Happy New Year !

Well, it has been a very pleasant festive season so far. Lovely to have seen you all and definitely a pleasure to watch the kids opening presents.

I am off to Comrie to see in the New Year with a Carol, David and the dogs. Hopefully, it won't be too riotous - I am too old for all that drinking and carousing !!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !!!!!!

Pre-Christmas Present

Just had a fabulous week with Moira and Hamish. Shame they won't be with us over the festive season.

Merry Christmas to all !!!!

Loft Ladder

I have taken delivery of a concertina loft ladder. It doesn't look like it will be as simple to install as a conventional extending ladder, the installation of which has been done before by at least 2 members of the family. In the new "breenge free" zone, I will read the instructions and think about how this will happen. No fun in that, I know, but probably safer !!!I might need some support - maybe over the holiday period, if anyone is available. Still haven't finished unpacking by the way !!!

Well, that "man flu" thing lasted more than 2 weeks !! A lot better now. Went out today and hit some golf shots on the practice area. Nice day - cold but dry. It was good to get out in the fresh air, too. Put up the "rogues gallery" in the sun room. Not sure that I like it but it can always be changed. Ordered a 42" TV (WOW !) which will be delivered on Tuesday. Settling in nicely.

visit

hello all

just planning our pre-chrimbo trip north.  Hamish and I are planning to come up on Sunday 15th December and to stay until Thursday 19th.  Hope we can arrange a get together or two x

New Job

On Friday night I met most of the people I will be working with as it was Lydia's leaving night (the girl that used to be in charge or volunteering and society's- Ryan's friend) There is one guy who is very, VERY over the top and was sharing a bit too much personal information for my liking, but apart from that everyone was lovely.
Lydia will be coming back in on Monday morning to train me and show me the basics. She also told me that they will be looking for someone new to do first aid, so I might volunteer to train for that as well.
Then after my first week at my new job I will be coming home for my Dad's birthday party (celebrating early, I don't know)

Hope everyone is well :)

xxxx

New home

I have now been in my new home (not just a house!) for a whole week now !!!!!! This week has been mostly taking packing material to the tip an informing numerous organisations about my change of address. Still to unpack and find homes for some boxes. I have adopted a new philosophy - no more breengeing ! This is a breeenge free zone.

London

We have landed and settled in London. The flat is still full of unpacked bags and flat packed furniture but we are slowly getting there (there have been a few distractions).

I started my job yeterday but was sent home ill after my face ballooned up. This morning I woke up and could barely recognise my face so after a panic call to nhs direct was sent to hospital where we spent the best part of 3 hours. They now think it's a serious case of infected eczema and have fast-tracked me to see a specialist on Monday. So hopefully better news next week...

The van has landed !!!

After a long and tiring day, here I am ensconced in my new house in Arthur Street and what a nice house it is !! True, I am surrounded by half empty boxes and with no clear idea of where anything is but what's new? It will take some time to put things in their proper place but I feel right at home already. In case I misled one or two, I presumed that I would inherit the number that the previous owner had but, apparently, it doesn't work that way. I now have a new number, thanks to those nice SKY people. it is: 01383694143. I am also experiencing poor reception on my mobile so, if I don't reply to texts, it is because I haven't received them.

Croup

After a couple of calls to 111, a call from the out of hours doctor and a visit from a paramedic, we spent a couple of hours this evening at the QMC children's casualty dept. Hamish has croup and was struggling to breathe properly. Home now after some steroid syrup and a brave boy sticker. Asleep and breathing easier. I picked a fine day to not have any glugging wine in!

2 weeks to go !!!!!!

Pack a box, go to the tip, go to the charity shop, pack a box............... 2 weeks to go and nearly there. Just the kitchen to do, really. Getting excited now !

Safe and sound

Texting is extortionate out here but to let people know we are safe in Tunisia :)

We arrived just after 10.30 last night and have chilled at the beach or the pool. We are also planning a few days out (what sold ne was the chance to feed an elephant!)

Hope everyone is well, its gloriously warm here.

Love and hugs

Persistence pays off - in spades !!!!

