Category: Driving

Seed Heads – 19 September 2026

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Cow Parsley seed heads I found on today’s walk around one of the Cumbersheugh ponds.

It was a dull day. Dull and windy too. We drove over to Brookfield for the Saturday dance class, only to find that the bowling club had the run of the place without mentioning to the time allocated to the dance class had been reduced by a third. It would have been helpful if the bowling club had the decency to tell us the class time had been reduced. Maybe we should have complained to the mayor or lord provost or some such personage. We dancers seem to lose our place against the might of Brookfield’s bowling club. They should be reminded that we, too have a right to use the facilities. We pay for them too!

Actually I quite enjoyed the early finish to the afternoon. I quite enjoy most of the dancing, but Bumbarumba or whatever it’s called isn’t my idea of a dance. It’s a bit of a shambles if you ask me. Most of the folk were struggling to keep in touch with this attempt at a dance. Too fast for some and not exciting enough for others. I’m with the ‘Too Fast’ group.

A quick reprise of the quickstep was very useful and we both managed it. I struggled, as usual, but Scamp just ran through it as if it wasn’t there. That’s the difference between her and me. I struggle to remember these dances, Scamp has them on-tap, so to speak.

We drove home choosing to take the Clyde Tunnel to avoid the delays that usually appear if we try the dreaded Kingston Bridge route. Today it was an easy rung home for a change. I don’t know if that was due to a lighter load of vehicles on the motorway or just a ‘Lucky’ with the extra half hour. Whatever, it worked!

Good to hear from Alex that Carol has arrived home again after her operation on her knee. Hope it sorts itself out quickly Carol.

Today’s PoD went to a Cow Parsley head I saw in St Mo’s. Just because it looked interesting.

Tomorrow we may be packing bags,

Four wheels on my wagon – 18 September 2026

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Well, actually eight wheels if I’m going to be pedantic!

Scamp and I drove up to the town centre to have a blether with Isabel. Costa was cool as usual with the chance of a gale blowing through it at any given moment. The place was crowded as usual on a Friday with weans and their parents. Spoiled screaming toddlers wanting things, any things, just wanting! Scamp seems to be able to zone out these annoyances, but I can’t. One day I might manage to work out how she does it. Anyway, we stayed for the usual hour and a half in this cold cafe before Isabel felt she had to go for a walk round the shops. She went one way and we went another.

Scamp and I were looking for a reasonably priced and a suitably sized cabin case to take on holiday, when we get round to going on holiday. The cases seem to come in three sizes: Small, Medium and Enormous. I was looking for a small, but ended up with a medium. One of the new fangled eight wheeler cases that everybody seems to have these days. After some research it seemed that the one I chose could be squeezed into an EasyJet frame. However, I don’t think it would fit in a Ryanair frame. I think an empty is the size that Ryanair would countenance. So, we think our bags/cases will fit. All we need now is a holiday to go with them.

It was a dull day today, with lots of showers and squally rain. In the afternoon I went for a walk to the shops to get the requirements for tonight’s dinner which was a very old favourite, Cod and Prawns with Fennel and White Wine. It’s a bit fiddly to make, but once you make it a couple of times it all becomes fairly simple. Today’s was very nice, even if I say so myself, although Scamp thought the cod needed more salt. I couldn’t see it myself, but I knew there was salt and pepper in the mixture. Sometimes that changes the taste for you. Strange but true.

It was good to get out for a while, even if I didn’t get any photos. Instead, I found a photo from earlier in the and after some jiggery pokery, it became a new photo. Funny that 😉.

Tomorrow we’re intending to go dancing at Brookfield.

Dancin’ – 17 September 2026

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Tea dancin’ and not a spot spilled!

We drove to Glenburn for the tea-dance. For once there were quite a few already there already waiting for it to begin. We had a blether with the usual suspects at their usual table before the dancin’ began.

