tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42744728212067306072024-03-05T07:56:13.102-08:00mrsmarinastarke....likes clean sheetsMarina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-86821118139886865352016-07-16T14:18:00.001-07:002016-07-16T14:18:46.231-07:00and is reunited with old friendsIsn't it nice when something long lost turns up again?<br />
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It happened for me this week. Not human, nor animal friends, but my sunglasses which had been lost, and feared gone forever for several weeks.<br />
They weren't new, nor even this year's style. Disclaimer, I'm not entirely certain what even *is* this year's style. But I liked them. They were comfy and just the right degree of shadiness, which meant they were wearable in our not completely sunny climes. And then at the end of last month following an afternoon of gardening they were gone.<br />
I was pretty sure I had been wearing them. But where could I have put them? Not in my bag, nor on my desk. Not in the car. Nowhere to be seen in the garden. I searched and remained hopeful for a few days, then gradually resigned myself to the fact they were gone. Perhaps I hadn't been wearing them after all, perhaps I'd left them in a shop or cafe in town? I even went back and asked.<br />
And then, two days ago I was in the garden. Standing beside the trug I'd been using, I glanced down on a pile of weedy debris. Hang on, what was that glinting?<br />
My sunglasses! Yippee! But I'd checked that pile of weeds, and looked into the trug. And now there they were. A little mossy but nothing a good clean couldn't fix.<br />
Obviously the woodland creature who'd borrowed them knew what was this year's style.<br />
But as far as I'm concerned. Woodland creatures 0 Marina 1<br />
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<span id="goog_706520684"></span><span id="goog_706520685"></span><br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-54198411470232486692016-06-21T14:36:00.001-07:002016-06-21T14:36:59.989-07:00but is no 24 hour party personManchester. Meeting up with the GlamourPuss and Profski (who was there for a conference). A couple of days catching up, chatting, exploring; maybe a cocktail or two? I researched dog friendly places via my regular <a href="https://www.dugswelcome.com/dogfriendly/england/manchester/" target="_blank">dugswelcome</a> haunt and <a href="http://northernquartermanchester.com/dog-friendly-northern-quarter/" target="_blank">this blog</a> and was really pleased to find out there were lots, and in the Northern Quarter, I remembered that district fondly from my last visit. We'd really enjoyed walking around there. And so we returned....<br />
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I had a list of places in my head and thought we could wander and then just choose the one we liked best. And so on a lovely sunny, late Spring evening that's what we did. We wandered about looking for somewhere for a drink and something to eat.<br />
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Perhaps at this point I should introduce the "Perfect Teashop"concept. Back in days of yore, before DogStarke was even a gleam in anyone's eye, indeed even before her mother was born, on Sunday afternoons MrS and I would drop MasterS off at his dad's and go for a drive. Sometimes to the seaside sometimes to the country. We would have a walk, maybe visit an historic site, admire dogs. And then come mid afternoon I'd get a hankering for tea, and perhaps cake. And so the search would begin..... This one would be too busy, these cakes too generic, those cups too clumsy. And so on. Until even the ever patient MrS would grow exasperated, and thirsty. And lecture me on the futility of my search.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very nice, but this was lunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nice, but not a teashop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">maybe I should stick to coffee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">or wine?</td></tr>
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Cut to the Northern Quarter, and that lovely sunny, late Spring evening. Four mature adults and one cute dog. I had my list.We wandered. Now, where shall I start on my list of "nots"? This one's too busy, that one too noisy, this one looks nice? Ah, nothing 'til 10pm. Eventually two very lovely young folk, with an equally lovely dog, suggested very tactfully that <a href="http://bluu.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bluu</a> would maybe suit us; it was big so we should be able to get a table, dog friendly and "smarter". A very tactful way of saying, suitable for oldies. I even liked the music*.<br />
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Anyway, I got my cocktail, we ordered some wine and dug into ribs and brisket. In our banquette we could hear each the speak. And DogS was a great hit. So the evening ended well.<br />
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Next day with Profski duly waved off to his lectures the rest of us set off for Didsbury, where after a short bus trip (no. 42, there's a choice of services, nb <a href="http://www.metrolink.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">the tram</a> does not allow dogs)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a scritch from the long arm of the law</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the bus</td></tr>
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DogStarke was able to have a lovely run around the park and we had a late, late breakfast at <a href="http://www.didsburylounge.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lounge</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very GlamourPuss</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what none for me?</td></tr>
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But what of our evening? Friday evening to be precise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LW6emD4_VT3X1uaX2T8e-cgZSER8uB6wcwNrO8SlKIoXshFnP0RPMN0q0qG1Ph20wC131HOjCoz96gZxc_pgkW5qnXV1td5cHudWVUUIR2AlcwnyHnb-sJWeMCIN38s0BECbUNG8e6fV/s1600/cocktail+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LW6emD4_VT3X1uaX2T8e-cgZSER8uB6wcwNrO8SlKIoXshFnP0RPMN0q0qG1Ph20wC131HOjCoz96gZxc_pgkW5qnXV1td5cHudWVUUIR2AlcwnyHnb-sJWeMCIN38s0BECbUNG8e6fV/s320/cocktail+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">afternoon cocktails</td></tr>
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We didn't venture out. We cocooned in our big <a href="http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-3145-novotel-manchester-centre/index.shtml#toggleRoomServices" target="_blank">Novotel room</a> with some drinks and snacks and watched the <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show" target="_blank">Chelsea flower show</a> and a gem of a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck4WdW6M0b4" target="_blank">documentary </a>about the flower trade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHx0Lrv0-CSB8o6N5f2vH8BoCbC9CQNokIjfLMq8WSJPY2PuRrdeSreRpBthPfGL9XGElXu1JKl10FBFdbcOHTjmzX0ZNODSM0eXt51nReZT-9noQdzjVBuK_MREY4W0dwTCyfooMjpwV/s1600/B+at+novotel+manchester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHx0Lrv0-CSB8o6N5f2vH8BoCbC9CQNokIjfLMq8WSJPY2PuRrdeSreRpBthPfGL9XGElXu1JKl10FBFdbcOHTjmzX0ZNODSM0eXt51nReZT-9noQdzjVBuK_MREY4W0dwTCyfooMjpwV/s320/B+at+novotel+manchester.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chill zone</td></tr>
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I know how to party.<br />
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Marina x<br />
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*it has a 80s theme<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-29685446415300679022016-05-07T11:20:00.000-07:002016-05-07T11:21:17.993-07:00and enjoys some new onesThis week I had a quick trip back to Edinburgh to meet up with friends and grab a bit of culture (and shopping). I love my life here in Argyll, it's certainly not a cultural desert, we've a fab local <a href="http://www.obanphoenix.com/#" target="_blank">cinema</a>, there's music, and lots of creative people producing great arts and crafts, but one thing we don't have so much access to is "big name" exhibitions and last time I was in Edinburgh I'd spotted an ad. for <a href="https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/masters-of-the-everyday-dutch-artists-in-the-age-of-vermeer" target="_blank">Masters of the Everyday, Dutch Artists in the Age of Vermeer</a> at the <a href="https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-queens-gallery-palace-of-holyroodhouse" target="_blank">Queen's Gallery at Holyrood Palace</a>. So I decided to combine a visit to it, with a catchup session with some girlfriends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting in the city mood, a century of Vogue on the train </td></tr>
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I like the Queen's Gallery, it's just the right size and as you might imagine puts on some pretty good shows, after all H M has one of the world's largest art collections, so there are loads of great paintings to choose from. And to use a much abused word, the exhibitions are always well curated, with just the right amount to see. I get sensory overload if I go to a really massive exhibition and much prefer smaller shows that leave me wanting more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTrb4E628wcDsEiN5h9nZQGULOdSDclg-N9aOmu_3GkDsAhGNqoWjagj7U0JkdlYroHz7AdnTbOzy7Tvbs7LhtJlxRmGHjIITOlgMW-GXqQgHF78rsNq9Ez4NZixIijc1ujqaUouvcV0V/s1600/shoes+and+tapestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTrb4E628wcDsEiN5h9nZQGULOdSDclg-N9aOmu_3GkDsAhGNqoWjagj7U0JkdlYroHz7AdnTbOzy7Tvbs7LhtJlxRmGHjIITOlgMW-GXqQgHF78rsNq9Ez4NZixIijc1ujqaUouvcV0V/s320/shoes+and+tapestry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure the GlamourPuss has a pair like that</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXejeYNk9mugnXP2iYaqy6yc4oA7gAi3oK1Wg5eCnVkDClcbnk0dyv5ViaamNG5VhzICbJLVBCNFQ5Aqf1377n-bo1ZJO-MOYjZM3im1Ynp5tOyqvzV_cLwBwbWxLNKTpmwqYDSSj_cTYK/s1600/card+players.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXejeYNk9mugnXP2iYaqy6yc4oA7gAi3oK1Wg5eCnVkDClcbnk0dyv5ViaamNG5VhzICbJLVBCNFQ5Aqf1377n-bo1ZJO-MOYjZM3im1Ynp5tOyqvzV_cLwBwbWxLNKTpmwqYDSSj_cTYK/s320/card+players.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">card players were a popular subject</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnALvCmSbExTwtH_w6xON3CfCqRC7Y8a3ZPKGxc33NGZLsSaUcRYqZ10eD0-lxEbDWdxYLSc44GgT5ShgVuAUykUK56gsDcZMwbcgvpVAf9pXJF0uX_t8W5BYxteiDYNCqdVyoBoGNJuTX/s1600/vermeer+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnALvCmSbExTwtH_w6xON3CfCqRC7Y8a3ZPKGxc33NGZLsSaUcRYqZ10eD0-lxEbDWdxYLSc44GgT5ShgVuAUykUK56gsDcZMwbcgvpVAf9pXJF0uX_t8W5BYxteiDYNCqdVyoBoGNJuTX/s320/vermeer+detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vermeer detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The exhibition runs until the 24th July, catch it if you can.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHtiUacZ72mQUnAc1AzYMHOKEdLYzIm9XAqCNK2TjsN3v97F-RpZTyOzbwvDuuXYtK_5jjAhbKf2Auc53weGyTTJ7TnqnuIyoBHieGAn0yN1eWTkK54zh-TF0Wy2otsGipPhmgAVgr7hL/s1600/swirly+stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHtiUacZ72mQUnAc1AzYMHOKEdLYzIm9XAqCNK2TjsN3v97F-RpZTyOzbwvDuuXYtK_5jjAhbKf2Auc53weGyTTJ7TnqnuIyoBHieGAn0yN1eWTkK54zh-TF0Wy2otsGipPhmgAVgr7hL/s320/swirly+stairs.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the gallery itself is lovely</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After my culture fix I had a quick trip to the shops and then had lunch at <a href="http://www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/edinburgh-dining/" target="_blank">The Forth Floor Brasserie</a> at the top of Harvey Nichols. It's an old favourite of mine from my Edinburgh days, I love the views and the buzz.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7tgaNj-Hq5Lm47zkmKed1v8whzED0OQxZWCPWkKDow-5FeeWofGGxm4aGX6d0Jy6jAn82-dyj9kwIGPMpsSuVF97HD2G6_H_qqIa15h3Q8R3SMgDxMWTS5CySbNA8LzWsch_cra5_upX/s1600/tea+at+HN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7tgaNj-Hq5Lm47zkmKed1v8whzED0OQxZWCPWkKDow-5FeeWofGGxm4aGX6d0Jy6jAn82-dyj9kwIGPMpsSuVF97HD2G6_H_qqIa15h3Q8R3SMgDxMWTS5CySbNA8LzWsch_cra5_upX/s320/tea+at+HN.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tea with a view</td></tr>
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<br />
And where did I stay? <a href="https://www.hubhotels.co.uk/edinburgh/royal-mile.html" target="_blank">Here!</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyevsPc7GxcEcZIC5ytUiNBU7mIgLfo485gSvbthhbfOs7sGulKZ_ECYHTtbUiUdzvH8YIykY-PdBpQ2SceKT1PUWhtDDnBkD6vxXcfZyoDhGHQOnupMWceRTmZsKL7uZdsCKnEqvsvdm/s1600/feet+up+hub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyevsPc7GxcEcZIC5ytUiNBU7mIgLfo485gSvbthhbfOs7sGulKZ_ECYHTtbUiUdzvH8YIykY-PdBpQ2SceKT1PUWhtDDnBkD6vxXcfZyoDhGHQOnupMWceRTmZsKL7uZdsCKnEqvsvdm/s320/feet+up+hub.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">respite from the heels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Hub by Premier Inn, on East Market Street between Waverley station and the Royal Mile. It's pretty new and a good addition to the budget hotel scene. Rooms certainly are compact but very well designed, with a good amount of storage, comfy beds and generous showers. I don't know how much I'd like to share the space but it was great as as solo traveller. One proviso, if you're short and have reduced mobility you could have a problem getting into bed; the non hanging storage is underneath so they are quite high. My feet couldn't touch the floor when I was sitting on it (I'm quite short, 5'2). Still that didn't put me off and I was all set to rebook for my next trip south but prices had risen so I'm trying out yet another budget option then.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXCSLoa5gc9g7GKyEkWMLxSiTLgwEGmH6wOP8lvvfnI708rN_OLEH8GVAjht5jGLVKE3LZ4IencfMq06HfOPdXUaJeiEmZ_afA6OoVGTK2qVTAWxRM13gnr7YRFO3-NawVxhSdZ5bdiRv/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXCSLoa5gc9g7GKyEkWMLxSiTLgwEGmH6wOP8lvvfnI708rN_OLEH8GVAjht5jGLVKE3LZ4IencfMq06HfOPdXUaJeiEmZ_afA6OoVGTK2qVTAWxRM13gnr7YRFO3-NawVxhSdZ5bdiRv/s320/shopping.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">homeward bound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But before that, I've an island safari to look forward to, and MrS and Dogstarke get to come on that.<br />
<br />
Until then<br />
<br />
Marina xMarina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-24067304141613157442016-05-02T07:39:00.002-07:002016-09-29T11:33:22.506-07:00and ponders on "friendliness"Dog friendliness to be exact. You may have noticed a certain doggycentric slant to my posts. Since Dogstarke came to live with us back in 2012 she has become a very important part of our lives.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbnyMOOQuNf2c7CkV80hARYUStuA7eJUfBcJx-_d64wZpk1GkWA8EVtOXb1QBZ2-m2U5HI94Sz4Qx-oR_LLqvRQlHdJnzm-a1mr469it7zLY5CZqK_OfXo-qaqQAm5xXkNL91opAyOGlD/s1600/P1030448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbnyMOOQuNf2c7CkV80hARYUStuA7eJUfBcJx-_d64wZpk1GkWA8EVtOXb1QBZ2-m2U5HI94Sz4Qx-oR_LLqvRQlHdJnzm-a1mr469it7zLY5CZqK_OfXo-qaqQAm5xXkNL91opAyOGlD/s320/P1030448.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who could resist this smile?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And so she comes with us when we travel. I heard a piece on the radio recently reporting how hotels were responding to the demand for pet friendly holidays. I know I've been on my soapbox about this before but it didn't really chime with my idea of what dog friendly means. High up on the list of things were special dog menus and beds. Now I don't know whether we are exceptional but DogStarke fares best when she eats her regular diet, which we always take with us and her own blanket and bed to make her feel at ease. Dog spa treatments got a mention too...DogStarke likes to seek out her mud and seaweed fixes herself and hates grooming, so not much appeal there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-qRkBPBTkePCDQ8gqcl0urO6vspP4Rt7q_k31Fg3Jb_usFJ23zraAXZ2BjQyleNMpqWjo41YD0UDpPnzhFmw07bw-NgTY0w7SNJ0bj9RGfXBfbXmWmzfPNiWAocEvlrQgkW6QpYvWFMz/s1600/B+at+th+ewhite+swan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-qRkBPBTkePCDQ8gqcl0urO6vspP4Rt7q_k31Fg3Jb_usFJ23zraAXZ2BjQyleNMpqWjo41YD0UDpPnzhFmw07bw-NgTY0w7SNJ0bj9RGfXBfbXmWmzfPNiWAocEvlrQgkW6QpYvWFMz/s320/B+at+th+ewhite+swan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zzzzzzzz</td></tr>