Further to my posting on the Prudential issue wherein I may have mentioned that I had received a cheque for £100 for "inconvenience". Well, that is exactly what it was. Having found the policy while trawling through stuff ready for packing, I came across the original policy. (Told you I hadn't shredded it !). Imagine my real surprise when I received a cheque for 18 times the first one. Sometimes it pays to be a rotweiller. Result !!!!!!!

kettleboiler: Two

kettleboiler: Two: Not much sewing going on at this end.  Other things have taken centre stage.  My wee man turned two today....time has just flown by from thi...

Golf for Grandad

Ryan found this offer for golf if it interests you :)

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/golfpromo/

persistence pays off

At last, after 10 months of trying, I received a cheque from the Prudential today. Not a lot of money but it's the principle that counts !!!! Packing is proceeding slowly but we will get there. Tried to get the entry date changed (I had a golf outing on the 4th) but it wasn't possible to please all in the chain. However, my solicitor says things are going well. I might have to settle for a lesser victory over the PGA about my coaching licence but ALL coaches in Scotland should have the position clarified by the PGA so that is a small victory.

Busy weekend over

Thank you all for coming over on Sunday. It was a very pleasant day and it was great to have us all together. The nice weather helped too. Moira and Hamish safely home. Can't wait for the next time. Hannah and Bethan came over today (Monday) and packed 8 boxes so we are making progress. Still got some way to go but I am confident that we can get there.

Busy weekend ahead

Picked up Moira and Hamish at the airport this morning. Popped over to see Anne and, bonus upon bonus, Anne decided to stay over tonight as well. Lovely time so far. See you all on Sunday.

Feeling sorry for myself

Woke up with a swollen (and quite gross looking) face this morning. Went to the doc who thinks I've got impetigo :( 

On the plus side I have my beautiful sister down for the week to look after me :) 

Somebody had bought dadnarg's house!

LARGE update

As you may all know by text, my offer for the house on Arthur Street has been accepted (within 20 minutes of placing it !) Now, after all that has happened very quickly, there will be a lull in the proceedings although, with an early October entry date, time will soon pass and the final move will happen. I realise that you all want to see the house. I will try and arrange a visit next week for Hannah and Bethan and another one for when Moira is here. If any others are needed, I am sure the lady will accommodate us. In the mean time: "WHOOPEE" I am SO excited. I went and bought another Gabicci shirt today !!! (and a pair of shoes !) Need to take it easy since the elastic pension is no more.

Just a small update

Called the solicitor this morning and asked him to register a Note of Interest. Macbeth Currie phoned this afternoon asking for feedback on the 2 viewings we did on Saturday. I told them that the first one was a "tip" and they were asking far too much for it. As to the 2nd one, she said the solicitor had registered the Note of Interest. She also told me that there was another one lodged but the owner said that she preferred mine. Looking good, Houston!!!!!! I will be chapping on the solicitor's door early tomorrow so that we can tender an offer. Then it will be wait and see. For ye, by ye !!

Further update

What a day !!!!!! Went to the estate agents this morning and verbally accepted the offer on our house. Picked up Carol and Jen and went to look (after some nice bacon rolls at Jen's) at a property on Aberdour Road. Did not like it. It had potential for development but not for me. Then went to Arthur Street and the feeling was "WOW"!!!!! I loved it and it ticked all the boxes except it doesn't have a bath. I will definitely be making an offer on this one. If I was disappointed at losing Thimble Hall Drive, this one is even better and I will get it ! Carol and I then went to Paisley to drop off all of Granny's clothes in which she had expressed an interest. Then home to an Ilario's sausage supper. If I wasn't playing golf tomorrow morning, I would definitely wrap myself round a bottle of wine. Probably just a glass (or two !!). Amazing sequence of events and I haven't even checked my euromillions numbers from last night yet.

Update

Wow ! Things are moving very fast. I now have a letter of formal offer for our house with an entry date of 4th October. Not what I expected but it is acceptable provided I get the house on Arthur Street. Tomorrow, Jen, Carol and I are going to view a house on Aberdour Road followed by the one on Arthur Street. Of the two, I would much prefer the Arthur Street one based on the schedules. However, I am well aware that, until you have entered the property and gauged the feeling, there is always the possibility that it will not live up to expectations. However, I am being positive and am pleased with the way things are developing apart from the relative lack of properties in Dunfermline for me to buy. I have an appointment with my solicitor on Tuesday, after which, things should really take off. After 6 months of living in a show home, it will be nice for a new beginning somewhere.