The usual two waltzes to begin with. First circuit of the day was a ‘getting to know your feet again’ sort of thing. When the second waltz was called, my feet were becoming used to this ‘complicated walking’ as Jamie Gal used to call it.
Next was a Cha-Cha which I managed to body swerve. Then, the first of the sequence dances. To close the first half, was the ‘Rhumbumbumba’. A line dance that the teachers demonstrated before encouraging the class to join in. It had to happen. Stewart and Jane were desperate to show it off and I believe most of the dancers on the floor had already tasted this ‘dance’. The other thing that I noticed was the distinct lack of men taking part! A House of Bamboo finished off the first half, and it was tea time.

The second half of the afternoon was mainly handed over to sequence dances. They are good because most people know them or are learning them and by the second dance of the set they are comfortable dancing them. I think we were on the floor for most of the time.

We left soon after that in an attempt to avoid the homeward bound drivers. Actually it wasn’t bad, especially because we were avoiding the Kingston Bridge with its snarled up traffic by driving along the M8 the M74 and the M73. It’s not the fastest, but at least the traffic moves at a decent pace.

I think it rained all the way home, in fact I think it rained all day today. Scamp cooked a lovely piece of cod with roasted potatoes and long stem broccoli. I really enjoyed it.

PoD was an apple, a James Grieve apple from our small apple tree. I’ve found them to be more ’tart’ that last year’s, but still perfectly edible.

Tomorrow I think we may be going to meet Isabel for a blether.

An afternoon to myself – 16 September 2026

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It’s not often I get an afternoon to myself, but I had one today.

Scamp was off to lunch with the rest of the Witches. Two or three hours of blethering seemed to fit the bill for them. I read for a while, a new book for me, Deception by Alan Parks. So far it’s a good read.

Other than reading and struggling my way through Wordle (I scraped a poor 6 today), I didn’t do much, although I did go for Scamp’s meds and watched the clouds rolling over the Campsies. Every time I thought I’d go out for a walk, the rain would threaten and although I’ve been pretty lucky with the wet stuff, I didn’t want to push my luck too far.

I did have a look at getting a new roller cabin case, because the old one I’m using now, the one I took to Hazy’s, is just about falling apart. I’ve had it for about 12 years now and it really needs replaced. The problem is that I really want to have a look and a feel at the case, because, as Scamp will tell you, I’m not all that careful with these things. I might have a look later in the week.

Today’s PoD went to a couple of wee daisy-like flowers that grow quite happily beside the step in the back garden. One is white and the other is pink. I’ve always called them daisies, but I’m told their proper name is Erigeron. They looked quite happy in their place beside the steps.

Tomorrow we may go dancing if the weather fairies are correct. For once I’m quite looking forward to it.

 

Work, Work, Work – 14 September 2026

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Scamp was determined to get rid of rubbish today.

Two sweeping brushes, two bags worth of assorted rotting wood, one cardboard box, one kettle and a few odds and ends. It all went into the council skips and a few went into the compactor. Once it goes in to any of those, it’s gone for good. I think we were both pleased to see this junk go.

We drove up to the local garden centre for lunch and a chance to look for some cheap plants. For once, Scamp was more interested in getting a new plastic shed for the garden. We did see some possible contenders, but nothing that was exactly what she was looking for. Lunch was the same for both of us. Quiche with Black Pudding. Scamp said her’s was fine, but I wasn’t impressed. Too dry and with big chunks of black pudding. Nah! Not my idea of lunch. Worse still was the fact that Scamp had asked for Peppermint Tea and was given plain ordinary tea. She couldn’t be bothered to change it. I had black water in a cup. Allegedly it was black coffee. Well, at least they got the ‘Black’ part correct, but there was no coffee taste.

I think it must have been change-over time at the garden centre, because there were lots of ‘bargain’ plants that were just reaching the end of their flowering time while the new plants hadn’t arrived yet. We did have a wander through, but for once we didn’t buy.

Back home, Scamp was determined to chop up some flowering plans that needed more space. She was hoping for a few clumps from the polyanthus plants, and that was what she got. She’s a determined lady, and when she sets her mind to something she gets what she started. I was more interested in filling up the pots of seed potatoes. Hopefully they will be big enough to eat by Christmas.

The weather had been threatening all afternoon and by the end of play today the rain came. Probably a good thing, because a good day’s soak will wash the plants in.

