Elgol in the south of the island that we hadn't previously explored. We could park close to the beach there. Now don't be thinking white washed sandy beaches, there are some like that hidden away; Coral Beach that we've visited before but here we were on a beach of stones and rocks. We walked down to the sea edge but waited to put our feet in later after sitting under a huge hole-pitted, overhanging rock, on a ledge. Over more stones and rocks to sit and put our feet into the crystal clear water. There were three photographers close to the water's edge taking photos of the sea rolling in...no two days the same.
We took many photos ourselves, many I've posted on Twitter. On this particular day some were 'posed' ...we never stopped laughing!
Afterwards we drove along Sleat, the southern part of the island where it is greener and not as rugged. It is still beautiful but not as interesting in my opinion although down a winding road we came across some wild looking horses and fed them.

Another day we revisited the Fairy Pools nestling under the snow covered Cuillin Hills. This is one of the few places where you come across other humans but never many and for us the most we saw were as we left. Here you can walk for as long or as little as you like with the river meandering along the side and pools at various intervals. This is also rough terrain as is most of the island but the air is so fresh and that day was another very warm one. We were looking at which pool we should go wild swimming in; Sam at the B&B had warned us they had been covered in ice recently. There were still thick chunks along the sides but that could never deter us!
So we went down to a pool that looked deep enough and stripped, this time wearing swimming costumes and a tee shirt, as if that would keep us warm!
We stepped onto the stones at the edge and slowly walked in and it was freezing...I went deeper and leant forward to swim and although by now I was wet up to my neck it just took my breath away so that is as far as I could go! But it was fun and invigorating! During this time a few people went past, some just smiling and others making comments. A Scottish family went past and told us we must be very brave but mad! So we sat a while in the sun  then dried and dressed. We walked further along sussing out the rest of the pools for next time! As we headed back the same family were ahead of us and seeing us coming the dad and son removed socks and shoes and ventured in but not for long. The dad questioned how we had gone in so deep when his feet were freezing...as he left rather quickly! Then the long trek back to the car but amongst such beauty it wasn't a chore.

We started one day with our regular shopping trip in Portree to get supplies of soy candles of varying aromas and hand made soap with varying fragrances, all made locally on the island. Then to the Batik shop where I purchased a skirt and throw last year but this year a bandana. A tray of the very tasty chips from the local chippy and afterwards feeding the scraps to the seagulls who swooped and greedily took from my hand. Then toTalisker Bay again tucked away with a long worthwhile walk. Again amongst sheep and no humans. This beach has a mixture of sand and stones and the amazing patterns the sea leaves. No two ever the same and washed away to leave the next batch. Here the sea came rolling in very quickly and we actually didn't dip our feet; unusual.     

One evening we were looking forward to an Italian meal at a restaurant we had visited before but unfortunately found it closed. Sam later explained they just hadn't opened for the year yet...Easter on Skye isn't exactly busy so another portion of chips to tide us over then the last of the food back at the B&B! We would have gone to Ariba cafe but they now stop serving at 6.00pm so we saved that for another night. Well worth a visit...Jamaican Stew for me...yum!
The only other place we went to were the WeeTea Room for hot chocolate and home made banana cake and lemon drizzle cake...delicious! Then the Blue Shed Cafe for soup and a sandwich!

On our final evening we went to Edinbane Inn not for a wee dram of whiskey but a warming rum and coke whilst listening to the locals on fiddles, flute, guitar and accordion. A brilliant way to end the holiday.

Our journey back home was just as amazing. It started to snow very lightly as we left then into the highlands and as we drove higher the snow got thicker. Eventually the only non white area was the road. We knew that the road gets closed at times so were grateful to those who kept it open. Then as if by magic as we drove further and dropped down the snow eventually disappeared and the sun shone again! Then slowly back to reality until another year. Knowing a trip to the highlands is on the cards for later in the year is helping.