Bicycle, Bicycle....

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike!! :)

So Hannah (yes I am talking about myself in the third person) bought herself a bike today!
It is VERY girlie and I don't even care, people can laugh or watch me as I cycle past, it makes me very happy.

We collected it this evening and I got to cycle it home. Travelling through city traffic was a little scary but I am sure I will get used to it eventually. After dinner we then went for a 5 mile cycle so 7 miles in total today :)
I think I will like my new bike. Plan is to eventually cycle out to Crathes castle and have a look around there but that is 17km out of Aberdeen. I might have to work towards that. My bum is still getting used to being on a bike.

Love you all xxx

P.S. Ryan's bike is the black one behind mine =D

Spooky or what ?????

I was sitting idly watching TV last night at 9:20 PM when I spied a large, black Land Rover that appeared to be heading up my drive. It reversed and then slowly drove past the front of the house. A definite drive by ! When I got up this morning, the golf tournament that I was supposed to be playing in (sorry ! in which I was supposed to be playing)was cancelled due to heavy rain. Golly gosh, what was I to do ? Bearing in mind that I was sure of a drive by last night, I figured that I ought to do some house work. So, I hovered and ironed and generally "guddled" about until the house was semi respectable. Having just had a cup of tea, I received a call from the estate agent to say that she had a little bit of good news for me. It transpires that the very first viewer I had back about March time has had a verbal offer on her place. As a result, she made me a verbal offer for our house. needless to say, it was way below what I am looking for so I rejected it out of hand. A while later, the estate agent phoned back to ask if the lady could have another look at our house today at 5 o'clock so she could decide whether she was prepared to up her offer. Of course ! I went off to coach the Juniors and left them to it. I would expect some feedback tomorrow. So I have arranged to view 2 properties in Dunfermline on Saturday (1 on Aberdour Road and 1 on Arthur Street). How spooky is all of this stuff ???? Looks like something might come of it, with any luck. For ye, by ye !

Muckhart Hooper Open Result

Just finished 3rd in the Hooper Open. Should get a £50 voucher for that. Actually enjoyed my golf today. needless to say, it could have been much better. However, 18 months of purgatory on the golf course is now history. Result !! Had a haggis supper and now a bottle of Saint Verain methinks !!!!!! See most of you tomorrow. Dadnarg.

booked it packed it

Guys, young Hamish and I will be up for the weekend of 23rd - 26th August.  Flights booked this morning.  YAY!

da kids

a wee up to date pic of the kiddies - and E is not even that much closer to the camera - he really is that big.

Grandad - G has not had her grandad hat off since the other weekend - takes it to nursery every day.

Hope you are all well
A, A, G & E
xxxx

I have a degree!

Degree Show

It is all over! I took everything down today and my biggest print was sent home with its new owner.

As promised here are some photographs of my space and the images that were shown.

What a Show !!!!

Went to Aberdeen with Weezy for Hannah's degree show and was blown away by it. It was head and shoulders above any other exhibit we looked at. What a star !!! We had a couple of nights at Auchenblae with Kay and Matt which made for a very pleasant trip.

oh oh

the wee man may just have stopped being sick but that has not stopped him cruising!!  walked with the walker today all by himself!!! eek........

News

I had another viewer today ! I won't get any feedback until tomorrow, though. While that is good news, Bethan's first class result is even better news. What a star !!!! UPDATE: Feedback today says my house didn't even get on the viewer's shortlist. C'est la vie !!!

june

can you believe it's June already? The last couple of months have just wheeeeched by.  June is going to be a bit difficult and Laughing Boy has suggested I pop home for a wee visit.  22nd or 29th would be the options.

Any thoughts?

yo

been a bit busy and that and not been on here for a while so just saying HI

Ax

1 week....