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<br />
So what do I look for?<br />
<br />
1) Friendliness, to people and pets. I think if you can't be friendly to customers then really you shouldn't be in the business.<br />
<br />
2) Somewhere to walk. It doesn't need to be a massive garden but that is a plus. It's good when rooms have suggestions for local walks too.<br />
<br />
3) A bin for the inevitable waste. One very nice inn we've visited several times not only has no bins on site, there are no waste bins in the village. But if you do fail to find a bin that is <b>no excuse</b> for leaving little bags around the place. Take it away!<br />
<br />
4) Having an eating area and some public space accessible to dogs and their owners. It's not really friendly if poor dog has to be locked in the car when their people leave the room, and very unwelcoming to non drivers.<br />
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5) A sensible supplement for cleaning, because, well rooms should be thoroughly cleaned after every guest, dog or human.<br />
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Everything else is just window dressing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PsQ1RzbELv8um4ybiPvIOC3cxe9O61vAWQSZ7VIvGt5cx9yQw8vz-5Dqm7Spvu7gttmcse7enmbF6NnL-noep3vYoDmvVrshwPS_feSdypMX-EbbTawWvcz9W2r4gBhJwN7KyV1gEYyz/s1600/lots+of+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PsQ1RzbELv8um4ybiPvIOC3cxe9O61vAWQSZ7VIvGt5cx9yQw8vz-5Dqm7Spvu7gttmcse7enmbF6NnL-noep3vYoDmvVrshwPS_feSdypMX-EbbTawWvcz9W2r4gBhJwN7KyV1gEYyz/s640/lots+of+B.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DogStarke on her travels</td></tr>
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<br />
And for our part we dog owners should abide by certain minimum standards of behaviour.<br />
<br />
1) Always pick up your dog's waste.<br />
<br />
2) Clean your dog, wipe their paws etc after those lovely muddy walks and...<br />
<br />
3) Don't bath your dog in the hotel bathroom, that just spoils things for future guests, I know of a least one formerly dog friendly hotel that throw refuses dogs because of this. Many hotels/inns in country areas offer outside taps/towels. Use them.<br />
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4) Don't allow your dog on the beds/furniture even if they are allowed at home.<br />
<br />
5) Keep your dog under control and don't let it wander about, not everyone is a dog lover.<br />
<br />
6) Have fun with your dog, go for walks, play. A happily tired dog after a great day out with its people will be more likely to settle down for a snooze under your chair.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOuhsSetHPtLQoZ9Tyvt9NDeCgJdxN-lRVakSR8SJ1d7mRTCWgda8GSz6pPzwxMTpLQHqL2KkAFLCj4bHAnw56bc2vTEboOK8qfat2zGGgf3CVI-plAlglm_sE6hhGX7PaVfsiFIF0uqo/s1600/ganavan+red+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOuhsSetHPtLQoZ9Tyvt9NDeCgJdxN-lRVakSR8SJ1d7mRTCWgda8GSz6pPzwxMTpLQHqL2KkAFLCj4bHAnw56bc2vTEboOK8qfat2zGGgf3CVI-plAlglm_sE6hhGX7PaVfsiFIF0uqo/s320/ganavan+red+ball.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">have ball, happy dog</td></tr>
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<br />
Well I've just finished booking a short break at various dog friendly places, I'll let you know how we all get along.<br />
<br />
Marina xMarina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-50519239187170528302016-04-23T09:43:00.000-07:002016-04-23T09:43:18.379-07:00..and puts the heels back in the box.So I'm back from my weekend in the city and it's been back to my more usual footwear<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxp6XgK0U8P4t3xdrYn53kJxSex44RgEyDuS0oJiudxqAV3fLeRgSCroPvgkjfRNnMMvCCkVYsADzGW8n1eqSKNZ2y5-1e6KqsHkIeLvrICBYROaOEbLR1b9qib0Qja67S0cTbceUPaZc/s1600/walking+boots+in+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxp6XgK0U8P4t3xdrYn53kJxSex44RgEyDuS0oJiudxqAV3fLeRgSCroPvgkjfRNnMMvCCkVYsADzGW8n1eqSKNZ2y5-1e6KqsHkIeLvrICBYROaOEbLR1b9qib0Qja67S0cTbceUPaZc/s1600/walking+boots+in+car.jpg" /></a></div>
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although on sunny days I've worn these.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZVPUIq1Ukgk-9D5CESUBg2ZbKtsyAUxs9avj6uyJsi0o2Y_sUKSyVv9z_qoH4ZGDLSSVoWqthgN3AMi91fz94CNCOgQZpBOBI0h4hsJ4uNqOZkw0VR0PUm4TQnmARCKKRko5Fkg_HweN/s1600/sandal+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZVPUIq1Ukgk-9D5CESUBg2ZbKtsyAUxs9avj6uyJsi0o2Y_sUKSyVv9z_qoH4ZGDLSSVoWqthgN3AMi91fz94CNCOgQZpBOBI0h4hsJ4uNqOZkw0VR0PUm4TQnmARCKKRko5Fkg_HweN/s200/sandal+feet.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This means that <a href="https://twitter.com/southfieldchat" target="_blank">Dogstarke</a> has been very happy because it's meant lots of "walkies" for her. And coupled with some lovely sunny weather it's brought smiles all round.<br />
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As well as one of our regular walks, taking in not one but two of Dogstarke's favourite beaches we also explored another one from the excellent <a href="http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/dounie-castle.shtml" target="_blank">walk highlands site</a>. It was in many ways a perfect walk; circular, close to a coffee stop, excellent views, historic interest and for Dogstarke a friendly dog to play with (because she's not so big <a href="http://sheilingchat.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/exploring.html" target="_blank">on views</a>)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking north</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dounie castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">across to Jura</td></tr>
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We ended the week with a lovely lunch at <a href="http://hawthorn-restaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Hawthorn Restaurant at Benderloch</a> and then (partially) walked it off at Tralee beach. It has to be said, DogStarke did most of the calorie burning, and she hadn't eaten lunch. But I did have a paddle.<br />
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Today the weather has turned a little cooler but we still had a lovely walk and enjoyed the Spring flowers.<br />
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We have visitors next week so I hope the sun doesn't go too far away. And after that I might just be dusting down the heels for another city outing.<span id="goog_882553025"></span><br />
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Until next time<br />
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Marina x<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-9890159497635434892016-04-18T14:44:00.000-07:002016-04-18T14:44:31.434-07:00and found some!We've been on more "walkies", DogStarke describes them <a href="http://sheilingchat.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/exploring.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but I'll concentrate on urban things and our visit to Edinburgh. This time we decided to travel by train and didn't need to choose a hotel with parking. I had a look at what was available for our dates and settled on <a href="http://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/edinburgh/edinburgh-princes/?rooms=1&adults_per_room=1&in_date=2016-05-01&out_date=2016-05-02" target="_blank">Motel One Princes Street</a>. I hadn't heard of this brand before, but reviews were good and prices low, so decided to give it a try.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Waverley Station, right opposite the hotel</td></tr>
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It definitely leads the field in the budget range. I arrived early but was able to check into my room. The process was very quick and friendly, and DogStarke was made particularly welcome. I was pleasantly surprised by our room, bigger than I'd expected with a king sized bed.<br />
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There are no wardrobes just two hanging rails, though they have "proper" hangers not those awful fixed on things, and a small shelved area. If you were staying for a longer period or had lots of formal outfits, storage might prove to be a problem but for a weekend break it's just fine. Rooms also have a full length mirror, hairdryer, free WiFi and the usual kettle and mugs.<br />
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The shower room was compact but the shower itself was good, though the towels were a bit skimpy.<br />
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We didn't check out that "One Lounge" because while the hotel is dog friendly they are only allowed in bedrooms, not in any public areas. That didn't matter too much as DogStarke was getting her own special treat, staying at MasterStarke's for a night.<br />
Actually she wasn't only one looking forward to seeing him, and I really enjoyed our lovely night at <a href="http://nonnas-kitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nonna's Kitchen</a> on Morningside Road.<br />
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The restaurant is a favourite of his and GGGF, and deservedly so, it has good food and a great atmosphere. You can always tell a restaurant has something right when it's regularly full on a midweek night; for five or six years I would pass by on my way home from my Pilates class on a Wednesday night, and it was never less than buzzing.<br />
He can't remember, but when MasterS was just a little boy he loved, and was welcomed at The Patio on Hanover Street which was the Stornaiuolo family's former restaurant.<br />
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On Saturday came the reason for our trip, we travelled down the coast to <a href="http://www.balgoneestate.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Granary at Balgone</a> just outside North Berwick, where my friend was celebrating her Ruby wedding anniversary. It's a great place with plenty of space to spread out, inside and out, there's even a covered heated pool. We didn't test that out at the party, but as the weather was kind (mostly) we were able to enjoy the gardens. It was a lovely afternoon with four generations of family and lots of friends enjoying good food and company.</div>
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Back in Edinburgh we had planned to pop down to <a href="http://www.vdeep.co.uk/" target="_blank">V deep</a> in Leith for the evening as I'd discovered it was dog friendly, but we'd eaten so well at the party and were quite tired, so just cocooned in our room and watched TV instead.<br />
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Sunday saw us back on the train and heading home.<br />
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And that's where I am now.<br />
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Marina xMarina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-73802900685976178272016-04-10T09:18:00.000-07:002016-04-10T09:18:14.572-07:00and meets herself coming back.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, sort of.....Actually I'm stealing <a href="https://twitter.com/southfieldchat" target="_blank">Dogstarke's subject matter with this post</a>. Yes it's a post about walkies! On Easter Monday we drove to Glen Etive, which you may have seen in a <a href="https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/attractions/tv-film/skyfall/" target="_blank">certain movie a few years ago</a>, and walked westwards along the north shore of <a href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/taynuilt/lochetive/" target="_blank">Loch Etive</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4Twj0hH7sNYygzXb46GLZRHiXzBuOpp0Ehu69rDGYajDt3cC2Na-KfMI7J13ypjS7Cvfa_F-M0ZFXK56LueK2PTmvQf5d8OwDb8b9R77tPWJfwiDobs3urk7_07DlXs555gMqyDUF0k1/s1600/loch+etive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4Twj0hH7sNYygzXb46GLZRHiXzBuOpp0Ehu69rDGYajDt3cC2Na-KfMI7J13ypjS7Cvfa_F-M0ZFXK56LueK2PTmvQf5d8OwDb8b9R77tPWJfwiDobs3urk7_07DlXs555gMqyDUF0k1/s320/loch+etive.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking north to Glen Etive, Easter Monday</td></tr>
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Yesterday we drove up from the Connel Bridge, where the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falls_of_Lora" target="_blank">Falls of Lora were in full flow</a>, past <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardchattan_Priory" target="_blank">Ardchattan Priory</a> to Bonawe where the public road ends. We parked up and set off east ,towards the head of the loch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fwGdkR_EIWQoOL-vaSzYQ19nNfxxumfl9e-LjQg3ydSJWFTpI8IaEWJ4miHq45Pri8H-OQXiR_EO_9hI_Nl172c9h3qk5wgjiQ0XqiMkyGeeFKhrqAJF2PmgzbXt6l-t_xsgzLDgTNO1/s1600/up+towards+glenetive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fwGdkR_EIWQoOL-vaSzYQ19nNfxxumfl9e-LjQg3ydSJWFTpI8IaEWJ4miHq45Pri8H-OQXiR_EO_9hI_Nl172c9h3qk5wgjiQ0XqiMkyGeeFKhrqAJF2PmgzbXt6l-t_xsgzLDgTNO1/s320/up+towards+glenetive.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking north from slightly further south, yesterday</td></tr>
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In the best tradition of Winnie the Pooh we fortified ourselves with ".....pro, pro, things we take with us..." and stopped for a picnic lunch along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2egKn1dCVGIrmheZWI7bwtvpHpEzIONi_-bIubreY3kaipACr7l8XWphtoGzBIO2XL8Rq3qVg8sqnghPxZ2WkOUmQ5CLEkASrzFGA1hz01bo5PnUMsOzOGb-7cv6QgEHTohbZjbd_DBi/s1600/picniclochetive+9thapril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2egKn1dCVGIrmheZWI7bwtvpHpEzIONi_-bIubreY3kaipACr7l8XWphtoGzBIO2XL8Rq3qVg8sqnghPxZ2WkOUmQ5CLEkASrzFGA1hz01bo5PnUMsOzOGb-7cv6QgEHTohbZjbd_DBi/s320/picniclochetive+9thapril.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">everyone got a picnic</td></tr>
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Now Loch Etive is nearly 20 miles long and even though we'd started our walk nearly half way along we had no plans to walk all the way to the head of the loch, we were aiming for the spot we'd turned around on our eastward trek. But tempted by signs for this bridge<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe0f3LY73hlqA0d9NAFptFh-G3gG2IRAXd0HfT6Iczcd_r67yEPKtTqnNVCg6KJBD0lmvhng0mOFyRuxBHXxhK4wed1VD5mzMcpNWtOqv1h-6ZoWPoYANntDTuDWIxriIdZz-A3A1LNCi/s1600/scary+dail+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe0f3LY73hlqA0d9NAFptFh-G3gG2IRAXd0HfT6Iczcd_r67yEPKtTqnNVCg6KJBD0lmvhng0mOFyRuxBHXxhK4wed1VD5mzMcpNWtOqv1h-6ZoWPoYANntDTuDWIxriIdZz-A3A1LNCi/s320/scary+dail+bridge.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">quite a bouncy bridge....<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWa8QTBDgHoRzMddKiyr5tc4Z8Gt6mjlK0IcA0OXGrefdiL5THePh7k5Y3TgZn8YfOjG06sdLXl6VgVXd40jGFbESZ4h4Ff07giAETdnA7bLp-jN90ixlCjcgnkTx5GHT4RAM9LYpnfqH/s1600/river+splashy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWa8QTBDgHoRzMddKiyr5tc4Z8Gt6mjlK0IcA0OXGrefdiL5THePh7k5Y3TgZn8YfOjG06sdLXl6VgVXd40jGFbESZ4h4Ff07giAETdnA7bLp-jN90ixlCjcgnkTx5GHT4RAM9LYpnfqH/s320/river+splashy.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.......over this</td></tr>