Tapas Review...San Lucas Leeds

I was recently asked to attend an evening at San Lucas Tapas Restaurant in Leeds to write a blog review.
I went with a carnivore friend who tasted a number of dishes including the lamb which she stated was delicious but I went to check out the vegetarian choices.
Tortilla Espanola,  Bruschetta di Pomodoro, Caprese Salad, Patatas Bravos and Olives; bread while we waited. Four or five tapas is sufficient and all were around £4 or £4.50. It was what I expected of tapas, good choices, good value and tasty. It had only been open two weeks when I went but is finding its feet. Its not right in the centre but close to Millennium Square so easy to access and on an evening there is on street free parking. I would recommend a visit.

Mild bondage (Over 18s only & if not easily offended!))

Well it's been a while but here goes!

Jenny had been taken to many heights but was looking for something a bit different. She had known someone for well over a year but only through social networking and texting. Their exchanges had been general conversation and work. Then one day Jenny saw that James had a liking for BDSM. Now many people would fear this but Jenny was aware that this can be as severe or gentle as is wished and there is always a safe word.
They started to discuss their likes and dislikes in a private forum.
Jenny didn't mind mild bondage and teasing, both giving and receiving.
So they started exchanging the sorts of sexual encounters they would enjoy on meeting.
They could fantasise about what lay ahead as well as satisfy each other's fantasies without committment to being involved when physically together.
So they arranged to meet. This wasn't about a relationship but pure raw sex.
They met at dusk in a wooded area, isolated at that time.
Jenny knew exactly what she wanted being armed with a long, silk scarf.
They wandered deep into the woods, turning every so often to kiss each other and explore each other's bodies with their hands.
Jenny kissed James on the lips and neck, gently sliding her tongue in his mouth seeing his member erect and hard.
James kissed her back with tongues entwined whilst carressing her breasts under her blouse making her nipples erect.
Then she saw it, the tall, narrow, straight tree that she had hoped for.
James peeled away Jenny's blouse and let it drop to the floor as she unbuttoned his shirt. He removed her bra moving his mouth first to one then the other nipple and feeling their hardness with the tip of his tongue.
Jenny loosened his jeans and they dropped to the floor revealing his erectness as James removed her skirt and pants.
He wanted her in that moment but she made him wait demanding he move towards the tree and place his back against it. She grasped both hands and tied them together lightly then raised them above his head and tied the ends of the scarf arround the tree, he was so exposed. Time for Jenny to explore with her tongue.
Lightly kissing his lips thrusting her tongue in his mouth while exploring his body with her hands.
Letting her hands slide down his body and over his nipples then just as James thinks she is about to get hold of his shaft she let go.
She then followed where her hands explored with her tongue until after some hesitation that James cannot stand any longer she opened her mouth to take his long, hard, throbbing member into her mouth. First she holds it gently as she circles the tip with her tongue and feels him shudder and get harder.
Jenny then closes her mouth sucking harder and harder.
Suddenly they hear a noise, a branch cracking nearby, so she stops to look. No nothing, maybe an animal scurrying away or maybe a voyeaur!
She can hold out no longer as she moves nearer and places him gently inside her and wanting to feel his arms caress her she reaches up to untie him.
Immediately he thrusts further and harder as she clenches tightly feeling every inch inside her.
He wraps his arms around her spinning her so she has her back against the tree.
They kiss passionately as they move together as James slides in and out and Jenny feels so wet.
He holds her tightly as she wraps her legs around him and she feels him touching places with his member that arouse her to great heights. Just as she starts to scream in ecstasy he unloads deep inside her. They both encounter the aftershocks and drop to the ground to hold on to the pleasure for longer.
The next day they continue their long distant sex talk in readiness for their next encounter!

Road Trip

 

Having decided to have a change from going to the Isle of Skye and previously completing a trip around the Lakes and Dales without booking we embarked on another road trip. We felt we had to part book due to the things we wanted to do. 

We always laugh about before I could drive and when we went on holiday via trains and buses. We certainly didn’t take the amount we now pack into the car! Warm clothing; cool clothing; a variety of footwear; hoodies; waterproofs and emergency food!

