An apologetic shade of blue. Yes, I can remember what I was wearing quite vividly, even though it was 2003. It’s not that long ago for remembering details, is it? A cheap polyester suit in a tired, non-descript hue; a colour that doesn't make you stand out, one that’s rather sorry for itself, that looks washed … Continue reading Sign From Above
Sometimes April doesn’t keep its promise. It reneges. Burrows back down a hole, pretending it never was. It had been that way this week, when many of us had to check the calendar, only to utter, ‘Really? April 4th? Are we sure about that?’ Character building weather, one might call it, unless one is feeling delicate, … Continue reading April Showers
We walked through hail on the Cheviots, those rolling hills that straddle the border between England and Scotland. I was on the southern side, in Northumberland, when big, fat balls of hail began to prick my cheeks like tiny needles. Starting out, it was sunny and cold with no sign of hail as we trudged … Continue reading Cheviots
I’ve never been a dog person. I think it depends on whether on not you had one growing up, and I didn't. I’m very enthusiastic about the idea of a dog, much like the idea of trip to Antarctica, which sounds wonderful in theory, but I’d never go. Nor will I ever get a dog. I … Continue reading Dog Ramble
My visitors are here. Flew in from Canada early yesterday morning. Very early for me, as I got to see the lark-side of this city: wide-awake, bustling, industrious. The sight of if would have made Edinburgh’s enlightened forefathers proud. “How are you feeling?” I asked between hugs on Waverley Bridge. “Fine!” came the universal response, … Continue reading Lashing, Splashing, Dashing
The haar was in when we left Edinburgh at 9am; that maddening fog that’s apt to hug the east cost at this time of year when the warm air passes over the cold North Sea. “Either it will burn off or we’ll drive out of it when we get inland,” J. said to me, optimistically. … Continue reading Birdwatching in Balerno
Most days I clock up my requisite 10,000 paces a day, with a little surplus to carry forward. At least that’s what my phone tells me via its built in pedometer - if I remember to look of an evening. (And, by the way, who sets this arbitrary number of steps we ought to take … Continue reading Small Change, Big Difference
“Of course you can stay, come on over.” The exodus had begun. Edinburgh was on shutdown as offices emptied out early in an attempt to get their workers home before 3pm when all public transport would grind to a halt. E. and S. had missed the last train out to East Lothian. A plan was … Continue reading Clunk
Cake, then a walk, and then cake again. Yesterday was a day of belated birthday celebrations (actually, three belated, and one anticipated) and it all centred around cake, two types. K. and S. came over the day before to help bake them: a Victoria Sponge, so large it was borderline rude, and a less-shouty carrot … Continue reading Cake, Two Types
‘The devil is in the detail’ - it’s an awfully cautious expression. Used to alert us to tripwires made from words, to snare traps hidden in contracts or agreements. It makes an assumption that ‘they’ are out to get you in the small print. I don't think it’s a great training for life if we … Continue reading Devil In The Detail