I have one week until my hand in date and I have still to get into the space for the Degree Show. I will manage to get it don't- it just means staying until they throw us all out.

I can't wait until I finish... however, I am fully aware that I will want to go back once I have left.
Hope you guys all love the show :)

I will put photographs up when the opening night is over and done with.

What a relief !

Fourth presentation of the first Land Rover training module was delivered today. Sighs of relief. The next one is not likely to happen before July so there will be a small breathing space. Then I will be on the way to becoming a "Senior Lecturer". for now, though, a beer I think !

Another viewer !

Another viewer !!!! We had another viewer this afternoon. Once again, a couple of hours noticed required a panic clear up to make the house presentable. These viewers have yet to sell their place in Dunblane but they are using the same estate agent as me so there may be some synergy there. The original viewer, meanwhile, has dropped the price of their house by 5K and put it on fixed price. so there might be some movement there too. Without getting too excited, I am beginning to get a warm feeling that a move is not too far off. For ye, by ye !

Grammar quiz

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22512744

I expect nothing less than top marks from my grandad

Holibags

I am back !! Spent a lovely week away visiting, relaxing, chilling and bonding with my grandson. I arrived home at lunch time today to discover that I need to do some weeding and tidying up. Ach ! It can wait till next week.

Well, tomorrow I am off on a journey that I hope, and expect, will be very pleasant. I intend to stop overnight with Murdo and Win and then proceed to Keyworth for a cuddle with my daughter and grandson. Return trip is likely to be leaving on Wednesday and I will definitely be home by lunchtime on Thursday. may stop over with Steff and Jocelyn but not fixed that yet. I am looking forward to gliding down the road !!!!!

Volunteering Star

This evening I attended an awards ceremony held by the university where I had been nominated for the "EUSA Student-Led Volunteer Star 2013" award for my work over the past 2 years in running a student society for weekly volunteering opportunities in and around Edinburgh. And I won! :)

Ali Banana

Hi All,

I am throwing a wee party for Al's 40th Birthday to which you are warmly invited:

11 May

7pm
The Cellar Monkey
The Argyle Bar
15-17 Argyle Place, EH9 1JJ (near Sick kids)

(p.s Al knows something is happening but not what)

Ax

Graduate?!

It's official. I have registered as a Graduate!
Graduating on the 12th July at 10.30am, Her Majesty's Theatre.  Here is hoping its another lovely day. I have also applied for 6 tickets (the most I can request so fingers crossed) I won't find out unil 10 days before   I graduate how many tickets I can get though... boo.
All that is left is to work on my Degree Show stuff so that I can get my Honours. Wish me luck :)

New Home

I HAVE A NEW FLAT!

This morning the estate agent called Ryan and said we were successful in getting a flat. It is just off Union street (Mum is happy as its close to the burger king)
We move in the first week in June (my hand in date is the 4th so I will be moving in after that) So I will have a new place by the time of my Degree Show and Graduation.
We just have to pay our Deposit and the first month rent then everything is sorted (:

Happy Tuesday!

cheeky

think we can fairly confidently say that G has slap cheek - doing fine and has still been at nursery but boy is her face beetroot - wee scone

Ax

We have another viewer, Houston !!!!! There will be another viewing at 11 o'clock on Tuesday. We will have to vacate the house by then but we will think of something. Apparently, this couple are in rented accommodation with no property to sell. They will probably use that to try and get it cheaper but we will cross that bridge when we come to it. We might even end up in an auction !!!!!! Not much available in Dunfermline but I expect more properties will appear soon. This is the time of year for it. Fur ye, bye ye !

Update on house sale. I went to see the estate agent today. The guy who showed the house reckons the viewer was a genuine lady who really loved the house. There is a note of interest already and there is a strong possibility of a written offer by the end of the week. What that offer is of course, is another matter. Still, looking good at the moment. Bearing in mind that this weekend is Easter, there is a likelihood of more viewers before next week. the down side is that there are not a lot of prospective properties in Dunfermline at this time. Fur ye, bye ye !!!!!!

Easter (eating) Sunday

Hey Pops,
What would you like us all to bring on Sunday and what time is kick off?