So day one setting off from Aisha’s house we drove up to Beamish in Durham and not Northumberland as I found out when I stated this on Twitter and the lynch mob came for me! We had been there twice before; once when there was only the town and pit village built; then when the manor house was being built and they had added the farm and this time with the manor house complete and the locomotive running; can’t wait for them to finish the church. I’d read about them salvaging it but couldn’t believe that had been 20 years previously and although the shell was built they need millions more for completion. 

We had a bit of a wait to get in but not too bad considering it’s the school holidays! It cost £17.50 a ticket but that lasts for 12 months so we will definitely be returning as it’s not too far to go. We arrived at lunchtime and to beautiful sunshine. Only stopping to eat sitting on the grass we spent 5 hours there. It was great to see how giddy Aisha was; glad to see the little girl is still in there!                                                                                                               There are a number of trams and trolley buses to get around so our first stop was the locomotive. After setting down there is a short walk to where a locomotive runs a short journey and we were fortunate to have information narrated by a very humourous worker covered in coal dust!  Love steam locomotives and no I don’t have memories of when they used to run like that although the 5 hour journeys from Hull to London in the 70s weren’t far from it!                                                                                                                                     After a few photo shots and trip to the loo, luckily plenty dotted about, we then embarked on a return walk to the road and up another path to the manor house with someone demonstrating spinning with a large, old spinning wheel and another baking biscuits in the kitchen. Upstairs was larger than expected with a bedroom containing double & single bed then through to another small bedroom with single bed; a bedroom with a four poster bed and a bathroom with metal bath. There was also a room for the wheat to dry out and another hanging meat mainly still whole; pheasants etc unfortunately real for authenticity!Fortunately we were ready to move on just as a number of loud, boisterous children appeared; I mean really who lets children in!                                                                           Back on another tram and into the town. It was much quieter than expected so easy to get round. We went into the newly build Masonic hall, eat your heart out Dan Brown! Then into the bank where the ‘banker’ was relaying stories and I had a moment of feeling old with pre-decimalisation money that I remembered well! Then over to the Co-operative with again many products I remembered well, a place holding old motor vehicles, a hardware store and a haberdashery. Now this did bring back memories as I worked at a place in Hull, called Kestenbaums, when I was still at school for a Saturday job; this sold reams of material often to foreigners who were docked there making the most of duty free.                                          We couldn’t delay the inevitable any longer so straight over to the sweet shop where queues became an unknown to many there! Into the back watching honeycomb  being made alongside grasping hands into the free samples, no taking of a small piece there but handfuls being scooped up! Don’t you just love the British greed! We waited and eventually the plate was emptied of crumbs and germs and fresh larger chunks put out of which we managed to grab a piece each ahead of the next vultures!                                               Feeling rather thirsty, of course that was the reason, we went into the pub that also enabled a chance to sit down. One of the few remaining pubs still selling pickled eggs and pickled onions on the counter, I didn’t partake and the drinks were at today’s prices, cheek!               From there we sauntered past the houses of the dentist, solicitor etc and to the railway station. Nothing was running but we enjoyed the peace of being the only people there, others were by-passing to go to the fair rides. We went into the ladies to discover they weren’t for use just for show with old style wooden long seat with hole cut out leading to a dry pit. No wonder people wonder about folks north of Watford!!!                                      Back into town in time for the final lift back to the exit. Up some steps, through the shop and out to the car park.                                                                                                                For those who have never been there is far more to see including the pit village with the school, the farm and printers.