PoD was a shot from yesterday. I think it was a Four Spotted Chaser.  Almost black with a bit of yellow on its back.

No plans for tomorrow.

Dancin’ – 12 September 2026

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Back in the old routine.

Today started with a drive through the rain to Brookfield. One of those strange days when the weather couldn’t quite agree whether it wanted rain or sun and in the ended opted for both … at the same time. Heavy rain showers and rainbows at the same time. But we weren’t there to gaze at the weather variations. Oh no, the teachers had a new ‘dance’ for us Rhumbumbumba! A silly name for an equally silly piece of nonsense. We danced it twice an by the end of the second repeat, I was lost. I’ve a feeling the teachers are going to push this piece of nonsense for all it’s worth. Not impressed!

The next dance was the Butterfly Jive. No butterflies were injured in the making of the dance, but it was much more sedate than the Rhumb…. We did kind of remember it, Scamp says it’s been around since 2024 when we last attempted it. I vaguely remember it and had a go at it with Scamp leading.

Next up were variations on the Quickstep. I don’t claim to be able to do it, but at least I can place my feet in roughly the correct places for the music without tripping over myself … well, almost. By the end of the session I was beginning to understand how the figures went together.

Stewart and Jane were determined to get us up on our feet again for yet another session of Rhumb… etc, but I sat that one out. If you want to involve yourself in a line dance, search YouTube for Rhumbumbumba. It appears to be all the rage! Good Luck.

Drove home in the rain but made good time for a change, taking almost the same time getting home compared to the time we took to get to Brookfield. Forty five minutes each way.

Back home I made a watered down espresso coffee for Scamp. She wasn’t impressed, but said it was much better with Drinking Chocolate added to it. I’ll take her word for it. I think I’m coming to terms with the new machine and getting good results from it.

Today’s PoD is a wee flower from the garden a blue flowered Polenium.

No plans for tomorrow.

The Old Farm – 09 September 2026

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It’s actually an old ruined farm that gets more ruined every day.

Scamp was out in Glasgow with Shona. I stayed home to ‘get some work done’. As usual, the real work was put on the back burner and I got nothing practical done. However, I did manage to get out to Fannyside to take some photos. The lighting was good and the low sun helped. I was quite pleased with the result.

Not long afterwards I got a message from Scamp to say they were having coffee in Glasgow before they came home. I hadn’t realised time was getting on and drove over to Croy station to pick up the ladies. Dropped a message to Scamp to say that I was parked up at the station, only to find that it was the NEXT train they would be on, after me taking all the short cuts I could think of.

Today I was making dinner and it was to be Salmon with Pasta and Fresh Baby Spinach, but I dropped the pan that was holding the salmon and, of course it went over everything. I don’t think Scamp was very pleased.

Just one of those days.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Autumn – 4 September 2026

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The leaves are turning brown, there’s that Autumnal feel in the air and the temperature is dropping gently. Yes, it’s definitely beginning to look like Autumn

I forgot to mention that it was also pelting with rain when Scamp and I drove over to Falkirk to pick up a packet of Henry’s coffee. Not too bad a run there, but definitely not much fun on the way back.

Later in the day we drove to Tesco for a trolley full of the usual suspects. Just a few odds and ends of vegetables and some odds and ends. A bottle of plonk here and a bottle of whisky there. Just the usual.

After we got home and had lunch Scamp wanted to ‘Tidy up the kitchen’. I’ve heard those stories before. They usually end up with “Have you seen my X, Y and Z”? Today it was my headphones. I rarely go out without them and as usual it was my fault for not putting them where they should be. Today they were hiding behind the couch in the living room. I have no idea how or when they got there, but at least I found them. I’d be like a bear with a sore head if I couldn’t have ‘some music where ever I go’

I walked round St Mo’s pond today. After last month’s tick attack, I’m being ultra-careful. These little black beasties are a danger to life and limb. I wish there was some way of dealing with them that didn’t involve flattening them with a hammer. All things great and small is a nice thought, but it doesn’t apply to Ticks!