My first viewer ! I had a viewer at 3 o'clock this afternoon. At half past four, the estate agent rang to say that the viewer has expressed an interest through her solicitor. Their property is under offer and should be tied up soon. I can expect an offer later in the week. There is no indication yet what that offer might be but it is a start and I am chuffed to little NAAFI breaks !!! Stand by for possible rush to buy and move ?

last year.......

I seem to remember this time last year we were having a small get together of my lovely babies 21st and we were sitting on the decking in T shirts!!! What a change this year.

Happy Birthday!

A fitting topic for our 200th post.  Happy birthday H&B

MWAH x

visit update

booked it, packed it....

arriving Saturday 30 March @ 1.40pm Edinburgh Airport
leaving Tuesday 2 April @ 3pm

would welcome collection from the airport, anniep x

cor---shooooo

G had her latest jags today :-(
is now fast asleep on the sofa...
wee scone

x

Home :)

First full day at home and this time I am awake! No Co-Codamol for me so far. SO I have actually been a little productive sitting with the laptop so I can power through with some photoshop.
Also heard a lovely story from Maia when she stayed last night:

Jesus went to a party, kind of like KFC and he had some chicken nuggets/chicken nugget pie/chips
He got nails/pins on his hands so was told to go live in a cave/prison where the door was blocked by a massive easter egg. Bigger than Maia, Hannah or Auntie David.
He had to eat all the chocolate to get out and was sick because he ate too much then he went back to the cave.

I like her story telling abilities :)
Very creative, I wonder what I will get tonight... Maybe more of her wedding that is happening at school.

visit

guys

here are my current plans

fly to Edinburgh Saturday 30th March and fly back Tuesday 2nd April

do those dates work for youse?

Degree Show Here I Come

I just had the best tutorial I have ever had!!
I met with my lecturer for an hour and he was so enthusiastic with the work I have been creating over the past few weeks and has no concerns with what I will be able to achieve for the Degree Show in June :D

I have not met up with him for a proper tutorial this year so I was scared that he would disapprove of the work I had been creating and advise me to change work. BUT NO, I can continue with the text images that I have been creating.

YEY ME. I am over the moon right now.

Love to all the family xxx

AVP golf shocker !

AVP will be competing in a golf competition on Wed. And so it starts . . . . :-)

peg

i can see a toothy peg.....

flying visit

Hamish and I are keen to pop up and see y'all soon. We're thinking of flying, rather than driving. Probs end of march? Is there a car seat we could borrow while we're up there?

the strapping young lad Ethan

so i bit the bullet today and got the wee man weighed and measured.  Have avoided for a long time as it could be one of my least favourable parental tasks (and to grump the health visitor ignored my correction that he is 7 not 6 months and therefore his chart is wrongly marked!)  Anyway he is now a whopping:
 - 22lb 2oz
 - 72.5 cms

there was a slight concern in her voice (in the vein of: sh*t he is a fattie) before she measured him and calmed herself down and all is good.

Ax

8 march

hey lovely people, we would be terribly grateful if we could find a babysitter for Friday 8th March so we can attend an engagement party (for Nicky Boy and Gordon (joint one - not to each other)).

Ta

wash wash

washing machine is now fixed - laundry a go-go

bananas

we're back from our short break. Fun was had by all and there were times where the cardigan was removed!  Not documented though ;)

The wee man had a fab time....

 

 

Unfortunately I can't ignore his love of bananas after he chowed down a bunch over there so I put on my big girl pants and bought some *shudder* and peel them *dry boak* and cut them up for him *a mother's love*.  Still it's better than biscuits #it'snot

I finally found the Petrie Press!

My news is that we have Jason's mum to stay now. I am very very happy!

tenerifeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

just to let youse all know that the PSs are off to tenerifee for a long weekend tomorrow.  Flight out at 0730 dubs so a super early dart. Back early wednesday morning (well half an hour after midnight!).  I'm already worried about how the wee man will cope - he's like his dad when it comes to getting up early #grumper

Surprise, Surprise !!! I came home from work today to find a "For Sale" sign pinned to the front fence of our house ! No schedule, no Home Report, just a For Sale sign. I guess that makes it official, then.

sunday

the family PM are heading to grandads on sunday - anyone joining?