Having spoken to @RichardHesketh1 on Twitter our place to stay was recommended, The Old Post Office at Warkworth in Northumberland, so not too far to go. We managed to park opposite and entered to a very warm welcome. Having taken in our cases we quickly changed and went to find the recommended place to eat. This was Zecca in Amble.             It was busy for a Tuesday evening but we were able to be seated. We were amused by 3 women on the adjacent table, 1 in particular who couldn’t take her eyes off us! In previous years this would have annoyed me but these days I find it amusing and we just played to it offering her a photo to take away!                                                                                         We had breads with olive oil and balsamic for starters but couldn’t eat it all, I think they were serving the same amount for each table no matter how many were seated. Aisha had a margherita pizza that came with a lovely thin base and I ordered the squash cannelloni and although the menu stated in an onion cream sauce it was in a cheese sauce but was delicious. We were too full for desserts with Aisha taking half away in a box.                      We got chatting to our waitress to discover she is about to become a student at Leeds University so were able to tell her of the student life she could expect, hopefully we allayed some of her fears or maybe she’ll change her mind!                                                          With full stomachs we returned to the B&B. I was initially concerned I may not sleep being on the main street and having the window open due to the heat but all the walking and fresh air had knocked me out!                                                                                                        Breakfast next morning and soya milk provided as requested with choice of cereal followed by 2 different vegetarian sausages, mushrooms, tomato and beans in a separate bowl on the plate keeping everything neat. The eggs were from their own hens but due to attempting to go vegan we declined. There was 1 other component described as a hash brown but it was actually a small rosti but seasoned with something, we both left these but didn’t mention it as the rest of the breakfast was lovely. We then had toast, paid the bill, packed the car and on our way.

The next stop was over to Lindisfarne after checking tide times again and again, somewhere else we hadn’t visited for years. There is now a car park for tourists and although on the edge not far from the centre. We did discover there were places we could have parked but can understand why they don’t want the roads packed. We walked around and felt it was much smaller than we remembered. There are places to see; the Lindisfarne Centre; Lindisfarne Priory and Lindisfarne Castle all with entrance fees. We looked around the few shops but didn’t go in any tourist places, taking photos from the outside. We walked part way to the castle and sat in the sun by the sea. We had gone over at low tide in the morning and couldn’t return until 5.00pm at low tide again. The time went much quicker than expected. We did visit the Lindisfarne Mead and having tasted the new version, bought some! Many years ago I bought a mini bottle of mead but only ever tasted a small amount to discover although of honey taste it was very thick and not to my liking, oh how it has changed. Now it’s much thinner, clearer and more of a thin liqueur. I also got a Celtic throw.