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we took a detour, passed by this <a href="http://www.etivecottages.co.uk/" target="_blank">offgrid hideaway</a> and then after finding ourselves in quite a boggy spot had a final cup of coffee and decided it was probably time to head back home.<br />
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If you like the sound of this walk you can find another description <a href="http://www.heritagepaths.co.uk/pathdetails.php?path=298" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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Today I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't too stiff but my toes were sooooo happy sunshine let them get some respite from boots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk5VJTjLqkOIL4TDJMlc05yZx7l3IfsIoFLmYNHYWhFzW4tSFrLU2TgZcfHQLuxqxHbNaS71kMHcBxyhLSld-AR9YnpOqhSreRyXHLwd7YFBjKW-HgGwS_8s0jaxoUtfrAEKmVdbJgCu_/s1600/silverf+itflop+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk5VJTjLqkOIL4TDJMlc05yZx7l3IfsIoFLmYNHYWhFzW4tSFrLU2TgZcfHQLuxqxHbNaS71kMHcBxyhLSld-AR9YnpOqhSreRyXHLwd7YFBjKW-HgGwS_8s0jaxoUtfrAEKmVdbJgCu_/s1600/silverf+itflop+feet.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">putting my feet up, today</td></tr>
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Soon we're off on a mini break back to Edinburgh so I'm hoping to report on some nice clean sheets. Last time we stayed at the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186525-d289742-Reviews-Novotel_Edinburgh_Centre-Edinburgh_Scotland.html" target="_blank">Novotel</a> on Lauriston Place but this time we'll be trying out somewhere <a href="http://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/edinburgh/edinburgh-princes/" target="_blank">new</a>. I'll be sure to let you know.<br />
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Marina x<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-42838366816870393852016-03-26T11:56:00.000-07:002016-03-26T11:57:13.182-07:00and got to go insideI love ruins and abandoned places, particularly modern ones. I was thrilled by Simon Inglis' description of the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/apr/09/houston-astrodome-wonder-world-history-cities-50-buildings" target="_blank">Houston Astrodome</a> in his book <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/simon-inglis/1011696/" target="_blank">"Sightlines"</a>, regularly track the decay of a once <a href="http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-34285722.html" target="_blank">lovely house </a> as we drive past, and mourn the demolition of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanrick_Castle" target="_blank">Lanrick Castle</a> whose burnt out facade used to be glimpsed from the A84. Last summer I managed a sneak look at an iconic twentieth century ruin, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Peter%27s_Seminary,_Cardross" target="_blank">St Peter's Seminary at Cardross</a>.<br />
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For a long time when, we drove through the area I would scour the countryside for a hint of its whereabouts. Then two things came to my aid. First, the news that <a href="http://nva.org.uk/artworks/" target="_blank">the NVA organisation</a> was planning an event there, and the SatNav installed in our new car.<br />
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Armed with this extra information I persuaded MrS to try and find it. <br />
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Our first attempt was thwarted by fairly serious "Keep Out" signs at the road end. Undaunted we headed back into the town and approached from a different angle.<br />
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This time we were successful and found the remains deep in the woods.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JDVJXPr9qGZx0oyPVB05YfpSbDHNNuWXAy7Yg2N7Zs3XsV03NhHcLKYOFw-HH0DbBkHmfhyphenhyphenxGJKwAcetO9PmHAzFdaPBj-lR99_2CD_rkxHOFLo3whhmcw1gqqgM8Gm658v4ZD69A-8i/s1600/st+peters+through+fnece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JDVJXPr9qGZx0oyPVB05YfpSbDHNNuWXAy7Yg2N7Zs3XsV03NhHcLKYOFw-HH0DbBkHmfhyphenhyphenxGJKwAcetO9PmHAzFdaPBj-lR99_2CD_rkxHOFLo3whhmcw1gqqgM8Gm658v4ZD69A-8i/s320/st+peters+through+fnece.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now MrS is fairly law abiding and I am a bit of a wimp really (and was wearing unsuitable footwear) so we took notice of all the "danger unsafe building" signs and just peered in through the security fence.<br />
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It was still quite thrilling. And sad. This huge modern masterpiece decaying among the trees.<br />
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This week we got to return for <a href="http://nva.org.uk/artwork/hinterland/" target="_blank">Hinterland</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZYPZqZjT3q6GSWp6kls-NmRBrn1_hRpZLCfPVxrdablXhYxJuLHBdDSu_bIA4k6SpYA5j3fLZSLB663fOb1eI5ZUshHD5Cu1FljR82BquIfVarsHDwuxRX3FYbEfHDwq3Z7droiHQDH8/s1600/a+little+light+left+cardross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZYPZqZjT3q6GSWp6kls-NmRBrn1_hRpZLCfPVxrdablXhYxJuLHBdDSu_bIA4k6SpYA5j3fLZSLB663fOb1eI5ZUshHD5Cu1FljR82BquIfVarsHDwuxRX3FYbEfHDwq3Z7droiHQDH8/s320/a+little+light+left+cardross.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last light as we waited to enter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTx8rLQQuYKTfawaRMBMMLGPAqRQuYdLYNqcUuR8rn-L3PMIliz6_Ae-o7f-S9wQ07NtciaNDtpx2q_Q7m66Nyuzag2rBFMS-kskewvMGPQl5bE1MdfmKQBI6VODXHKgAb6JzRbi_pqi2/s1600/crowds+cardross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTx8rLQQuYKTfawaRMBMMLGPAqRQuYdLYNqcUuR8rn-L3PMIliz6_Ae-o7f-S9wQ07NtciaNDtpx2q_Q7m66Nyuzag2rBFMS-kskewvMGPQl5bE1MdfmKQBI6VODXHKgAb6JzRbi_pqi2/s320/crowds+cardross.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">queuing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UATfdexJ_GXhoa9IPlol2hGd37ACx1agNrXNhleK6CVhjlAGDypz5Ss5zxCqUyxImHMzcchqY9KtTqWl3GJHJ3_Kb8czyru_NCfDt6fzF4pvakK7wAAdCjQ1xb3Fdkw6twKk8H5YaS8V/s1600/boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UATfdexJ_GXhoa9IPlol2hGd37ACx1agNrXNhleK6CVhjlAGDypz5Ss5zxCqUyxImHMzcchqY9KtTqWl3GJHJ3_Kb8czyru_NCfDt6fzF4pvakK7wAAdCjQ1xb3Fdkw6twKk8H5YaS8V/s320/boots.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">light to guide our path</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XTKQRMFMHvLmRDuuGs9W8gVSoOtDV3UkiW7TPfcf9TFnY_H7oa6uWugMxej-e0M3tRgzErX2h0HKhzPrVm-szS2QVDI3DzoedIUD6GW1a2eWfKOVZNRfPuj6-0E1yETkUhtgjDKPUGgs/s1600/first+glimpse+cardross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XTKQRMFMHvLmRDuuGs9W8gVSoOtDV3UkiW7TPfcf9TFnY_H7oa6uWugMxej-e0M3tRgzErX2h0HKhzPrVm-szS2QVDI3DzoedIUD6GW1a2eWfKOVZNRfPuj6-0E1yETkUhtgjDKPUGgs/s320/first+glimpse+cardross.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first glimpse</td></tr>
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It was beautiful. Haunting. Music and light. And darkness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBXbRfeXNSFQy-PsAvt3OzVCH5bB2dPM8BX1FSl-YwK3cBftaNv_B3zQPHUP4hi78QMhDb6S9srO41V_kxKUmO_pXm03X1n1-ntLcYczD4ZK9JF2gIMnFFp8bZ0HU6hctFmBVD9lARFGC/s1600/redlights+cardross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBXbRfeXNSFQy-PsAvt3OzVCH5bB2dPM8BX1FSl-YwK3cBftaNv_B3zQPHUP4hi78QMhDb6S9srO41V_kxKUmO_pXm03X1n1-ntLcYczD4ZK9JF2gIMnFFp8bZ0HU6hctFmBVD9lARFGC/s320/redlights+cardross.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking back</td></tr>
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I can't do it justice here; and it ends tomorrow and is sold out, so you can only visit the website. But it's not the ending for St Peter's, NVA have plans for future development.<br />
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So this great building can rise again.<br />
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Marina x<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-61666375264254273662016-02-20T11:36:00.000-08:002016-02-20T11:36:01.896-08:00and looks back, not through the looking glassI got a jolt recently. Channel 4 is trailing the Rio Paralympics. Olympics time? Already? How can that be? Surely it's no time at all since <a href="http://www.olympic.org/london-2012-summer-olympics" target="_blank">London 2012</a>?<br />
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It seems like yesterday.<br />
It seems a lifetime away.<br />
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The summer of 2012.<br />
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My first blog.<br />
My first tweet.<br />
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A latecomer to social media, (I only joined Facebook last year) my first blog was private, a way to share my holiday with family and a very limited number of friends. And I had a brand new shiny iPad, an early birthday present, to write it on; my old laptop was too heavy to take away with me.<br />
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The Olympics are important to the story because they seem to epitomise a time of innocence. Is that silly? Everyone was happy; there was that amazing opening ceremony, so many wonderful performances, so many happy tears.<br />
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The fairy dust even seemed to follow me across the world, there was a welcoming party when we arrived in Brisbane. Ah no, that would be for Queensland's returning heroine <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Pearson" target="_blank">Sally Pearson</a> who came in on the same flight.<br />
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We had a lovely holiday and saw some amazing sights.<br />
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And then?<br />
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Well in the Autumn, prompted by the imminent arrival of......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZPB7Z1ROpt0aaMqvI8iGFi9Swx2btKa2GWB-Q_nmw4Ihic8-AnZsozNpmJGAP5TgoK1Njs7s2u0l-UnbEsnebyaYKo4hQv2xNYB2bfaWonA1xTZ3Ngs3I29aQbSNs9Fd6Io1pS21ll2t/s1600/tiny+puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZPB7Z1ROpt0aaMqvI8iGFi9Swx2btKa2GWB-Q_nmw4Ihic8-AnZsozNpmJGAP5TgoK1Njs7s2u0l-UnbEsnebyaYKo4hQv2xNYB2bfaWonA1xTZ3Ngs3I29aQbSNs9Fd6Io1pS21ll2t/s320/tiny+puppy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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DogStarke aka <a href="https://twitter.com/southfieldchat" target="_blank">@southfieldchat</a><br />
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.........I started this public blog.<br />
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But something else had changed. Sometime between the euphoria of the Olympics and the end of my holiday, my mother had got sick. By Spring, she was gone.<br />
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The end if not of innocence but of being a child. Not completely because my father is still here, but the death of a parent shifts the generational perspective.<br />
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2015<br />
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2016<br />
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So much has happened.<br />
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MrS retired, DogS arrived,<br />
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we lost our mothers,<br />
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we travelled<br />
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we sold a house, MasterS moved out,<br />
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we sold a flat, we bought a house, we rented a flat,<br />
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I had a landmark birthday, I resigned from my job,<br />
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we made a permanent move.<br />
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And so to the present. We have a new home, a new business, we are making new friends. I spend a fair bit of time using social media. I've taken up new things - yoga, and revisited some for the for time in thirty years - drama. I still have that iPad but write mostly on my Macbook. In May we'll vote for our next Scottish Government, in June on our future in Europe. August will bring the XXXI Olympiad, or Rio 2016.<br />
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73 blog posts<br />
6,204 tweets <br />
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Not quite Spring 2016<br />
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It seems a lifetime away<br />
It seems like yesterday<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPFxuDzGq4M0wilJ-s6bOvVWOvsm6SybSeHJElUGL_RJmhVrzCFtxp9onzP5UQnPqVkJWJvQlAsaUcgg3wlLz2yOW3oZz6Dgy0yz74t98nZvX6cwbHgeEw5fNdPsWtvulf_dIfSrxBL9f/s1600/footprintfour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPFxuDzGq4M0wilJ-s6bOvVWOvsm6SybSeHJElUGL_RJmhVrzCFtxp9onzP5UQnPqVkJWJvQlAsaUcgg3wlLz2yOW3oZz6Dgy0yz74t98nZvX6cwbHgeEw5fNdPsWtvulf_dIfSrxBL9f/s320/footprintfour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Still travelling<br />
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Marina X<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-84040676729093320512016-02-13T09:38:00.000-08:002016-02-13T13:04:56.706-08:00and adds a postscript...... I didn't just visit the <a href="http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/kelvingrove/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kelvingrove Museum (and art gallery)</a> when I was down in Glasgow this week, I made a trip to the <a href="http://www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/collections/permanentdisplays/hunterianartgallery/" target="_blank">Hunterian Art gallery and the Mackintosh house</a> too. Mind you I almost didn't make it. The leaflet advertising <a href="http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/Pages/home.aspx" target="_blank">Glasgow's museums</a> didn't make it clear enough (to me at least), that the Hunterian has two sections, the museum and the art gallery and that they are in two different buildings. I found my way to the museum easily enough. It's in an impressive building and I made my way up.....<br />
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....and found myself in a distinctly scientific space. OK, there was also a good Antonine Wall exhibition, which is (contrary to what I thought at the time and reported elsewhere*) on permanent display. I'd quite like to have a longer look at it one day but it wasn't what I'd gone in search of. Neither were the cases of anatomical specimens, I've seen too many of these. I trudged around getting despondent and left the building.<br />
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And then I saw the sign. Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh house. Yes! Happiness restored. They are across the road, and a little bit obscured by pavement works at the moment. My spirits drooped again when I found out that entry to the Mackintosh house was a by guided tour only. But as it was due to start I was persuaded to go along.<br />