Ax

Probable house move

OK. I see the jungle drums have been at work. Yes, I have instructed an estate agent to market my house. I have had it valued at about what I am looking for. A young lady is coming to measure and photograph the property tomorrow and the schedule will be ready on Wednesday. The surveyor is coming on Thursday to compile a Home Report and the house should be on the market on Friday. It will go on S1 Homes and Zoopla among others. Ther you go. Decision made, money paid out, good to go. I have seen a couple of houses in Dunfermline that might fit the bill but I am not going to look hard until I get some viewers and/or a first realistic offer. For ye: Bye ye !!!!!

mota

we have a new mota - its blue and big

food, food, food

we are all booked up for Martin Wishart on sat when dryathalon will be finished - yippeee

rolling rolling rolling

the wee man is now officially rolling over all by himself.

Disser...DONE!

 So I picked up (3) copies of my dissertation from the printers about 20 minutes ago! It cost a lot more than I thought it was going to, but that's the hell over with- Degree show is the next stop :)
I might be nice and let people have a read of it when I am home *cough grandad cough*

And a little something for Bethan, she might not be on the front cover this time but she is the first image I use when I start my dissertation. You are Welcome.

hgps

... is poorly sick.  Full of cold and sent home from nursery today.  Might need a doctors trip tomorrow cos his temperature just won't stay down.  He has a roasty toasty body and really cold feet :(

kettleboiler latest

http://kettleboiler.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/to-infinity-and-beyond.html

no booze-athon

met my target - yippeee - Anne x

Tad cold

Nae heating since last night  . . . . Waiting for man to phone back ...

How about that lovely granddaughter of mine getting a final interview. Unfortunately, it will mean her moving to London. Anyway, best of luck Bethan.

PFP

how was the eye doc?

Dissertation

Good afternoon :)

I am currently taking a break from the hell that is dissertation writing. Editing your own work is much harder than I thought it would be. But I have to persevere, my hand in is only 13 days away. 

I have all the pictures in place- so that's a bonus!

I can't wait until it is all over so I can come home for some puppy cuddles and relax for a few days! Before I have to face the world of my Degree Show in June. 

Hugs and kisses to everyone xxx

So glad to see that the blog has been resurrected (not that I was ever a amjor contributor!!!) carry on the great work you guys are doing with the Dryathon.

hey,

In feb young Alan and I are hoping to go for a wee night out to The Kitchen and were wondering if there would be anyone available to babysit?  Any takers?

Anne x

PPPPPPPPP

CONGRAULATIONS P - WOOOOO HOOOOO

BEEP BEEP

Well, welcome back to the Petrie Press. This has got to be better than twitterring and tweeting on that facetube. Nothing much to report. Thanks for all the cards and good wishes for my birthday. Best of luck tomorrow to P on her driving test. Fingers well crossed !!!

First Day of Work

Today was the first day I decided to sit down and start my Dissertation. I have downloaded 7 Journals to read on my kindle (hopefully this will help me to complete my dissertation so I can finally get back to my studio practise.)

The pictures above were taken at my Pre-Degree show in Glasgow. I thought it would be nice to share with you all on the family blog, rather than leaving it on my own one for Uni.

too small

that font was far too small  - sorry

its 2013 people

Its day 8 of 2013 in the PM household and the latest is:

 - E has moved into his own bedroom - unfortunately it is does have more of a feeling of being a cupboard with a cot in it but we are working on it, wee scone

 - E is almost rolling over by himself - every time he has done it, his daddy seems to be there with a wee helping finger to pull!.  G is even getting into encouraging him, although that may be because we have said that when he rolls over we can all have chocolate to celebrate.

 - E has a cold, natch

 - G has started her new days at nursery (mon - wed).  She seems to be doing ok - told me yesterday that there was a new girl in class (not her)

 - Al and me are feeling ok about this non drinking malarky, so far.  Well to be honest, al's mum bought him a pass on the first as she could not understand him not toasting the new year with her  but he has been dry since.

A wee pic to share for the new year.

xxx