Once the waters had parted it was back onto the mainland and up to Hawick in the Scottish Borders. We wanted to arrive in time for the evening meal. The place we stay is Whitchester Christian Retreat and anyone who follows me on Twitter will know I’m not religious but we absolutely love this gem of a place. On the many occasions we have stayed we have met many different people from different religions, none of whom have been overt and on one occasion we sat in the lounge enjoying the guitar playing from the prayer room. From the first visit they have kept a card with dietary needs and this has meant we have been able to go with no worries about food. We have stayed at different times of the year and many times between Christmas and New Year. We hadn’t been for about 4 years. We were greeted by a man and my first question was whether Evelyn was still there, no she had left last December. At this we were a little worried as she had been there a long time with a warm welcome and great cooking. The guy’s wife came through and talked to us about the food situation, she was a little concerned having only taken over in May and probably not having to accommodate the likes of us before. No worries she managed extremely well. I had soup and Aisha had melon for starters and I had a carrot & cashew loaf with vegetables with Aisha having a pasta dish with vegetables, ironically if she had adapted the recipe slightly the carrot & cashew loaf could have had the onion omitted and suited us both. However as previously, the food was lovely. Dessert was plum crumble with vegan ice cream.                  We discovered through chatting that the woman, Joan, was wheat free so that was easy as was the dairy free situation. A woman staying there was also vegetarian so we didn’t feel too obscure!                                                                                                                              There were also two ladies together and an older couple. We were quite humbled by them as we overheard her saying she had never had asparagus and referred to the kale as spinach. Through chatting we discovered it was their first visit there and when we explained our road trip she thought us very adventurous, even more so when I said that on our return I was to have a flying lesson. The woman who was alone had had quite an eventful life. Everyone was so lovely.                                                                                                        It’s hard to describe being there, it’s the peacefulness and quiet no matter how many people are staying. No TVs in the rooms means reading time and a sensible amount of sleep. Thursday morning and breakfast of cereal, beans on toast followed by toast and honey.  This was served by Heather who had been there for many years and filled us in on the changes there had been and the difficulty finding someone to replace Evelyn after 25 years; she also gave us Evelyn’s phone number.                                                                                 We had booked 2 nights knowing we wouldn’t rush around but relax. I didn’t want to drive too far so we went into nearby Craike Forest. We parked up and went for a wander then back to the car to sit and read. This was a luxury as our holidays are always so action packed. We had taken lunch and sat at a picnic table in the sun. There were only a few people around so we could enjoy the peace. It’s a place that conserves red squirrels (not like in a jam!) but unfortunately we never saw any. Suddenly the heavens opened as we packed everything into the car but it didn’t last long. We drove to another area to pop to the loo and picked up a leaflet about the forest to discover a walk about a mile long to a waterfall. The sun was shining again so off we went. It was a lovely walk with a pounding waterfall at the end, all the rivers were fast flowing from the amount of rain there has been this year.                                                                                                                              Driving back to Hawick we kept looking at the inviting river running at the side of the road. That road is very narrow and any pull in places are for passing. Luckily we found an area where we could park by a track to a field across the river. The river was in two parts with a bit of an island in between where the tractor would be able to cross. It was fast flowing but we decided to have a paddle. It was warm with the sun shining and enough breeze not to be stifling. It wasn’t deep but deeper than I could roll up my jeans for so off they came whilst Aisha put her cossie on having left mine in the case! So the paddle became a wade and then a sit down in the river. Had there been a deeper part close by the wild swimming list would have grown. I have to say we were in full view of the road but only about 3 passing cars got to enjoy the treat!!!                                                                                                   We popped into town to fill up with petrol and tried to phone Evelyn but had to leave a message then back to Whitchester, in time to change for tea again. I had a lovely broccoli soup but again Joan made work for herself by making a different one for Aisha rather than serving us all the same; leek & mushroom risotto with vegetables and a gorgeous honey & cocoa sponge with ice cream. Ironically the bean chilli and rice was what Joan expected us to eat but it didn’t go to waste as others chose it. We had totally confused her as she had read on the card no mushrooms but that was for the one time Craig went. Joan had asked if we liked beans, yes; rice, yes; then said that she would have to add something for flavour and suggested chilli although we did suggest herbs too. Ironic that the simple leek and mushroom risotto was fine whether carnivore, vegetarian or vegan! Think she was overthinking things but only with the very best of intentions!                                                The phone signal is hit and miss and when we returned to the room picked up a message from Evelyn, sorry to have missed us and just back from Edinburgh. Again the rest of the evening was spent reading and a good night’s sleep.                                                            After breakfast we settled the bill and left phoning Evelyn again. We arranged to meet in a café and chatted for about 2 hours, it was lovely to see her.