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I was so glad I did. The house is a little gem. It's a reconstruction of the Mackintoshes' home just along the street, on what was once Florentine Terrace. The original house, which had been bought by the university of Glasgow, was demolished in 1963. Luckily all the Mackintosh features had been removed and saved.<br />
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I haven't any photos, it's not allowed but you can see images <a href="http://www.mackintosh-architecture.gla.ac.uk/catalogue/freetext/display/?rs=5&xml=img&q=florentine%20terrace" target="_blank">here</a>. I was lucky enough to visit on a sunny afternoon, experiencing the light effects Mackintosh loved and really appreciating the "house as a flower" concept; growing up from the dark lower rooms to the light filled upper floors, the bedrooms aligned to the rising sun. It's a short tour but very well worth it. Go if you get a chance.<br />
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After my tour I took a quick look around the gallery but decided I need to return and give it my full attention another day.<br />
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And since I was in the city I took myself off for a quick look around the shops.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzJApcmgnlWwU6CcrEQxPqpG4gJfS1h_fRbQFC6D8AW7yNq7s4d_NkqNoWx2smU4ijJZFXxMsTzmoCzXQ5nBe5N3JbAaucZGC909qTxEd-DbC7iHY3DvhsBtpSsoI0emOtA9XQ8wqQCj1/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzJApcmgnlWwU6CcrEQxPqpG4gJfS1h_fRbQFC6D8AW7yNq7s4d_NkqNoWx2smU4ijJZFXxMsTzmoCzXQ5nBe5N3JbAaucZGC909qTxEd-DbC7iHY3DvhsBtpSsoI0emOtA9XQ8wqQCj1/s320/shopping.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and maybe bought a little something</td></tr>
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Marina x<br />
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* I'm a regular contributor to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186501-d212170-Reviews-Oban_Distillery-Oban_Argyll_and_Bute_Scotland.html" target="_blank">Trip Advisor</a><br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-72830215060238673982016-02-11T10:55:00.001-08:002016-02-12T09:47:44.854-08:00and had fun in the city Last week I tried to get creative with textiles, this week I enjoyed others' beautiful creations. I took the early(ish) train down to Glasgow to catch the <a href="http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/news/pages/century-of-style.aspx" target="_blank">"A Century of Style"</a> exhibition at the <a href="http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/kelvingrove/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kelvingrove Museum</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69sSympeb1NUmneGqo6tTX8ut78Q2kVzA7dDMqBHLGMNIZa07N4Azg3KxqK9COnPWxXKHdSP_NVpLkyXzLLg0d1dy7SvPsyBnHnkpux0iLjbDDIhtZfjjCGJra-Gn0i4O41XFJK7L3slp/s1600/exhibiiton+name.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69sSympeb1NUmneGqo6tTX8ut78Q2kVzA7dDMqBHLGMNIZa07N4Azg3KxqK9COnPWxXKHdSP_NVpLkyXzLLg0d1dy7SvPsyBnHnkpux0iLjbDDIhtZfjjCGJra-Gn0i4O41XFJK7L3slp/s320/exhibiiton+name.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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You'll have to rush if you want to see it as it closes on Sunday, but you can download the <a href="http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/kelvingrove/digital/Pages/A-Century-of-Style-App.aspx" target="_blank">app</a> and enjoy it at home. I would recommend a visit if you can because even though you can't touch the clothes you can get close and enjoy the details. The exhibition explores 19th Century fashion through colour. Starting off with the drabs and greys often associated with the time, because of our experience of viewing through sepia glasses, it then transports visitors through the rainbow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-c-k2JRm9R55GqLrVNU3ytJm9pj-xOPkcQ-Xcub4NBg5XWrzkg9TFFnpriKDdkKCnAagtTiBq03FMfrOIbIOM6WTx206BFh-XkTjsZf9CIkkgSB3PiLi5C1nSmzCOPgBtXyz2iJDIUeM/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-c-k2JRm9R55GqLrVNU3ytJm9pj-xOPkcQ-Xcub4NBg5XWrzkg9TFFnpriKDdkKCnAagtTiBq03FMfrOIbIOM6WTx206BFh-XkTjsZf9CIkkgSB3PiLi5C1nSmzCOPgBtXyz2iJDIUeM/s320/blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLME8_NS-jbVzcenYh48HD2xvOj4GBO5eufVzCkQFscQfWYvHIFFPi-UQonW1NvISlE4ylbhUSC38TQqt-NhqSSAhDaWjKn08VnHb5J33nUX-4m23b8Nz86pvnKW9xdnfNfr7LdmVumUa1/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLME8_NS-jbVzcenYh48HD2xvOj4GBO5eufVzCkQFscQfWYvHIFFPi-UQonW1NvISlE4ylbhUSC38TQqt-NhqSSAhDaWjKn08VnHb5J33nUX-4m23b8Nz86pvnKW9xdnfNfr7LdmVumUa1/s320/red.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and red</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6urzLH3E9pAVMSGxXUYHBdWadVSahatXzu67th9qqH5si3t2rp4bDkJmTKRFqwMMkuy4u2nr3BphQG0OzcTfwIRHmPmJrIwbqkFUbl_8kC3LXQo58O8OYs38ixlBWJHpml4JDexER4IF/s1600/purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6urzLH3E9pAVMSGxXUYHBdWadVSahatXzu67th9qqH5si3t2rp4bDkJmTKRFqwMMkuy4u2nr3BphQG0OzcTfwIRHmPmJrIwbqkFUbl_8kC3LXQo58O8OYs38ixlBWJHpml4JDexER4IF/s320/purple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">make purple</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVJpRqcGORMatR8QBa36b_V4y5IZX4_YpPeTUFw_rChpf-4J_6POBB0igSVS1Da3lJRrknpXPEwWN-GGQ7n6fiyk-wzv9DNhxyjlZSWiW4_w86YSkR-7YXujq8aOjRJ8HevgGXy_q5uom/s1600/ikat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVJpRqcGORMatR8QBa36b_V4y5IZX4_YpPeTUFw_rChpf-4J_6POBB0igSVS1Da3lJRrknpXPEwWN-GGQ7n6fiyk-wzv9DNhxyjlZSWiW4_w86YSkR-7YXujq8aOjRJ8HevgGXy_q5uom/s320/ikat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ikat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkGp1hPyTriahyphenhyphenv3SFpyb3y6n7VJlhhXRgvbi-f9pcoO4_xauPvuZQnZ-QdsnkJ2E6igiP-JuVl6pb3S88cxV9L2ZVq1v_CcxSsyex7pjRLWkd7bDy5kE-xNy1e0Q74X0k7L9yawRqKE-/s1600/paisley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkGp1hPyTriahyphenhyphenv3SFpyb3y6n7VJlhhXRgvbi-f9pcoO4_xauPvuZQnZ-QdsnkJ2E6igiP-JuVl6pb3S88cxV9L2ZVq1v_CcxSsyex7pjRLWkd7bDy5kE-xNy1e0Q74X0k7L9yawRqKE-/s320/paisley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and Paisley weaves</td></tr>
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There are interesting snippets of social history and science, though as almost always, the clothes are those of the middle and upper classes, the clothes of workers and the poor rarely survive; rare exceptions can be found at <a href="http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Moirlanich-Longhouse/" target="_blank">the NTS Moirlanich Longhouse</a>.<br />
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Before my visit I popped into the friendly <a href="http://saltdeli.co.uk/" target="_blank">Salt deli on Byres Road</a> and fuelled myself with a delicious brisket sandwich washed down with rhubarb and rooibos tea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90NkVggQ8q5EpyUUvH9bC1eYybMyLqQ6mluqBE3npzTb5ulCfTaTtnyn1W05o1UlsV03WpbmBBEhW3H3pDOH5_111CyoFIYr1JtQ-OIqvRKATCs0FtOLjXIKLCVEfoWbaIAmJASpzTHqz/s1600/salt+menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90NkVggQ8q5EpyUUvH9bC1eYybMyLqQ6mluqBE3npzTb5ulCfTaTtnyn1W05o1UlsV03WpbmBBEhW3H3pDOH5_111CyoFIYr1JtQ-OIqvRKATCs0FtOLjXIKLCVEfoWbaIAmJASpzTHqz/s320/salt+menu.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmm, what shall I have?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlctVLcMxiMH2OrFS0oe04FiDoBc-eZbVBjtkoyqXEKfRlfmE44qJ5WnAO4N-yJXWNvvUhxgYQ8p80Wqm3PByrK0HEo8p120CXu_6MkEVjdYHQheaqSdNcCOReTQ-vSNno-5K7rdYqu9sf/s1600/book+and+daffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlctVLcMxiMH2OrFS0oe04FiDoBc-eZbVBjtkoyqXEKfRlfmE44qJ5WnAO4N-yJXWNvvUhxgYQ8p80Wqm3PByrK0HEo8p120CXu_6MkEVjdYHQheaqSdNcCOReTQ-vSNno-5K7rdYqu9sf/s320/book+and+daffs.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get a lot of reading done on the train</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFeJXHm9MLtkq_I9NCiAAEbkdQMSX0ku0Pj3OtAq-R0afqqmrH3IxN6z0YnUDP0yyhaKk7_drz6EJGudYlNOdws6_JaRIsChxuz9Ik2TT-USH5E4pIj2skA_WG_JmWta_eVOHCWa93DUQ/s1600/sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFeJXHm9MLtkq_I9NCiAAEbkdQMSX0ku0Pj3OtAq-R0afqqmrH3IxN6z0YnUDP0yyhaKk7_drz6EJGudYlNOdws6_JaRIsChxuz9Ik2TT-USH5E4pIj2skA_WG_JmWta_eVOHCWa93DUQ/s320/sandwich.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brisket sandwich, scrumptious</td></tr>
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I loved the urban buzz of the West End with its super shops and cafes; it's good to go back from time to time for a "fix".<br />
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But it's also lovely to come home to this<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84GZsCKfQNP-YC0e9fuN0WYNbAgKI34YdSQ-lxvY2SzFxI7DZnm-IFTro0zoEt3Jpv1Y1mlnLx0uRYwT75LR8Vzc4mAoehc747gbpC4qgnneYyRw1ht1MQydP7AB2qRBOOD0wUStdMmww/s1600/view+today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84GZsCKfQNP-YC0e9fuN0WYNbAgKI34YdSQ-lxvY2SzFxI7DZnm-IFTro0zoEt3Jpv1Y1mlnLx0uRYwT75LR8Vzc4mAoehc747gbpC4qgnneYyRw1ht1MQydP7AB2qRBOOD0wUStdMmww/s320/view+today.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not telling</td></tr>
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<b>Marina X</b><br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-46504975480621273992016-02-07T02:33:00.000-08:002016-02-07T02:33:57.096-08:00and tries to get creativeMy corner of Argyll isn't just beautiful and great for outdoor pursuits, there are lots of talented people busy indoors producing high quality arts and crafts. In August very year a number of <a href="http://artmapargyll.co.uk/" target="_blank">studios</a> open to visitors, showcasing their wares. But you don't have to wait until then to enjoy a little creativity yourself, as I found out.<br />
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Shortly after moving here I bought this lovely bowl ......<br />
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.... from the craft fair in our village hall.<br />
It was our first "present" for the new house. So I was excited to go along to the <a href="http://www.hazelmadeit.co.uk/" target="_blank">workshop</a> it came from and have a go at felting myself. It was great fun but like all skills practice makes perfect, and if an activity seems easy it's because the person is very good at it.<br />
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I wanted to make a picture reflecting the colours of the seashore. You can decide for yourself how successful I was....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkgRkPlrQDbApokzxhOpqZdxYTzwn8KM4M6_aGv9UHAXPfmqO7zVWJCr9HZefPBiF95QAHLurjfMNkGDvCO3Y7XQqDDVbM-ALX4MyoWaKQD1tNZhfSq3QMXwhcor8byyAE14y0Olnp4OF/s1600/felt+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkgRkPlrQDbApokzxhOpqZdxYTzwn8KM4M6_aGv9UHAXPfmqO7zVWJCr9HZefPBiF95QAHLurjfMNkGDvCO3Y7XQqDDVbM-ALX4MyoWaKQD1tNZhfSq3QMXwhcor8byyAE14y0Olnp4OF/s320/felt+picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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I particularly admired this scarf made by another participant..<br />
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I made another smaller piece which I'm going to make into a lavender bag..<br />
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Felting turned out to be a surprisingly physical activity, you stand up so good for those fitness apps, the rubbing which binds the fibres into felt is a good work out for your arms; and then there's the "throw down" great for releasing tensions. Add in lunch and <a href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/ardfern/ardfern/" target="_blank">beautiful surroundings</a> and it's the perfect activity for a get together with friends; there are plenty of places to stay <a href="http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/ardfern-p235741" target="_blank">nearby</a> if you want to make weekend of it. You can even indulge in some retail therapy and snap up one of Hazel's hats or bowls.<br />
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<b>Marina x</b><br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-51684353462111740742016-01-16T10:10:00.000-08:002016-01-16T10:10:04.576-08:00and realises it's been too long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gosh! I haven't posted anything here since well before Christmas. Not that the world will stop turning but I like to keep busy and it's quite good self discipline to post regularly. So what's been happening and where have we been?<br />
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Well we spent a lovely Christmas in Wales with GlamourPuss and the Prof. On our way south we had a two night stopover at the lovely <a href="http://www.white-swan.co.uk/" target="_blank">White Swan, Pickering</a>, North Yorkshire. This is a great addition to our list of dog friendly hotels. The dog friendly accommodations are the hideaway rooms in the courtyard. These are <u>not </u>the second class abodes sometimes forced on dog owners, they are large, cosy and luxurious. And you're not confined to your room either, dogs are welcome, and a real warm welcome it is too, in the bars (where you can eat off the restaurant menu) and the sumptuous residents only bothy, which is about as far from a mountain bothy as you can get. Unless you know of a mountain bothy with soft sofas, an open fire, magazines, free hot beverages and an honesty bar??? The food is good too and Pickering seems to be well supplied with nice little eateries if you want to venture out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">candlelit dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">relax by the fire</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pig in a jar</td></tr>
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Pickering is a pretty little town with some interesting shops, a <a href="http://www.nymr.co.uk/" target="_blank">heritage railway</a> , castle and stand out medieval frescoes in the church <a href="https://pickeringchurch.com/visit/st-peter-and-st-paul-pickering/wall-paintings/" target="_blank">of St Peter and St Paul</a> which is tucked away up a vennel behind the pet shop (also recommended). The surrounding area has plenty to offer too and hopefully will soon recover from the terrible floods.* After exploring the town we headed to Filey to stretch our legs on the beach; the tide had other ideas though so we kept to the prom. Dogstarke did manage a little dip and met lots of nice dogs, including five other BTs (and was nice to them) so it was a good day for her too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">church of St Peter and St Paul, Pickering</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHrkU7wHVYL9DeyLrmNHtRGzHpwiXurAjy1Uhp70aD2QGRCh3JlPo1_TPHe7j_IMrXPnydEIs7QfL1d1J7KnWDCHtXbqelTqO5aJLRKQqyeRGcAmIyo3xvX9plcwcK4Y0HFwudC1cdG5E/s1600/on+filey+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHrkU7wHVYL9DeyLrmNHtRGzHpwiXurAjy1Uhp70aD2QGRCh3JlPo1_TPHe7j_IMrXPnydEIs7QfL1d1J7KnWDCHtXbqelTqO5aJLRKQqyeRGcAmIyo3xvX9plcwcK4Y0HFwudC1cdG5E/s320/on+filey+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoying the sea</td></tr>
