Nathan's Roast Chicken Dinner

Last night I was feeling very poorly- I have picked up an ear infection- which is pretty painful.

I managed to stay in work all day but was not on top form. Nathan kindly cooked dinner and made us a delicious roast chicken dinner with veggies. The potatoes were brilliant with garlic and rosemary.

With this kind of love I should get better soon!

(There is no after photo as Nathan served it up too quick before I could get my camera! It was just what the doctor ordered!)

Saturday Afternoon

After cycling down to visit my Dad for a wee cup of tea and a catch up I went to watch Nathan play at Goldenacre against Heriots. After their game I watched the 1st team play and my Dad came up and joined us at the game.

There were all the usual suspects in attendance but we have a new supporter. Isla Burns, Pete and Annabelle's daughter was attending her second rugby game- not bad for being only 6 weeks old!

Isla with her Mummy, Annabelle and also Emily watching the rugby at Goldenacre.

After the game Nathan and I still had our bikes so we had to cycle back- ggrr! That's the bad bit when you forget you have to go up the hill- especially at Comley Bank for those of you that know- it's tough and quite steep! What a view.... looking onto Raeburn Place (home of Accies) and Edinburgh castle in the background. I love the city we live in- it's gorgeous!

Nathan on our cycle home.

Me looking daft with my helmet on.... having cycled over the course of the week over 50 miles! I'm quite impressed with myself. Long may it continue!

Saturday morning

At the moment my weeks are totally taken up with work. I have been doing a lot of late nights and I think this is going to continue for at least the next 2 months. So Nathan and I are trying to make the most of our weekends together.

A lot of the weekend gets taken up with rugby as Nathan usually has to be at the club for an hour or so before the game starts.

On Saturday morning Nathan made a plan for a lovely morning exploring Edinburgh. We started with a Starbucks at Palmerston place- which in retrospect was not such a great plan as we had to put up with the tram works- ggrr! The tram works have made such a mess of the beautiful centre of town... let's just hope the trams are worth it!

Nathan looking rather sleepy! But hopeful of his mocha waking him up!

Nathan had organized for us to make use of the Edinburgh Open Doors Weekend. You can see more info at their website.

'Doors Open Day is your chance to explore some of Edinburgh’s architecturally and culturally significant buildings - all for free. From heritage landmarks to the city’s newest architecture, Doors Open Day offers free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entry fee. The event also offers the public an opportunity to find out more about the capital's public buildings.'

Firstly we went to Drumsheugh Baths. A private members club that has been open since 1882. See their website for more information. It is amazing how much they have preserved the original building. I also didn't realise they had a gym and did classes- I had thought it would only be swimming.

Next up was the Edinburgh Society of Music which has been around since 1887. Sadly their building was covered in scaffolding but it was still impressive inside. The view down to the Dean Bridge was gorgeous and whilst we looked around their was a lady pianist who was playing Mozart on the piano. We also wished we'd waited for a coffee as they were serving tea and coffee and AMAZING cakes in their bar which was being used as a tea room for the occasion.

Next was the French Institute where my Mum used to take Becky and I. They are housed in a gorgeous Victorian Building which has a magnificent roof light.

The French Institute also had a beautiful view across the Dean bridge. I love this part of the West end- gorgeous. You can also see the start of the autumn colours on the trees.

Looking out of the French Institute.

Nathan outside with our bikes. We cycled between each venue and enjoyed being on the Water of Leith cycle path. It was such nice weather and made me want to embrace the autumn!

Nathan on the Water of Leith.

Nathan and I at the Water of Leith.

Cycling under the Dean Bridge.

The highlight of our visits to the Edinburgh Open Doors Weekend was St Bernard's well. I was amazed and I didn't expect what was inside. From the outside and when you cycle past the well it looks quite plain- a grey statue covered in moss. Inside however is a different story.

The Well was built so the landowner could take the waters for medicinal reasons and was opened to the public between 6am-9am. It is now only open 9 times a year by the Dean Village association. What a gem!

My camera didn't pick it up as I could only see the interior by using my flash but they had small tea lights on the pump in the middle of the room and the candle light hit against the bronze tiles and so the whole room twinkled magically. So pretty.

The ceiling at St Bernard's well.

Cycling to work

I have been so busy with work I haven't really been doing anything exciting this week so I've not really had anything to post about.

Waking- Cycle to work- Working all day till late (no break for lunch)- Cycle home- Making Dinner and then going to bed... how exciting!

I can't wait for the weekend!! This week I have been loving cycling to work with Nathan- it feels nice to be in a wee peloton. Nathan's work is closer but I just hop on the Water of Leith cycle path and I continue on to my work. We also cycled home together on Wednesday although this involved tackling Comley Bank Avenue- far too steep for me!

I had my very first cycle to work myself this morning and I survived. I was feeling very pleased with myself as I proved I am not just a fairweather cyclist as I did it in the rain!

I may have to get used to the wet weather a bit more now we are in Autumn officially.

Trays, Mats and Coasters

I am loving the idea of this bespoke stationary. I found it via Amy Atlas' blog (love her!)

I love the table mats and at less than a £1 a mat they are a brilliant bespoke way to decorate a table. Also a fan of the coasters and trays (although the trays are very expensive!)

Have a look at Dabney Lee at Home by clicking here.

Wii Games West Ferryfield 2009

Coups and Leona had their themed flat warming party this past weekend. I LOVED their theme- Wii Games. We were all told to dress for the event we wished to compete- either tennis, golf, swimming, boxing or running.

When we arrived they kick started the Games with golf. It looked pretty hard although there were some pros- who clearly play the Wii quite a lot!

Coups and Leona had gone to so much effort and had medals made for each competition! It was awesome! It also meant everyone got involved.

Their flat is beautiful and I think it's safe to say it was well and truely broken in!

Becky and Dougie

Wendy and I (I had on my school tennis gear from when I used to play in Florida- such good memories!)

Ed, Greg and Charlie. Vicki, Jackie, Wendy and Emily

Zara playing some golf. She got the bronze medal and Ross, who is standing behind her got a silver.

Becky with all her tennis gear on.

Hendy and Lorna dressed for the games!

Me competing at tennis. We played tennis doubles and then played against each other for the final medals. Becky and I played together and the Landels girls did well till we lost in the final!

Wendy, Vicki, Me and Becky playing in the first round.

Becky looking the part in her tennis skort. (is that how you say it Zaz? Shorts and a skirts in one!)

The Hornibrook's younger sister, Jackie had driven over earlier that day with her boyfriend Pete and they both scooped gold! Jackie won the tennis and Pete the golf. 2-0 to the Irish so we needed to win back more points!

Bronze, Silver and Gold winners in the tennis. Becky, Me and Jackie with our medals.

Next up was the boxing where Jimmy O was playing the host, Coups... it was a great build up!

Rocky eat your heart out!

Warm up for the running event!

Look at the energy that is being used! Talk about effort!

The Hornibrook girls- Jackie, Zara and Vicki with Emily Teague.

The swimming warm up- Greg vs Nathan!

Greg's outfit had tummy control but that wasn't really where he needed the control! Dear, oh dear!

Nathan and I with our silver medals.

Nathan and Greg with their medals.

Zara and Mark

Ed and Wendy Stu and Vicki

The host gives the hostess a medal for all of her effort and after a bit of heckling she got a very big kiss too! I brilliant night was had by all.... so much fun! So watch this space there may be a Wii Games 2010!