So straight up to Edinburgh, stopping only to eat lunch, in the car; we were carrying rice cakes, pate and crisps. We found the place where we were staying, glad to get somewhere having booked very last minute. This part of the trip was prompted by @mrstevenallen on Twitter and wanting to go to see his show, Some News, having featured on his podcast. Well what can I say, we were greeted by a small chap in bare feet and very verbal and immediately I thought of ‘four in a bed’. I distinctly remember someone walking round in bare feet! He explained about the proximity of the buses and that there was an ipad and laptop available in the dining room. We had been looking forward to the use of wifi but realised this was the option. He made a passing remark that the dining room contained 2 tables less than the number of guests…would we even get breakfast! Then the room, obviously a family room with 2 double beds and a single with small shower room. It was fine but would have benefitted from the removal of 1 double bed. The chap, Kenny, highlighted the X Box in the room. As he left we noticed the brown sheets, again another feature on one of the programmes and the fabulous satin style duvet covers and pillowcases, mmm!!!  We were only going to sleep in it for 1 night so we could cope. Had we read Trip Advisor we would have missed a comedic treat! We were lucky to get a parking place in a small side road as this place, Mayfield Lodge, is on a main road with double yellow lines. We took in our cases to the room and left to catch a bus into the centre.                                               So we got off the bus and in amongst the Fringe Festival. The first street performer we stopped to watch was performing right next to a gold post box….photo opportunity. Then we went to the booking office to collect our tickets and a wander down the Royal Mile.  Normally being accosted every half a metre would have been frustrating but this was a show in itself as people weren’t only dishing out leaflets but giving lots of information about each show and some from the performers themselves.                                                                           We had already found the location of Captain Taylor’s Coffee House where the Some News show was. It was an early show at 5.30p.m.so we went downstairs and when the room was emptied from the previous show we got a seat. Then Steven came in to set up and I was able to introduce myself, another tweeter met in real life! The show was very funny and topical. The audience was asked if anyone was in a relationship and for how long, someone stated 9 months and Aisha stopped everyone in their tracks by saying 13 years. The look on Steven’s face was price-less, he then asked me her age! Our family genes have caused some hilarious situations!  An hour of laughter away from reality!                                      From here we went to find a restaurant we had found on the Internet and with no bookings taken during the fringe we knew we needed to get there quickly. We arrived at David Bann to a small queue. 2 people were shown to a table leaving a group of 3 and another couple. The turnover was quick without anyone looking like they were rushed through their meal. Soon we were seated and not driving I was able to have a lager. Being a vegetarian restaurant there was plenty of choice and all ingredients were listed. We had starters of broccoli and smoked tofu fritters with banana chutney and plum sauce. Hard to express…gorgeous, so tasty; followed by aubergine, cashew & chick pea koftas with coriander rice, pineapple chutney and yoghurt raita, this was another vegan dish and many chefs can learn a lesson from this along with the cynics who ask ‘what do you eat’! Dessert was orange segment jelly on a lemon cake with coconut sorbet and Amaretto soaked figs. We need 1 of these restaurants in Leeds!                                                                                                  We rolled out of there and having seen no bus stops with the number bus we expected to take back we caught a black cab! We would have loved to walk around longer or possibly take in another show but we were stuffed!  A bit of TV that night then sleep!                      And so to breakfast; I questioned Kenny as to whether I had mentioned soya milk, having sorted a number of places, apparently I had. He then appeared with a carton and placed it on the table. We were eating cereal wondering why we hadn’t been asked what cooked breakfast we wanted. We heard a couple at another table request no beans etc and wondered what to expect. Well our bowls were removed and then our breakfast arrived; an egg, about 6 beans, half a tomato; a couple of mushrooms and dubious looking sausage. I asked if it was vegetarian not remembering if I’d mentioned this over the phone on booking. The response ‘oh yes they certainly taste vegetarian’ in a derogatory manner followed by stating he had had so many vegetarians that the next ones would be on Quorn having used the pack of 75 catering ones! Well shame we weren’t a day later as at least we know what is in Quorn. Poor Aisha left her sausage after 1 taste so only ate the 6 beans….I ate the sausage but still wasn’t sure about it and even ended up eating the egg! At least there was plenty of toast including a muffin!                                                                                     Whilst eating this a man and woman appeared and Kenny said ‘I told you to come down at 7.45am’ at which there was a quiet titter until he followed it by saying ‘I’m not joking there’s only 1 table for 4, you should have come down earlier, you’ll have to come back!’ Uncomfortable and we were glad we were leaving! We got our things together and decided to pay in cash, being quicker. As he was still busy running around we waited patiently and the 2 people reappeared for their breakfast, what we couldn’t understand was the fact that there were only 2 of them not 4 and earlier there had been 2 tables spare. Kenny did comment to another table that they were Russian…great example of UK hospitality for them! Whilst standing there we also spotted the half hidden wifi password!                             I asked for the bill and he said ‘£90 to you’…funny as that would be the same price to anyone, however if the room had been filled it would have commanded £225, extortionate. We handed over the cash…no bill, no receipt and later discovered through Trip Advisor that he runs it for a couple who own it and used to run it…don’t want to cast aspersions but he’s running it on the cheap and possibly not putting it all through the books!  We walked away and laughed!