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Christmas Eve saw us loading up the sleigh and heading to Wales where we mostly cocooned and enjoyed the splendid hospitality of the aforementioned Glamour'n'Prof. But we did sneak in a couple of visits to our old favourite <a href="http://www.angelabergavenny.com/" target="_blank">The Angel</a>, I loved the apres ski bar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuexZ-CcJ07KzB2eOEMJtp3AsThMKiahNhGcuHlvPh1aXtH1af273sDzHCkhQJ9bikHWTHZOwVVwmQRoIAlvq9-W4vST31JabTOJjGtkmSApdPBHyInrtNsq_cg1doonti3lANO_ZqcYjG/s1600/Rudi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuexZ-CcJ07KzB2eOEMJtp3AsThMKiahNhGcuHlvPh1aXtH1af273sDzHCkhQJ9bikHWTHZOwVVwmQRoIAlvq9-W4vST31JabTOJjGtkmSApdPBHyInrtNsq_cg1doonti3lANO_ZqcYjG/s320/Rudi.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudi taking a break from the sleigh </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VTpRwPEHO7vTa9V-b_Fgj5iYrgp8BIy1rIgoo6wZ1cTKwWqQTKmUPA-LCav79p4vNSG5Al17y3OK61KuUh3n-OUFFZ9ebI8PDEFHV6N4J99duwkBvZxRWy0_XRQ9J_EupV11fGF82Ek4/s1600/with+Rudi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VTpRwPEHO7vTa9V-b_Fgj5iYrgp8BIy1rIgoo6wZ1cTKwWqQTKmUPA-LCav79p4vNSG5Al17y3OK61KuUh3n-OUFFZ9ebI8PDEFHV6N4J99duwkBvZxRWy0_XRQ9J_EupV11fGF82Ek4/s320/with+Rudi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it has to be said, she was less than thrilled.......</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq0zVhezXpsCbIz44QPfd0J_-THjFYGoh3ICCVPBxIYk_bkJAAAOeVxa22CSWrpW3yIHH8Ql16QcFa8OcnBMVSKdCKwJH5qf9IdoOXOKMECpiDTI79oknB6Ub_EHJrymCJHJxo_s8BZEw/s1600/annatreebauble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq0zVhezXpsCbIz44QPfd0J_-THjFYGoh3ICCVPBxIYk_bkJAAAOeVxa22CSWrpW3yIHH8Ql16QcFa8OcnBMVSKdCKwJH5qf9IdoOXOKMECpiDTI79oknB6Ub_EHJrymCJHJxo_s8BZEw/s320/annatreebauble.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just one of Glamour's trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgURwusLu6vbxR8BUBIiyKgmK3hT3QvANEHsTc7VJmLYlf8etmHUnjlbmd1TcV2LpCj1Jcb1kPa1xk1voiW-yLrVKuXb-hnrNag-FRb_hXMLNCDUqiDeQIvRrT8GAkFHbprQjLCl3Mb0aX/s1600/elfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgURwusLu6vbxR8BUBIiyKgmK3hT3QvANEHsTc7VJmLYlf8etmHUnjlbmd1TcV2LpCj1Jcb1kPa1xk1voiW-yLrVKuXb-hnrNag-FRb_hXMLNCDUqiDeQIvRrT8GAkFHbprQjLCl3Mb0aX/s320/elfie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the selfie shack</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPPxXN4sfOGkFTqRYURKe9fOwJqywUXZTRQF4WojCaBo7JMSYKiA9YTNkxdhjFokim_uWIj1DiyhmS3rHJ3-UzHfqgtT2aY1mHIgCMS4k7NEc9FpzLhVRsEbghgK5Cm-oTEFS3cnu1KZX/s1600/phone+and+wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPPxXN4sfOGkFTqRYURKe9fOwJqywUXZTRQF4WojCaBo7JMSYKiA9YTNkxdhjFokim_uWIj1DiyhmS3rHJ3-UzHfqgtT2aY1mHIgCMS4k7NEc9FpzLhVRsEbghgK5Cm-oTEFS3cnu1KZX/s320/phone+and+wine.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that might not be coffee.......</td></tr>
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We headed back north for the New Year and after a brief stop off with the MacStarkes, were home to toast 2016 at <a href="http://www.tigh-an-truish.co.uk/" target="_blank">our local</a> with a dram and some dancing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGUehFVePlyp6zUBE1YrIoUGahJQQJqbzjHM4StLi8AXi9N3bUVvVL9DBW0s4VKWx7x2gVwbfhvtwSUw9bbJQWm75KBDNupvwdSfR4Gp6qMSDZqZ0b-vierojaTH4hhc_bo4AjtkBHRk5/s1600/dram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGUehFVePlyp6zUBE1YrIoUGahJQQJqbzjHM4StLi8AXi9N3bUVvVL9DBW0s4VKWx7x2gVwbfhvtwSUw9bbJQWm75KBDNupvwdSfR4Gp6qMSDZqZ0b-vierojaTH4hhc_bo4AjtkBHRk5/s320/dram.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a dram similar to the one taken</td></tr>
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A belated Happy New Year!<br />
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Marina x<br />
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*Pickering avoided the floods<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-74921521250568251142015-12-01T07:19:00.000-08:002015-12-01T07:19:29.643-08:00and enjoys being a tourist at homePapaStarke came to stay for a few days recently so I had the chance to be a tourist at home again. His first full day promised the best weather so we planned a small expedition.<br />
We wrapped up well and set off for the ferry from Cuan to Luing. Dad's not too good on boats but this was ok as it's just a few minutes across the sound, although it is a pretty fast flowing channel.<br />
Safely across, our destination was Cullipool and the <a href="http://www.atlanticislandscentre.com/" target="_blank">Atlantic Islands Centre</a> where we could enjoy a spot of lunch. I think an expedition without food is like..........Something that is no fun at all!<br />
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I've done the trip before, the first time along the coast and it appeared in <a href="http://sheilingchat.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/phew-i-need-lie-down.html" target="_blank">DogStarke's blog</a> back in June, and on another occasion MrS., DogS and I took the path over the hill crossing the highest point on Luing, but that was pretty muddy even after a dry spell, so Dad and I kept to the road. It's still a nice walk with lovely views across Torsa to Loch Melfort and plenty of sniffs for DogS. We passed the drinking cup but decided to hold out for something a bit more warming from the cafe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMhTQYEGLaJqkQTA-Gogb5xtOIs1cPrT24vXzMhbz7jLn0YrzZUf52PCkpaZgJ4GX7Q37UUskjVx7YQyKnufGlCkMyxYAf8GSMAaY6X442d8QRaYM7x6WDE_FmFyddmiRDj8l137W4mXw/s1600/drinking+cup+luing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMhTQYEGLaJqkQTA-Gogb5xtOIs1cPrT24vXzMhbz7jLn0YrzZUf52PCkpaZgJ4GX7Q37UUskjVx7YQyKnufGlCkMyxYAf8GSMAaY6X442d8QRaYM7x6WDE_FmFyddmiRDj8l137W4mXw/s320/drinking+cup+luing.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">to quench your thirst on dryer days!</td></tr>
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At Cullipool Dad tried his hand at some stone skimming while I distracted DogStarke, though she still managed to swim out after some of Dad's skims! Then after all that activity it was time for a spot of lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PQp8eNKzMFJfsJX6ugEOFKT_0y6B4sf2aJIwLPG-lU2vserO355mlZplDKltfQOF1b2nhhmD0xyzPeePX0xH1nj7rwkNI-P1Itlo-nG95x78I4WOIWO9PWJrzalhu8ZfNgAqTb677Vq5/s1600/IMG_4412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PQp8eNKzMFJfsJX6ugEOFKT_0y6B4sf2aJIwLPG-lU2vserO355mlZplDKltfQOF1b2nhhmD0xyzPeePX0xH1nj7rwkNI-P1Itlo-nG95x78I4WOIWO9PWJrzalhu8ZfNgAqTb677Vq5/s320/IMG_4412.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luing scallops with black pudding</td></tr>
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We walked back at a faster pace because the rain had come on, with Dad thinking the earth's axis had tilted because ".....surely it was mostly uphill on the way?".<br />
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The next day didn't even pretend to dryness so we had to look for an inside activity and Dad decided on a visit to <a href="http://www.discovering-distilleries.com/oban/" target="_blank">Oban Distillery</a> . We had a lovely lunch first at <a href="http://waterfrontfishouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Waterfront Fishhouse</a> then walked along to the Distillery, tucked in on Stafford street. What a good choice Dad had made, I've been on other tours but thought that this one was just right, not too long, informative, entertaining and you get generous samples and a tasting glass to take away.<br />
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Next day we were joined by MasterS and GGGF so we celebrated with a meal out at another one of Oban's great restaurants <a href="http://www.piazzaoban.com/" target="_blank">Piazza</a> at the North Pier, it shares a site with another lovely fish restaurant <a href="http://www.eeusk.com/menus/lunch-menu/" target="_blank">Ee-usk</a> but we all fancied some Italian comfort food on a wild night. We had a great time catching up and all pitched in to help Dad with his pud!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gt0K92s0wUOFKv8ku3gbWLbSZGAi032rihAEOr5d0ALtaMnQYnJqsgkEWTupN1UhjZ5K6fVlzv9vBab3bdxebL3sQrNTtaZwniJoxOrdiP5m-Hk_U86Vm6rPC-QPNhUUyNeldSdA7bkE/s1600/IMG_4413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gt0K92s0wUOFKv8ku3gbWLbSZGAi032rihAEOr5d0ALtaMnQYnJqsgkEWTupN1UhjZ5K6fVlzv9vBab3bdxebL3sQrNTtaZwniJoxOrdiP5m-Hk_U86Vm6rPC-QPNhUUyNeldSdA7bkE/s320/IMG_4413.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrumptious! And enormous</td></tr>
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The weekend heralded the start of <a href="http://obanwinterfestival.com/" target="_blank">Oban's Winter Festival</a> and on Saturday we explored the markets, bought lots of candles, enjoyed scallop kebabs, a first for MasterS and watched the reindeer parade and Christmas light switch on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7JIdDAwlpcAwVEfBFQ0OtJ7QseMli2Grcbt4ir73HSPXwLbiEhp5PrN7yt7bfZzywkuLK4RVmB744A-w5l77NQgTesmUGJEtoY4cW9ytzuYNN7eZEnmVTtuBL00HrBQ6NSJk4YlDk9fM/s1600/P1030663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7JIdDAwlpcAwVEfBFQ0OtJ7QseMli2Grcbt4ir73HSPXwLbiEhp5PrN7yt7bfZzywkuLK4RVmB744A-w5l77NQgTesmUGJEtoY4cW9ytzuYNN7eZEnmVTtuBL00HrBQ6NSJk4YlDk9fM/s320/P1030663.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waiting for Santa</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Then back home for a celebratory meal and the first exchange of presents, I hope MasterS enjoys his Advent hamper.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8olSkDoQ026mUcyBeUzhoqoGDJ4h0sTRzsIS95dUnUz-Ty6rBk_KsEnktGdjCWQbtImtbveEP-8SKZ41OrzgMlor7O1lWt7Q6659MDMPwDJax_0PEO8jTwlR1zU3FQzppFlW5bBopAeX/s1600/advent+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8olSkDoQ026mUcyBeUzhoqoGDJ4h0sTRzsIS95dUnUz-Ty6rBk_KsEnktGdjCWQbtImtbveEP-8SKZ41OrzgMlor7O1lWt7Q6659MDMPwDJax_0PEO8jTwlR1zU3FQzppFlW5bBopAeX/s1600/advent+calendar.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just a regular calendar for me</td></tr>
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Best wishes for the holiday season<br />
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Marina x<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-5814778834700038852015-11-15T12:03:00.002-08:002015-11-15T12:03:57.122-08:00and sneaks a night away with friends Six months. It's really been six months since the move. Time then for a catch up with old friends from work. We met up somewhere which is actually fairly in the centre of mainland Scotland, though far from the "Central Belt", so we all had an equal distance to travel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN2fp6BXKJpZwQqSsjYLNNucWy0Bu06OBo1FZrbXZUaMrTlcd175D9BmbzPlCGY7-py31F1ppAqIZIZF4obIOcfo9BtF9TeRH8l5ZcF08bI4P5eDXPI2VaMwF1HtH1dxOLgrkYv0rCny9/s1600/old+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN2fp6BXKJpZwQqSsjYLNNucWy0Bu06OBo1FZrbXZUaMrTlcd175D9BmbzPlCGY7-py31F1ppAqIZIZF4obIOcfo9BtF9TeRH8l5ZcF08bI4P5eDXPI2VaMwF1HtH1dxOLgrkYv0rCny9/s200/old+map.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinloch Rannoch is in the middle- honest</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy95sOAJ9kClISVRhaLv8EQpP4EbZHpZpYWkJn6oZwacoI-JQaxUZ1Rc4AD9-6h69mJ39MjGhN5K6UkEW9x-2tkCG1aJGvtfAZfm2x6UOhrT529reY5rzOMRX4BhldIOZnPP-InciH1EjF/s1600/detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy95sOAJ9kClISVRhaLv8EQpP4EbZHpZpYWkJn6oZwacoI-JQaxUZ1Rc4AD9-6h69mJ39MjGhN5K6UkEW9x-2tkCG1aJGvtfAZfm2x6UOhrT529reY5rzOMRX4BhldIOZnPP-InciH1EjF/s400/detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We got a good deal at <a href="http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-loch-rannoch-hotel/" target="_blank">the Macdonald Loch Rannoch Hotel</a> at Kinloch Rannoch in the heart of Perthshire. Our trip coincided with the arrival of storm Abigail bringing with her the first snows of winter, though luckily mostly confined to the hills. I'd wondered what the hotel would be like as <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1077016-d277193-Reviews-Macdonald_Loch_Rannoch_Hotel_Resort-Kinloch_Rannoch_Perth_and_Kinross_Scotland.html" target="_blank">Trip Advisor</a> had some mixed reviews, and when I arrived, the notice on the front door warning of reduced winter hours gave my over eager imagination thoughts of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shining_%28novel%29" target="_blank">The Overlook Hotel</a>.<br />
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What a silly! Inside it was warm and bright, and other guests were finishing off their lunch. I was early, the first of our party to arrive, which is not like me, but was welcomed and checked into my room by the very friendly receptionist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1os4T970mPk_qJJVK6qH5C1bmxAKsQCgPRcAsQiS5_r9gV-_w_RwxoKYxlR2uQmk78ZpTLisL3aSyDsHUXv1cG2Ujm5fXvo0ybt-m-rdfPU_oMnoGOYYU00FPEpdjy1Q9UfSKkqb5hETg/s1600/P1030637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1os4T970mPk_qJJVK6qH5C1bmxAKsQCgPRcAsQiS5_r9gV-_w_RwxoKYxlR2uQmk78ZpTLisL3aSyDsHUXv1cG2Ujm5fXvo0ybt-m-rdfPU_oMnoGOYYU00FPEpdjy1Q9UfSKkqb5hETg/s320/P1030637.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schiehallion, the view when it's not sleeting</td></tr>
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I'd been allocated a loch view room, in fact we all had, which was lovely even if the glorious view was being temporarily obscure by sleet. We were tempted by the swimming pool but the lure of comfy chairs, tea and chat kept us in the lounge until it was time to change for dinner.<br />
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Duly glammed up we enjoyed some bubbly and made our way to the restaurant. Our deal included a three course dinner, this excluded a couple of menu items unless we paid a supplement but that didn't bother us as there was a good choice and we each chose a different main course. It was good to see that the restaurant was busy, perhaps because of the deal, and the young staff coped very well. We moved back to the lounge after dinner and even though we'd discussed coffee seem to have ordered more drinks. You know, as a night cap to round off a lovely day<br />
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And off to bed.<br />
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I switched on the television to catch the end of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/corporate2/childreninneed" target="_blank">Children in Need</a>. ...............<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs Marina Starke likes Paris</td></tr>
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<b> Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite</b><br />
<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-17269613979306058312015-11-06T08:40:00.000-08:002015-11-06T08:40:36.539-08:00and DogStarke comes too<br />
I received my <a href="http://us12.campaign-archive1.com/?u=44eaf9e405136cc2fdeb66571&id=db6d9022bc&e=55dd5c93b9">Dog Friendly Newsletter</a> the other day, and it raises a good question. What does dog friendly mean? I've often been disappointed when my carefully filtered search throws up a "dog friendly" hotel which restricts dogs to their rooms and then only with their owner present. So not terribly friendly at all. Sometimes we've had to choose this option and popped her in the car at meal times but would usually choose somewhere which allowed DogS to stay with us in the bar area while we ate.<br />
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Not being able to take your dog to a hotel might be seen to be a "luxury worry" but not all trips are for leisure. We had to make one recently. There aren't boarding kennels nearby, MasterS lives in Edinburgh and can't always oblige, and being new to the area we can't call on friends to dog sit. So DogS had to come too. But the hotel has changed its dog policy. Which meant she had to spend the night in her crate in the car. And I spent part of the early morning in the car with her.* You know just in case......<br />