PoD today went to a branch of Sycamore ‘helicopters’, so called because when they drop from the branches, they twirl like little helicopters. When I got back Scamp had done an excellent job clearing some space for the new machine to take the place of the old coffee maker. After a bit of reading last night I started to understand how the new machine worked, or partly understood would be a better description. I think we may go to JL tomorrow to speak to the salesman there to get some answers to questions we’ve both been wondering about. How do you control this? How do you adjust that? I’m sure he’ll be glad to see the back of us by the time we’re finished!

So, maybe a trip to Glasgow tomorrow, and maybe Shona will be doing an overnight with us. We’ll see how things work out.

Walking through History – 3 September 2026

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I met Alex today and we drove over to Loudoun Hill in Ayrshire. After a couple of wrong turnings, we found the path that would take us to the car park that gives access to Loudoun Hill itself. The hill is the remains of a volcanic plug and stands proud over the landscape. We didn’t actually climb the hill today, but maybe on a better day and with frequent stops to take on water and any other liquid sustenance, we could probably make it to the top. On another day and we’d probably get back down again! It’s a conical walk I’m told that should take between an hour and an hour and a half to get to the top. Another day, then!

On our way back down the single-track road that leads to the main Ayr road, I suggested we stop at The Heron for lunch. Scamp and I had been there before and thought it a bit expensive and the clientele, a bit snooty. Today, when two scruffy looking customers came looking for food, I think they didn’t know what had hit them. We both settled on a Croque Monsieur topped with minced bacon, something I’d never seen before, but definitely something to try again.

We drove home via Strathaven (Pronounced Stray-ven) which was undergoing a fair bit or change as most of the local towns are with road works everywhere. I thought I could find the way back through a series of shortcuts, but as usual, the ’shortcuts’ turned out to be ‘long cuts’, but eventually we did find our way home.

I dropped Alex off at his house and we agreed a tentative suggestion of another meet-up in a couple of weeks, but we both knew that it was unlikely to be that easy. However, If you don’t make plans, you’re likely to end up taking one of those shortcuts that become long cuts.

Jamie, I drove in to Glasgow after I left Alex and collected a very large, very heavy box from John Lewis. It contained the bits and pieces that would turn into a ‘Sage Barista Express Impress’ coffee machine. The De’Longhi has served us well, but it’s probably time for a new one. We may need some assistance with the twiddly bits, but I’m sure you can work out what we’re doing wrong. If either you or Hazy have any suggestions, they will be gratefully accepted.

Today’s PoD was a shot looking through the Spirit Of Scotland Monument to Loudoun Hill in the distance.

Tomorrow I’m hoping to collect a bag of coffee

Freesia – 2 September 2026

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It was wet today.

Sometimes drizzle, sometimes heavy rain, but always wet. I couldn’t find a suitable subject, so instead I took a shot of these Freesia flowers with an out of focus background. It seemed to brighten up the day.

We drove to in the morning to find a new pair of dance shoes for Scamp. Actually she got two pairs. One pair sparkly silver and one pair bright red. I couldn’t find a pair for myself. The only pair I liked the look of were too narrow and I knew I’d end up going over on my ankle, so it looks as if I’ll have to resort to polishing up my Black ’n’ Whites for any ballroom dances. The lady in the shop told me she was expecting a new delivery of gents dance shoes later in September. I’ll see what she digs up. She is usually good at choosing mens shoes.

We drove home and I started looking at ‘New Toys’. One was on my list, but wasn’t available anywhere near me. I’ll keep looking just in case there are some cut price goodies near me to whet my appetite.

Dinner tonight was Fish Risotto and although I thought it was a bit wet, Scamp seemed to think it was excellent. I think she is just buttering me up because there may be another pair of dance shoes she has her eye on.

We watched “Mrs Harris Goes to Paris” after dinner. We had seen it before, but it was just as good the second time around. The only problem with it was the amount of adverts that cut across the storyline and broke our concentration.

I’m supposed to be going out with Alex tomorrow because we thought Thursday was going to be the best day of the week. It doesn’t look much like it now, especially after a really heavy rain shower earlier in the evening. We’ll just have to grin and bear it tomorrow and maybe find somewhere interesting to go for lunch.

So, hopefully a run in the country for us. Not quite sure what Scamp is doing.