I was very excited by our next stop…Roslyn Chapel…yes featuring in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. There was a £9 entry fee and looking over we felt we wouldn’t need much time to look round, how wrong we were. We asked the lady at the entrance about the effect of the book, something she must get asked hundreds of times but was very obliging. Pre the book they had about 30,000 visitors a year, when the book came out it was 30,000 per month and at that time everyone was a volunteer and quite elderly but they coped. It’s settled now but they still have around 200,000 a year. We chose the right year as the metal canopy covering the chapel, enabling it to dry out has recently been removed and the new entrance and shop newly built. Wow, wow, wow what an amazing place with fabulous history and such intricate masonry work. The place is like a story book with many interpretations incorporating the Knights Templar, Masons, Pagans, Christianity, the family of St Clair and much, much more. The great thing is that such old, old carvings tell many tales that cannot be ignored. There were a lot of visitors but not packed and yet Aisha and I both felt the same. I’ve been in many churches, chapels and cathedrals both empty and with visitors and always felt that eerie, churchy feeling but this was different, it felt comfortable not religious. It was like being inside a living sculpture. When Cromwell was destroying many places of worship he left this place alone as did many others through the years. We were there for about 3 hours and could have spent a lot longer, impossible to see everything. We never had time to go in the glen or to the castle ruins. The prospect of the longest drive of the trip made us move.

Grasmere was going to be the next stop but we decided to stay sooner as we wanted to go to Long Meg standing stones. The great advantage of driving through Scotland is the amazing countryside. We reached Penrith and decided it wasn’t for us so moved on. We saw nowhere suitable with vacancies so Grasmere it was and Long Meg would have to wait for another trip. We decided we may as well go to the place we stopped at on our last trip. We thought if they had vacancies we may get a reduction, no such luck, the price includes dinner, bed & breakfast and they did offer a reduction for B&B but this meant the 4 course meal was very reasonable so we booked in. We were given a better room than last time and glad the driving had stopped. Again we just had time to change having booked an early table.                                                                                                                                         A starter of goat’s cheese pate for me with juice for Aisha followed by a lemon and orange sorbet then stir fry vegetables on a bed of noodles that was really tasty but served with vegetables…why when it was a dish in itself! However I did enjoy a couple of the new potatoes. Dessert of apple crumble and custard finished the meal off nicely. I realised once upstairs I was shattered, helped along by a pint of Stella and fell to sleep around 8.30pm; yes the gigging, party going rebel; unfortunately was awake at 3.00am. I then cat napped.                                                                                                                                  And so to breakfast, on booking in I’d mentioned soya milk but it was cows’ in the jug. We asked a waitress who stated it was soya but being Spanish we weren’t sure she understood and thought she had said semi milk. We asked again and she then told us she had put some on one of the tables but didn’t offer to change it. We spoke to the other waitress, also Spanish and she returned with the carton and a jug. The breakfast menu mentioned nothing about vegetarian options but on enquiring there was vegetarian sausages then she mentioned beans, not on the menu, so we had the safe option of beans on toast with toast & jam to finish.                                                                                                                      We decided to stay a while in Grasmere after checking out. We went wandering and found the Gingerbread shop, that’s the shop selling it not made of it, didn’t open until 12.30pm being Sunday. Years previously we had walked together up the river and at another time gone skinny dipping in another part. Well we parked up and headed to the river. We could hardly believe this was the same river it was absolutely gushing and much deeper. We put our toes in at the edge and that was it then we walked along the path at the side instead picking the few wild raspberries that were left along the way!  Back to the Gingerbread shop just as people started to queue. After purchasing enough to last a week, well a few days for us, we headed off again.                                                                                                           