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Luckily we could use the hotel bar and the reason for our trip kept us out most of the day but the change in policy means we are unlikely to return to a place which has a strong pull for MrS. We've heard varying explanations for the change in policy, one citing irresponsible dog owners. So we must all make sure that our dogs behave in the places where they are welcome.<br />
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Many people are confused about the regulations concerning access to pets. Dugs'nPubs have good advice on their site and <a href="https://www.dugswelcome.com/dogfaq_tips_advice/law-dogs-in-food-premises/">this article covers the legal aspect</a>. I don't get back to Edinburgh very often but when I do, tend to plan my visits around dog friendly shops and cafes. There are lots of websites listing dog friendly venues, <a href="https://www.dugswelcome.com/" target="_blank">DugsnPubs</a> is particularly good, but for what it's worth here are my top tips, for Edinburgh and further afield.<br />
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<a href="http://www.whistles.com/">Whistles, Edinburgh branch, George Street</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.oohrubyshoes.com/" target="_blank">Ooh! Ruby shoes, independent shoe store.</a> on Bruntsfield Place.<br />
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<a href="http://uk.spacenk.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-spacenkgb-Site/en_GB/Stores-Find" target="_blank">SpaceNK Edinburgh branch</a> also on George Street<br />
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<a href="http://www.nancyblacks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nancy Blacks, Argyll Square Oban</a> for all your clothing and chandlery needs<br />
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<a href="http://www.hamiltonandinches.com/silver/" target="_blank">Hamilton and Inches</a> fine jewellery and silver on George Street, Edinburgh. (Silversmiths to you know who)<br />
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<a href="http://thebearspaw.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Bear'sPaw, Warmingham, Cheshire</a> friendly pub with good food and rooms.<br />
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<a href="http://www.falko.co.uk/" target="_blank">Falko, Konditormeister</a> scrumptious bakery, Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh and branches in Gullane and Cockenzie (not been to this one)<br />
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<a href="http://www.thetraddock.co.uk/faqs" target="_blank">The Traddock, Austwick, near Settle</a> a lovely place with great food,comfy rooms and a very warm welcome.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rocksaltcafedeli.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rocksalt Cafe/Deli, Leith, Edinburgh</a> great breakfast or lunch spot.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cafetartine.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cafe Tartine</a> great all day dining on Leith's Commercial Quay.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thefinniestonbar.com/" target="_blank">The Finnieston</a> and its sister and neighbour Porter and Rye, fish and steaks and cocktails on Argyle Street, Glasgow.<br />
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<a href="http://thepelicancafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Pelican Cafe</a> further along Argyle street near Kelvingrove museum.<br />
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<a href="http://www.therealfoodcafe.com/" target="_blank">The Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum</a>, When you need a sit down chippy.<br />
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and not forgetting<br />
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<a href="http://www.tigh-an-truish.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Tigh an Truish</a> our friendly local, food at weekends and often music.<br />
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The hotels below only allow dogs in rooms but do genuinely welcome them.<br />
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<a href="http://tiroran.com/" target="_blank">Tiroran House</a>, country house hotel on Mull<br />
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<a href="http://www.townhousecompany.com/blythswoodsquare/" target="_blank">Blythswood Square</a>, smart hotel with spa, Glasgow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.airds-hotel.com/hotel-port-appin-argyll/luxury-dog-friendly-hotel-scotland/" target="_blank">Airds Hotel</a> a Relais et Chateaux hotel in beautiful Port Appin<br />
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Text heavy today. But here's DogStarke enjoying her hols.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFUqSDHQ4T5zZDaX_Nv5qK-GewBXY42HbUp9ZZPTZdvLwS7_bcLpRkBsOlvrOB1A5_1BEXTHlN9qiF7oK17U1KixkWiW99kRzakAolCN6LgaDGAIeGpSn_d22Xzu6BofJIsX_xe3zzTrA/s1600/b+on+th+esand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFUqSDHQ4T5zZDaX_Nv5qK-GewBXY42HbUp9ZZPTZdvLwS7_bcLpRkBsOlvrOB1A5_1BEXTHlN9qiF7oK17U1KixkWiW99kRzakAolCN6LgaDGAIeGpSn_d22Xzu6BofJIsX_xe3zzTrA/s320/b+on+th+esand.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoying Calgary beach on our trip to Mull<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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Happy Travels,<br />
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Marina x<br />
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*it was actually surprisingly comfy<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-69590469757726086222015-10-27T12:32:00.000-07:002015-10-27T12:32:57.345-07:00and enjoyed a celebration <br />
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It was our tenth wedding anniversary last week and we celebrated with a short break on Mull. We've been a few times before but just for the day and it's a pretty big island so there's been a limit to how far we've been able to explore. Our recent run of good weather had broken and we'd had a fairly blusterous night so there was a tiny worry that that the ferry might not run but <a href="https://www.calmac.co.uk/fleet/mv-isle-of-mull" target="_blank">MV Isle of Mull</a> departed on time.<br />
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After breakfast on board we arrived on Mull nice and early with plenty of time for sightseeing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U0SMS0dC0bWGwS4_dCwqH9tH_-A-7YBG95nZjQ1RQl1dIOBBtV137EMPh0wKei7xACupdwCSBo1Xzgu26RcLX-C7GFlFKMN6TMmD7848Q8Utn2uc9mho6EPLAzUSea3hXpIrWz_AxsED/s1600/bacon+roll+mull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U0SMS0dC0bWGwS4_dCwqH9tH_-A-7YBG95nZjQ1RQl1dIOBBtV137EMPh0wKei7xACupdwCSBo1Xzgu26RcLX-C7GFlFKMN6TMmD7848Q8Utn2uc9mho6EPLAzUSea3hXpIrWz_AxsED/s200/bacon+roll+mull.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just what you need to give you sea legs </td></tr>
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Back in the summer I wrote about <a href="http://mrsstarkechat.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/and-resolves-to-check-opening-hours.html" target="_blank">our last trip there</a>, and this time we headed back to Bunessan where <a href="http://www.romhc.org.uk/" target="_blank">the Heritage Centre was open</a>. It's a great wee place, MrS had a long chat with one of the (volunteer) staff and I was really taken with the display telling the stories behind the names on the <a href="http://www.romhc.org.uk/assets/files/RoMHC_Spring_2015.pdf" target="_blank">War Memorial</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc5YdBBFOSVzx_f0rHp7-q9AZLHVfxq0ZgpidshDBUDNe1xPJLkprqqQslPreCzDbGOu5YEuim6YoGUDDZHItKnB4WEnHKNN1_j4LHPJxhsPdK4AFC0gz2pbTy0jmMaaDdv5gBz55iE_d/s1600/heritage+centre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc5YdBBFOSVzx_f0rHp7-q9AZLHVfxq0ZgpidshDBUDNe1xPJLkprqqQslPreCzDbGOu5YEuim6YoGUDDZHItKnB4WEnHKNN1_j4LHPJxhsPdK4AFC0gz2pbTy0jmMaaDdv5gBz55iE_d/s320/heritage+centre.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we were glad to see this sign on the door</td></tr>
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Next stop was just over the hill at <a href="http://www.ardalanish.com/" target="_blank">Ardalanish Weavers</a>. I'd spotted signs to this the last time but we hadn't had time to visit. We were lucky, it was a weaving day and so could see the loom in action, we were glad of the ear defenders though, and that was from just one loom. I can't imagine the din in a huge industrial mill. They produce non woven products too and I treated myself to a cosy new jumper. We also picked up some samples for fabrics for our new rooms. One of them is very appropriately named!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKvOwQs-QUWU51LQPyPlxHQCDdQoTao7EBxbnIaWXR32eo61wG1m4mxfar7OGw_Fwhf6nCj5BJ4JsSvtLEHpZRBZCCcC0jBHfw6RyUXsdQq7az2dvMYFEfX_ys0Co9VoOd2MZ9AcbtFlP/s1600/samples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKvOwQs-QUWU51LQPyPlxHQCDdQoTao7EBxbnIaWXR32eo61wG1m4mxfar7OGw_Fwhf6nCj5BJ4JsSvtLEHpZRBZCCcC0jBHfw6RyUXsdQq7az2dvMYFEfX_ys0Co9VoOd2MZ9AcbtFlP/s1600/samples.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the other one is called Hebridean woad</td></tr>
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My advance planning wasn't a complete success ....We we got hungry and I remembered reading about a fab seafood restaurant at Fionnphort, mmm anticipating prawns or seafood soup off we set.....<br />
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Hmmm. Double fail. Not only does <a href="http://www.ninthwaverestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank">the Ninth Wave</a> only open for dinner and gets booked weeks if not months in advance, it had also closed for the season two weeks earlier. Then there's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Creel-Seafood-Bar-767808459971629/" target="_blank">The Creel Seafood Bar at the Harbour?</a> Closed. Until April. Still we didn't go hungry <a href="http://www.isle-of-mull.net/locations/villages/fionnphort/the-keel-row/" target="_blank">The Keel Row</a> was open and dog friendly too. Mull Cheddar panini and coffee hit the spot.<br />
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After lunch we took leisurely drive around to <a href="http://tiroran.com/rooms/fuschia-room/" target="_blank">the Tiroran House Hotel</a>, our home for the night, followed by good a walk along the shore in front of the hotel. This was probably DogS's favourite part of the trip, the grounds are enclosed so she was able to have good safe run. And a paddle. She was rather less keen on her wash and rub down later......<br />
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After our walk we were greeted with tea and brownies and enjoyed that almost mythic time, warm enough to sit outside, too cold for midges.<br />
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We knew the weather was due to break but luckily didn't have to use Tiroran's umbrella to keep us dry on the short walk to the main house for dinner. Mmm, I was glad we'd been sparing with the brownies. Pigeon, local lamb and burnt sugar tart were just parts of our scrumptious meal.<br />
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We were sad to leave next morning but had plans to explore new bits of the island. And I was already hatching a plan to return next time GlamourPuss and Profski come to stay, taking them too of course!<br />
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Overnight the wind had picked up again and it was fairly fresh on Calgary beach, but our luck was in and the rain held off until we were back in the car.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKc914YGWWD6ItDyVQVx6Y4CWv7BSlUHJ87jPq6OEK9foHXMd0WiYdqU7e8i3KXUNQS3fg-dBXEGCV2ucyxp1d3m2W0pxEDV79jIPiZF6Zv4NGhwbNeMkc_BUdQRgJ6-_hR3whuKNZeUg/s1600/calgary+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKc914YGWWD6ItDyVQVx6Y4CWv7BSlUHJ87jPq6OEK9foHXMd0WiYdqU7e8i3KXUNQS3fg-dBXEGCV2ucyxp1d3m2W0pxEDV79jIPiZF6Zv4NGhwbNeMkc_BUdQRgJ6-_hR3whuKNZeUg/s320/calgary+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calgary beach</td></tr>
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After that there was time for a quick visit to Tobermory for <a href="http://www.mullmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">Mull museum</a> and <a href="http://www.tobermorychocolate.co.uk/" target="_blank">the </a> <a href="http://www.mullsilver.co.uk/" target="_blank">shops</a> before we headed to Craignure for the ferry ride home.<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-38469557663750715432015-10-20T14:07:00.000-07:002015-10-20T14:07:18.389-07:00and enjoys some Autumn sunshineI've been on the other side of the holiday divide recently, we've been busy <a href="http://seilislandbnb.com/" target="_blank">at home</a>. So I'm glad that we've had a bit of an Indian summer because I feel guilty if the weather is bad. I know that's silly, because there are some things beyond control and it's <a href="https://twitter.com/KayMoggie" target="_blank"> Glamour Puss</a> who claims the magical powers, but it's true.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the glorious sunsets we've enjoyed this month</td></tr>
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I think Autumn could be my favourite season, the colours are gorgeous and the low sun casts fabulous shadows. Autumn still feels like the start of the year too, even though it's years since it actually was. And it's a time for celebration; three Starke birthdays, our wedding anniversary and that of <a href="https://twitter.com/southfieldchat" target="_blank">DogStarke</a> joining the family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn flowers</td></tr>
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It's the season for walking, and that's what we've been doing on our days off. When we moved here I bought a great little <a href="http://www.pocketwalks.com/shop/Walks-Oban-North-Argyll" target="_blank">book</a> of walks which we're working our way through.<br />
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We're still on the easier ones, graded C or B, and wouldn't be thinking about moving up a grade until the summer comes; A and A+ are serious hill walks. One walk has become a regular outing, it's close by and has a beach at each end so heaps of fun for DogS; others call for a bit more organisation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">get it right or it's a long walk back</td></tr>
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Of course all this wholesome outdoor activity does tend to work up an appetite....sometimes we take a picnic.....<br />
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but mostly we call in for "a little something". Fast becoming a favourite is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ben-Lora-Cafe-Bookshop-154618611263983/" target="_blank">the Ben Lora cafe and bookshop</a> at Benderloch, we've also enjoyed <a href="http://www.bridgeoforchy.co.uk/" target="_blank">the Bridge of Orchy hotel</a> and the <a href="http://www.atlanticislandscentre.com/caferestaurant/" target="_blank">Atlantic Islands Centre on Luing</a>.<br />
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Because every good walk deserves cake.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the Ben Lora cafe</td></tr>
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And anniversaries deserve a celebration, so I've booked a little stay somewhere. But that's a secret for now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">october 2005</td></tr>