As it was Sunday we were hoping to find somewhere to eat a ‘carvery’ dinner, vegetarian option of course. This was when realisation hit, where have all the local pubs gone! We pushed on to Windermere avoiding the tourist area and walking into the town unfortunately in the rain. No pubs so we checked out the 2 cafes we found, no, nothing suitable. By this time it was getting late, we were very hungry and conscious some places would stop serving at 2.00pm. We did have food in the car but I was on a mission. We headed towards the Dales hoping to book into a lovely B&B in Askrigg where we’d stayed before. As we turned a corner there it was, a pub with a placard saying food served all day. Good job no-one was behind me as I quickly swerved into the car park.                                                                 We asked if they were still serving food to be told they were but the carvery had finished so I asked if there were any vegetables left being vegetarian to be told we could have the veggie option, brie, mushroom & spinach  parcel with vegetables and it was sooooo worth the wait. There was a set price to include a pudding but we had no room for anything else, however we did get it for less. The pub was Moorcock Inn 5 miles outside of Hawes.                            On to Askrigg and no vacancies but we had seen a couple of places in Hawes so back we went. Parking was quite difficult on the street but we squeezed in. The place was a B&B and café, Laburnum, and very reasonable at £30 each for the night. With an aching back the power shower was a great relief. Yes I haven’t mentioned showers or baths before but I also haven’t mentioned all my loo visits either. Although the bath at Whitchester is worth a mention as it was huge!                                                                                                     Back to my book and listening to the heavy rain. We decided that as we had reached the Dales a day early and so close to home that we would return home the next day. We had no need to find somewhere for tea as with a late dinner we just ate what we had with us.      And so to our final breakfast and the best one yet, sausages, mushrooms, tomato and beans, the sausages were so tasty we asked what they were; Quorn Cumberland, a vegetarian friend advised them they were the best and they were lovely. We had questioned soya milk when booking in and the lady had said that she wasn’t sure if she would catch the shop so we said that we had some chocolate rice milk we could use. But no, there it was, a carton of soya milk. We chatted about the Olympic impact on business and they had been hit hard. Boris should be made to meet these business people who have lost out it’s not only London but rippled far beyond. The fringe certainly wasn’t heaving as was the same for everywhere.                                                      

Well we weren’t going to waste our final day so we drove over to Hubberholme but again only paddled in the edge of the river, gushing far more than usual. The place we parked was full of dips and huge puddles and parking on the only flat part hoped to keep others at bay. Usually along there it’s packed with cars. A couple came and went, parking at the edge and we enjoyed the sun and sheltered in the car when the clouds brought a chill. Again enjoying peaceful reading time and for me a bit of a snooze!                                                              We were considering leaving when our decision was made as a Subaru  went roaring past with a caravan attached and then came back hovering by our parking area and unloading a number of very noisy kids. So off we went and there in my back mirror was the guy reversing the caravan onto extremely uneven ground!                                        

We had already decided I would stay at Aisha’s so before getting to the house we went for a chippy supper getting something for Craig as he was working late.                                    The dog was pleased to see us.                                                                                          Next morning my angel of a daughter produced cereal, followed by veggie sausages, bacon, hash browns and beans then toast and jam, a fitting end to the holiday.                        Having been to Roslyn Chapel we decided to watch the Da Vinci Code, 1^st time for Aisha. After lunch I fell asleep exhausted and still in my pyjamas. Aisha provided a lovely tea and I left about 9.00pm.

It was good to get home to the cats but I missed Aisha straight away.  

It’s Wednesday as I’m writing this and back to reality and an empty fridge so I’ve just had a tea of burger mix made into meatless balls and cooked in onion gravy on top of mashed potato and peas!

Do I really have to face the supermarket!!!   

Ooo I’ve just seen someone has a cottage available on Skye for next week starting Saturday………………………………