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Marina xMarina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-49763596593068162362015-10-05T08:49:00.000-07:002015-10-05T08:52:54.574-07:00and travelled on the Hogwarts ExpressWell a little bit of it....<br />
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September is a busy birthday month, at the start there's mine, I wrote about our stay in Glasgow to celebrate that last time <a href="http://mrsstarkechat.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">a tale of two houses</a>; MrS's day comes along a few weeks later and we had a little trip to toast that too.<br />
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In contrast to my urban break we travelled north and west and for part of the time at least by a much slower means of transport.<br />
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First we boarded the West Highland service to Mallaig and enjoyed a picnic lunch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday MrS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoked trout, oatcakes and champagne</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and for once DogS WAS ALLOWED</td></tr>
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We had a quick turn around at Mallaig and then boarded <a href="http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-steam-train-details.cfm" target="_blank">The Jacobite Express</a> (aka The Hogwarts Express) for the return journey to our overnight stop in Glenfinnan. We dropped off our bags at our hotel, Glenfinnan House, and set off to view the two famous local monuments.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jacobite (or Hogwart's) Express at Glenfinnan station</td></tr>
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We didn't climb the 1745 memorial because we would have had to go up separately, dogs aren't allowed inside the walls; instead we had a little play on the beach and then headed up to the viewpoint behind the visitor centre. From there you also get a great view of the other famous structure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glenfinnan monument</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EcrmJiaECWsDmNF0qc95zgxBtDETY6tX95l_D19qK7i9Fgy70NmYANI8JpbPMVih4djilyp0Nf20_mlHgX17YDxx5RQEFNdh3_5ZSDbLCMe5bxt_6VuHhPGsit0Pg_XCw7V5U_jKTIq9/s1600/IMG_3808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EcrmJiaECWsDmNF0qc95zgxBtDETY6tX95l_D19qK7i9Fgy70NmYANI8JpbPMVih4djilyp0Nf20_mlHgX17YDxx5RQEFNdh3_5ZSDbLCMe5bxt_6VuHhPGsit0Pg_XCw7V5U_jKTIq9/s320/IMG_3808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not the Hogwart's Express</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswIJbB4jVyjAoumjluiKkOV98S2Wn2yhQ3epZ6iMc47AHT_kcSMwbWxfzrNYEsRuWAKBN4ji65GwZlgb7D5y91mN230U3lIn1xfThEmSwuwOaIXasu8i8bhUsXODt5ykdff_L7pltZFm9/s1600/IMG_3791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswIJbB4jVyjAoumjluiKkOV98S2Wn2yhQ3epZ6iMc47AHT_kcSMwbWxfzrNYEsRuWAKBN4ji65GwZlgb7D5y91mN230U3lIn1xfThEmSwuwOaIXasu8i8bhUsXODt5ykdff_L7pltZFm9/s320/IMG_3791.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DogStarke at LochShiel</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCVUR7E9m2S2-RLm2uoQBvLJCifGmQpAhToqnaugmAfRObOkI4jsg7OjoTXAf6VFoZ4qL4-v-boUhpfEhaK8k4tYpQIyjefclmOswlSi9S7d12nnobb5T9cyrOWuMl_1gG6O4ajd51Ny1/s1600/IMG_3793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCVUR7E9m2S2-RLm2uoQBvLJCifGmQpAhToqnaugmAfRObOkI4jsg7OjoTXAf6VFoZ4qL4-v-boUhpfEhaK8k4tYpQIyjefclmOswlSi9S7d12nnobb5T9cyrOWuMl_1gG6O4ajd51Ny1/s320/IMG_3793.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Glenfinnan House Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://glenfinnanstationmuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Glenfinnan Station museum</a> has developed a path which passes underneath the viaduct and then back to the station, after our time in the train it was lovely to stretch our legs in the glorious early autumn sunshine, DogStarke had a great time with all the new sniffs.<br />
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There were candles and a lovely fire to welcome us on our return, and up in our room as well as our bags there was a card and present for MrS. We ate dinner in the bar because DogS was allowed in and she wasn't alone. I think I counted about five other dogs with their owners. If you're not a dog owner/lover don't let it put you off though, they were all well controlled and the main dining room is a dog free zone, the same menu is available in both. After dinner we sat in one of the lounges and read some of the great old books there, a Winnie the Pooh contemporary for MrS* and historic household management tips for me.<br />
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Next morning we ate breakfast in the grand dining room with gorgeous views of Loch Shiel. The weather had changed but the loch still locked beautiful through the mist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPVNCY3JrRuCKtINf8AsdD_VHJCrmJIvsmn4O7tDx9Q8_w7Dl-IMKIbB7RO7144Pk5Q2cAM3s819OS_fTANC-CxnNT4re_IPNaFPtO7zvX7LFM577nBTBft6NdEIK13_tFqktyzCvIHj-/s1600/breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPVNCY3JrRuCKtINf8AsdD_VHJCrmJIvsmn4O7tDx9Q8_w7Dl-IMKIbB7RO7144Pk5Q2cAM3s819OS_fTANC-CxnNT4re_IPNaFPtO7zvX7LFM577nBTBft6NdEIK13_tFqktyzCvIHj-/s320/breakfast.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">breakfast is served...to me!</td></tr>
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We had just enough time for a visit to the station museum before catching our train, the regular diesel service this time, back down to Tyndrum where we'd left the car.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9Ah_tqlNH-iXlB0BkgQ80qlC6UxwKLCiPXJLtdPZZ8beeVg6zu7iOi7H8lNw5j1DRNxVKS1QAJwk-wPvh2jdpRlNyQGCg-UkL488e0lqgu9-wRlHTJmBBwsGBD0_g3pJNRAiib4D6BpD/s1600/railway+posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9Ah_tqlNH-iXlB0BkgQ80qlC6UxwKLCiPXJLtdPZZ8beeVg6zu7iOi7H8lNw5j1DRNxVKS1QAJwk-wPvh2jdpRlNyQGCg-UkL488e0lqgu9-wRlHTJmBBwsGBD0_g3pJNRAiib4D6BpD/s1600/railway+posters.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sadly the Callander Oban line doesn't exist anymore</td></tr>
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So now it's October, anniversary month.......<br />
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*Katawampas by Edward Abbot Parry 1895<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-58065678398788173492015-09-15T11:10:00.000-07:002015-09-15T11:10:20.795-07:00A tale of two housesIt was my birthday recently and I celebrated with a trip to Glasgow. It was lovely because most of my favourite people (and DogS) were able to join me there too. MrS and I stayed at our Glasgow favourite, <a href="http://www.townhousecompany.com/blythswoodsquare/bedrooms/superior_bedrooms.aspx" target="_blank">Blythswood Square Hotel</a> . This was I think our fourth visit, so what is it that keeps us going back? Well reason number one is that they are dog friendly, (there is a charge for dogs but they also supply beds and bowls) DogS was welcomed even more warmly than us. That brings me to reason number two, the staff; everyone we've encountered throughout our visits has been friendly and helpful. I think it makes a real difference. And no, I'm not being paid to say that.<br />
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The last time we stayed, just before Christmas I was feeling poorly and couldn't face a night out, this time I enjoyed two great nights, my birthday at <a href="http://www.thefinniestonbar.com/" target="_blank">The Finnieston</a> and the following night a more bijou gathering at <a href="http://thepelicancafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Pelican</a>. Both were very good with a special mention to the <a href="http://thepelicancafe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/New-Menu-March-20th-2015.jpg" target="_blank">The Pelican's Glasgow dish</a>, a slow roast pork delight, I didn't have it but MrS and the GlamourPuss did and it looked delicious.<br />
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We didn't just spend all our time eating, we had time for a bit of culture too. On Saturday we drove out to Helensburgh to visit <a href="http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/The-Hill-House/" target="_blank">The Hill House</a>. Mr S and I had been before but it was a first for Glamour Puss and The Prof. so it was nice to share it with them. Some extra rooms were open too with enhanced displays explaining the design features and conservation challenges ahead. It was gorgeous enjoying the bright light filled rooms on a sunny day.<br />
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The next day MrS and I made a visit to a very different home <a href="http://www.nts.org.uk/TenementHouse" target="_blank">the Tenement House</a> another <a href="http://www.nts.org.uk/Home/" target="_blank">National Trust for Scotland property</a>. This was a first for us both, though I've wanted to visit for a long time. Much smaller than the Hill House it still made for a fascinating visit; the last owner Miss Toward not only kept the same furniture over the years and resisted electricity into the1960's, she also stored bills, letters and recipes which are displayed and give a wonderful insight into her life and times. There was also for MrS the memory of a similar flat and being tucked up in the box bed in the kitchen when he was unwell. <br />
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But that, as they say is another story. For another day perhaps.......<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-29914451779244023022015-08-24T12:06:00.002-07:002015-08-27T06:32:05.189-07:00I'm not from here.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So where am I from?<br />
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And where is home?<br />
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I was born and raised in Wales but moved to Edinburgh to study and stayed for thirty years; now I've relocated to the West Coast of Scotland to start my own business.<br />
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My first memory of Edinburgh was not the castle but the wet, grey tenement buildings looming outside the windows as my train drew into Waverley; it seemed a forbidding place. I grew to love it as I came to know it better; regular Saturday afternoon walks taking me to the neighbourhoods of Bruntsfield, Morningside and Stockbridge with their shops and cafes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU0lEuAuzcggipxEwj9xCLbmRLBmdpR4W7FGps2aPMaTvn20q9RI4wvKKwaoZ7XeUvm4JATJ5b10Ob9XXY99AZmXbk1LzvJT-f0UW_eg-WzdN3jcDQC3vqa4-3jewEnivsuKUcZnT4wB_/s1600/crowstep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU0lEuAuzcggipxEwj9xCLbmRLBmdpR4W7FGps2aPMaTvn20q9RI4wvKKwaoZ7XeUvm4JATJ5b10Ob9XXY99AZmXbk1LzvJT-f0UW_eg-WzdN3jcDQC3vqa4-3jewEnivsuKUcZnT4wB_/s320/crowstep.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruntsfield tenement, in the sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I learned about its past too, discovering where there used to be factories and before them farms. I moved many times, lived in a basement and up in the eaves, in the footwear department of a converted store and a house built for shoemakers, above a doctor's surgery and in a former hospital, and next door to an ice cream cone manufacturer. <br />
I developed favourites among those shops and cafes, knew which were the nicest playgrounds and the best places to walk a dog.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciTYkUVuYkaz853dibxqE0Z4VQzfTKn7TX12T8oRqMuZbYErBPZMz8PzWk-lM3l0KqO1rqPcBtCnM5nWoVWu42mBSHDi4nxxiJD3e9d3LFOQZwj8A5n3nsWuwKfaVvG6OOhKN4UKn2FlT/s1600/IMG_0986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciTYkUVuYkaz853dibxqE0Z4VQzfTKn7TX12T8oRqMuZbYErBPZMz8PzWk-lM3l0KqO1rqPcBtCnM5nWoVWu42mBSHDi4nxxiJD3e9d3LFOQZwj8A5n3nsWuwKfaVvG6OOhKN4UKn2FlT/s320/IMG_0986.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picnicking on the Links</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYw4Pb4FcPpA9OYEPSlMrYPxdVe_lclNos09TNeXHskX_wb04ER5CRludmkbzqcTR7rS_7JiwUoUiD8gnJy5e0RT6NX1d1r4yKELXA3dcJt3rZjdRswD8a2qTBrEhJfpLneKqjDCefiAm6/s1600/IMG_1108_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYw4Pb4FcPpA9OYEPSlMrYPxdVe_lclNos09TNeXHskX_wb04ER5CRludmkbzqcTR7rS_7JiwUoUiD8gnJy5e0RT6NX1d1r4yKELXA3dcJt3rZjdRswD8a2qTBrEhJfpLneKqjDCefiAm6/s200/IMG_1108_2.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thehuxley.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.thehuxley.co.uk</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZWS_ZBVFRnlyz4vk8rwY6a9xVEwdvMkw5Se-FT4lZlVPIkU-jdXoe4YMoE5LVISqgDmJOlPN7Yvv6y4P_ARgVUC_HNAZ87LynTlSUqk0x4KPgs6WK8hcJK77V5x7gWimhGxlEmdouJle/s1600/IMG_1364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZWS_ZBVFRnlyz4vk8rwY6a9xVEwdvMkw5Se-FT4lZlVPIkU-jdXoe4YMoE5LVISqgDmJOlPN7Yvv6y4P_ARgVUC_HNAZ87LynTlSUqk0x4KPgs6WK8hcJK77V5x7gWimhGxlEmdouJle/s320/IMG_1364.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/edinburgh-dining/" target="_blank">http://www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/edinburgh-dining/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjZWMkjM-RafZQl161v2ivgcL-EVeSDf8iUaOgDmZvYBU_tm6q1Ia77BPWe46YdwFHLGKhShE3csRM6sDNYEH8_cCfdmew7Fc9R91_Qj3eT64PP98YnMU8WSSKN_ZRj8kQMllanDChW9k/s1600/IMG_2551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjZWMkjM-RafZQl161v2ivgcL-EVeSDf8iUaOgDmZvYBU_tm6q1Ia77BPWe46YdwFHLGKhShE3csRM6sDNYEH8_cCfdmew7Fc9R91_Qj3eT64PP98YnMU8WSSKN_ZRj8kQMllanDChW9k/s200/IMG_2551.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at HN again !</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB6vtKMysnAco1uVdvVEek5iAw-5ZrPTcx4Qnfoks4bzUs1Yh2-wHu-bDbZok1pTOatwiCV_y-ZjeV3dikyM9E_CxzmxY-z7UfWMxL81r84zNUTQSBjBjNWnNnmpM8ke1RHRwpPH_YbqO/s1600/IMG_1703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB6vtKMysnAco1uVdvVEek5iAw-5ZrPTcx4Qnfoks4bzUs1Yh2-wHu-bDbZok1pTOatwiCV_y-ZjeV3dikyM9E_CxzmxY-z7UfWMxL81r84zNUTQSBjBjNWnNnmpM8ke1RHRwpPH_YbqO/s320/IMG_1703.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.contini.com/contini-ristorante" target="_blank">http://www.contini.com/contini-ristorante</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAiOHWAW78Pfu_vtPKvSOedSvQgXBEFoe3PDT5z_TgytCoTzjKx7_PZnhvxjT9CGMk1bNHhyu_goJBS28q_AlJOqsIZyaNPSu1Haep-XN-8OnE5l8vUyCz2BPyevHEW28ImBofuLjgbtV/s1600/IMG_2337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAiOHWAW78Pfu_vtPKvSOedSvQgXBEFoe3PDT5z_TgytCoTzjKx7_PZnhvxjT9CGMk1bNHhyu_goJBS28q_AlJOqsIZyaNPSu1Haep-XN-8OnE5l8vUyCz2BPyevHEW28ImBofuLjgbtV/s320/IMG_2337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mimisbakehouse.com/" target="_blank">http://mimisbakehouse.com</a></td></tr>
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Edinburgh was home......though I went home for the holidays<br />
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Edinburgh was home.........I'd lived there nearly all of my adult life<br />
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I was from Edinburgh..... I'd lived there longer than anywhere else.<br />
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And then I didn't.....<br />
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Now I live here......<br />
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We came here on a rainy day, not expecting to like the house.....<br />
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We've been busy, there's a new area to explore and many skills to be learned. I'm particularly seeking the dual grails of the perfect poached egg and the ability to launch and steer the boat. We've researched the development of our house as it's grown from a croft, become a tearoom for a while and is now due to undergo our changes (watch this space), and learned about the history of the island MrS has been doing some work with our local museum, helping with their archives. In fact that what he was doing when I started to think about this post.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NtjenGQtgMLfFVnkxf0v9x5EkDCXyO8yeODQP1fKb06NNoVaAm-BwNyr5EOY4GX4g62DoLf3-hPT8SEU4E22vdgz3-tHVnHLtGFOS60uDv71nkzJmjZ0lvgvrVeyHI90pcotrIW5tssJ/s1600/old+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NtjenGQtgMLfFVnkxf0v9x5EkDCXyO8yeODQP1fKb06NNoVaAm-BwNyr5EOY4GX4g62DoLf3-hPT8SEU4E22vdgz3-tHVnHLtGFOS60uDv71nkzJmjZ0lvgvrVeyHI90pcotrIW5tssJ/s1600/old+photo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">old postcard view</td></tr>
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So where was I? Well the sun was shining and it was a day off so I was out having lunch. I've started developing new favourite places,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvJ9uzE9SdPp2bO65frh50XMiZxVa4r4NXemC55SBSOBJme2fo7jbmqBPNKqbzDwFN5FJA5goPNpDtPzkoLdfvQEf_Rr_gUhJQGkmPguvtnhELESo9BdpFqckdXrLc71IQJDvC_fY9MP_/s1600/P1030507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvJ9uzE9SdPp2bO65frh50XMiZxVa4r4NXemC55SBSOBJme2fo7jbmqBPNKqbzDwFN5FJA5goPNpDtPzkoLdfvQEf_Rr_gUhJQGkmPguvtnhELESo9BdpFqckdXrLc71IQJDvC_fY9MP_/s320/P1030507.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ok it was August not April, but this is Scotland<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gNeUHfAMy9Jqi9yYoY3469XBWFOM7JqVV8fF7VjY7WFX1eVbtb_z5Cokjny4QntR9qakkZR_rAE3TPo7embkzohHa2dT7IjV-3M-W85PVxo3ofencUfNJyywJVPHG8wtAoCTAPHoxX8c/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gNeUHfAMy9Jqi9yYoY3469XBWFOM7JqVV8fF7VjY7WFX1eVbtb_z5Cokjny4QntR9qakkZR_rAE3TPo7embkzohHa2dT7IjV-3M-W85PVxo3ofencUfNJyywJVPHG8wtAoCTAPHoxX8c/s1600/coffee.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.piazzaoban.com/" target="_blank">http://www.piazzaoban.com</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe7zkitu6mMwEji2W65z8yT68myYA9kmMX0jr1wFM_NBAI4S22kGThbENfRRiz0SmmvLr_lsKlRwrB5nOiw-oxTb8iV81bniBwAW3Wwx1htyosA-Cy1e6nzO7K2F1GW37i7m20k_B89i_/s1600/P1030505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe7zkitu6mMwEji2W65z8yT68myYA9kmMX0jr1wFM_NBAI4S22kGThbENfRRiz0SmmvLr_lsKlRwrB5nOiw-oxTb8iV81bniBwAW3Wwx1htyosA-Cy1e6nzO7K2F1GW37i7m20k_B89i_/s200/P1030505.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYPifspiVOP8hP-h1H67yWe3tRWpJ_1AC2ZWnasiU6oMNewDOmilmRMPXGtWTlLjrnGqXPmKAQ2MYjeEgjG0uLAl3lAenCYHXlC2hoz5V9EaoB183wSZ6OMj6ByFUOew1wo7fNZjbFFGS/s1600/P1030506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYPifspiVOP8hP-h1H67yWe3tRWpJ_1AC2ZWnasiU6oMNewDOmilmRMPXGtWTlLjrnGqXPmKAQ2MYjeEgjG0uLAl3lAenCYHXlC2hoz5V9EaoB183wSZ6OMj6ByFUOew1wo7fNZjbFFGS/s320/P1030506.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dunollie.org/" target="_blank">http://www.dunollie.org</a></td></tr>
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because as the French say..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvTcZRstTrCNDCGf5CXDIlevQEeHIuKnFar-UiGTbbqlWVc5Z2IR9nYPZDvi0WlPvRy55bXn5yZTf31bvckmpMxlOC3X6cPTGhVS6bptNV5MExZmFQTYAnl6elrHnsjhbELyJdmkJb2XY/s1600/plus+ca+change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvTcZRstTrCNDCGf5CXDIlevQEeHIuKnFar-UiGTbbqlWVc5Z2IR9nYPZDvi0WlPvRy55bXn5yZTf31bvckmpMxlOC3X6cPTGhVS6bptNV5MExZmFQTYAnl6elrHnsjhbELyJdmkJb2XY/s200/plus+ca+change.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/plus_%C3%A7a_change,_plus_c%27est_la_m%C3%AAme_chose" target="_blank">https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/plus_ça_change,_plus_c%27est_la_même_chose</a></td></tr>
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But for every move there are the things you take with you and things you leave behind.<br />
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And so I make Welsh cakes to welcome our guests. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Marina </span><br />
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Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-77392022255421888062015-08-16T12:37:00.002-07:002015-09-02T12:56:17.761-07:00and tries not to burn the toast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well there have been no more arachnid assaults on the breakfast table, though I had one crawling on ME the other day - ugh! And I think I've managed to remember everyone's order, either that or guests have been too polite to complain. This week's challenge has been the toast. I can't seem to get it right. It's like Goldilocks's porridge, either not toasty enough, or so past toasty it's burnt! And our toaster can only take two slices at a time, which get cold while I do the next set, or three.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9QIfkhCZtz1KFTs2tPgy5hi7jP5rkopQLYdVSJkQsnKfJxMJNhtgBaYn4GowEnGMMabRd2nVm67oNkedNvL5HevsY-DYfTNk6_b0MyRlPRaiAMFrl_Qu3QoKxnDN_mZjgEqMoQl0aJOt/s1600/P1030460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9QIfkhCZtz1KFTs2tPgy5hi7jP5rkopQLYdVSJkQsnKfJxMJNhtgBaYn4GowEnGMMabRd2nVm67oNkedNvL5HevsY-DYfTNk6_b0MyRlPRaiAMFrl_Qu3QoKxnDN_mZjgEqMoQl0aJOt/s320/P1030460.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aZ-F-lXvhl_Z-iXHzZuFnGDUmAEf-1d8wZc4QrLz1-NrDgQJlubY8GAsVlfF-RDm6-8Uvr1zw_wTK7Jp8afyXPwraDEFU_TLUyXfQUqRbN_vizkvdeP34DX73nBpH46kfI3eyBLHFmD_/s1600/P1030461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aZ-F-lXvhl_Z-iXHzZuFnGDUmAEf-1d8wZc4QrLz1-NrDgQJlubY8GAsVlfF-RDm6-8Uvr1zw_wTK7Jp8afyXPwraDEFU_TLUyXfQUqRbN_vizkvdeP34DX73nBpH46kfI3eyBLHFmD_/s320/P1030461.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC5MgB9TdXkdsouVgyoFUk9U-ReVh9Ld1699P3_HXDjVs7MxPQFXeg7Cs_AxzuCg9qYzSGGm1XTwNu_l-phwUphw_-cIQ8MTyFtBnjFQd_6wkb-OvKHZ-rQhV81CftvLOkqY48nfLw7aT/s1600/P1030464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC5MgB9TdXkdsouVgyoFUk9U-ReVh9Ld1699P3_HXDjVs7MxPQFXeg7Cs_AxzuCg9qYzSGGm1XTwNu_l-phwUphw_-cIQ8MTyFtBnjFQd_6wkb-OvKHZ-rQhV81CftvLOkqY48nfLw7aT/s320/P1030464.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both raw and burnt</td></tr>
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An extra toaster was called for and duly bought for £8 in a local bargain store.<br />
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Big mistake. A totally false economy. I didn't notice that it has absolutely tiny slots for the bread so either it gets jammed and the toast can't "pop up" or I have to trim the slices before they go in. Which gives me the choice of burnt toast, or something that looks as if I've trimmed the burnt bits off. Luckily MrS is managing much better with the more complicated bits of breakfast. You know, eggs, sausages, bacon the works.<br />
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I did once have a very expensive toaster, you know the type; sturdy, retro styling, no automatic pop up, a dial to choose the degree of toastiness, a reputation for durability and repairability, a little switch allowing you to choose one or both sides toasted. Somehow it must have taken to heart the song because that little switch just didn't work but as I'm neither an Englishman nor in New York I like mine done on both sides. We never did find anyone who could repair it.<br />
So what now? Scouring the review sites to try and source a reliable four slice model. And if not breaking with tradition and offering, bread. After all my first attempt at home baked wasn't too bad. And MrS is currently brewing up a sour dough starter, apparently it all starts getting dramatic tomorrow, when I seem to recall he'll be out........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2ImDw7uAnTEezoUM4nM8yDwFJQTxoLX8kMednZ7B0Iz-zM92gy36pWBc89cI-Fk17KHwb7ErQ8YUDfr2ycAXN9-pC_cQDpnH_b4C8XFwJ0zoO8bLundX_x4Gau16D6SqwGRnYHjYgfJC/s1600/P1030437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2ImDw7uAnTEezoUM4nM8yDwFJQTxoLX8kMednZ7B0Iz-zM92gy36pWBc89cI-Fk17KHwb7ErQ8YUDfr2ycAXN9-pC_cQDpnH_b4C8XFwJ0zoO8bLundX_x4Gau16D6SqwGRnYHjYgfJC/s320/P1030437.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did better with the bread </td></tr>
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End of complaints though, we've had a lovely sunny day today, and no sign of the promised 5pm rain shower (It's 6:15 pm as I type). That means that several loads of laundry have been washed and then line dried outside. You may not be familiar with this but laundry dried on the line outside beats anything you can add to the tub to give freshness. We are lucky that we can do this, though we have to call on the tumble dryer too. <br />
It's tiring work but enjoyable, I love welcoming our guests and helping them to discover our beautiful area, and I think they've been enjoying themselves. Oh I do hope so. One thing I've found though is that when your home is also your work it's quite hard to switch off; it's too easy to check emails and social media, do a bit of accounts, bake up some cookies, sort laundry.........<br />
And as for poor little Dogstarke, it's all a bit confusing for her as she's banished from guest areas and tormented by the smell of foods she's not allowed but would love. We're being extra nice to her when there's no one here, with lots of fun walks and playtime. She's never short of cuddles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxDi4dEySZfMeSAw47IZILkLV5eyCgbW8IfiWQxut8NVigxGMgfFn4fcbW5Tcq6yXvJphmgDPODhDH7f4S_BqWmks0tIvi0P5xdhn7mJNmaHgkoSHnhbPHdqumrtin3D1L6YD1egqz4J1/s1600/P1030457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxDi4dEySZfMeSAw47IZILkLV5eyCgbW8IfiWQxut8NVigxGMgfFn4fcbW5Tcq6yXvJphmgDPODhDH7f4S_BqWmks0tIvi0P5xdhn7mJNmaHgkoSHnhbPHdqumrtin3D1L6YD1egqz4J1/s320/P1030457.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">having fun on the beach </td></tr>
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It means I'm extra looking forward to my next trip away. And I'll try to keep it that, a leisure trip, not a fact finding mission. But you can be sure I'll tell you all about it.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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Marina<br />
x<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsmuftC5n1oMwHnzte5hjjzx2ipGNZuNxP9bFzUmImmTZPFtPvhh65yQfVjedcQkxo5FJI6Fmv5p6bz5su4nATm_m6N4kBAG9WD10TyrgYjBBXePqhBMO4rrnZHkkwvTpJ-vI1dd6kohy/s1600/P1030459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsmuftC5n1oMwHnzte5hjjzx2ipGNZuNxP9bFzUmImmTZPFtPvhh65yQfVjedcQkxo5FJI6Fmv5p6bz5su4nATm_m6N4kBAG9WD10TyrgYjBBXePqhBMO4rrnZHkkwvTpJ-vI1dd6kohy/s320/P1030459.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spot the "just right" slice</td></tr>
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-65672835703261750602015-08-09T09:39:00.001-07:002015-09-02T12:54:58.612-07:00and tried out some new onesSorry a text heavy post because I didn't take any photos of my most recent stay, but it was very much a "what you see is what you get" kind of place, so you can trust the pictures on the website. "Yes, well where were you? " you may be asking - <b> Holiday Inn Express, Riverside, Glasgow.</b> <a href="http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/glasgow/glwst/hoteldetail" target="_blank">http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/glasgow/glwst/hoteldetail</a> Not my usual choice but we needed to be in Glasgow fairly early for a (family) business meeting and so we had to find somewhere which wasn't too pricey. <br />
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And for our needs it delivered; the room was a decent size with better hanging space than in some more expensive places I've stayed,<b> and</b> a more generous supply of hangers*. Even if they were of my bete-noir "fixie" type, but again I've come across them in four star hotels too. The bathroom was small with no tub but a decent shower, very clean, good lighting and a well designed use of space. If you are choosy about your shower gels etc then do as I did and take your own, hair/bodywash is supplied but I find some detergents really drying so didn't use it. If you're travelling by air and subject to liquid restrictions there are plenty of places nearby to pick up supplies.<br />
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We booked direct so breakfast was included, the hotel was full and peak breakfast time was very, very busy. The offerings are so-so, fine if you like cereal (I don't), but the pastries were underwhelming and the toast machine under pressure. There's a selection of hot foods, eggs, sausages, beans which seemed popular but after a week of cooking breakfast for my own guests, well they didn't really appeal! I think if it wasn't included I wouldn't bother, there are plenty of cafes around. I like trying out cafes for breakfast when I'm in a new city. There's the option to grab a coffee and mini muffin from reception if you're in a rush.<br />
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The staff were all very friendly and helpful, printing us off a map to find our chosen dinner venue and advising on areas we could access with our dog. Oh yes, number one on our search filters, dog friendliness, and this one is.<br />
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Car parking is readily available nearby. There is a fairly lively pub a few doors along but we weren't disturbed by any noise. The shops and bars of the Merchant City are just a couple of blocks away. Not the most luxurious, but if you want somewhere clean and functional to sleep while you explore Glasgow then you could do a whole lot worse.<br />
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So how did we get on with our own guests? Well, I forgot two breakfast items on our first morning, even though they were cooked! And then there were the spiders emerging from my garden flowers! Luckily both sets of guests were very kind. In fact with all my fingers and toes crossed, they have all been lovely. I haven't had the confidence to put us on Trip Advisor and ask for reviews yet, so no feedback. We both agree that it was a good idea to test ourselves out with the one room this season. It's difficult enough trying to coordinate just two different breakfast orders. It's been fun though and great meeting new people. I've enjoyed giving recommendations and helping people explore our lovely surroundings.<br />
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I just wish I could fix the weather. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQKkJ6HiLa_hXLgVtMfsMIFXfGhqQYpGsi3QUiG1B4YBvKk1CqyqfBXrsVfBETmxhDNAaxTkgmI-VwScZ3ZOQPt5y3ywKwgBhFLpiV9ZIFxs1tHS1CyRktjEzKqQdfqLcOz80YjIh_b5j/s1600/P1030374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQKkJ6HiLa_hXLgVtMfsMIFXfGhqQYpGsi3QUiG1B4YBvKk1CqyqfBXrsVfBETmxhDNAaxTkgmI-VwScZ3ZOQPt5y3ywKwgBhFLpiV9ZIFxs1tHS1CyRktjEzKqQdfqLcOz80YjIh_b5j/s200/P1030374.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table set for breakfast, and THOSE flowers</td></tr>
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*One memorable time, a 4* hotel in Oslo, staying for a week, a varied social programme including a formal dinner, FOUR hangers! <br />
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PS, this mega ship was docked at Greenock the day we visited. How do they cope with all those breakfasts? *gulp* <a href="http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/rp/" target="_blank">http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/rp/</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJXsWeh7qBAU4XN5HHZ92f5RnXtyBZbzCSDrMvUMX1BryiI12GV2vs5u3xIuyI_MOD73wKBsztJIe_Rr0FlliKiBWUXAMQwkLxXKwpuKTQOXmKJwl4q4xfX-p-mvXymuwITxxLRmIqUeY/s1600/ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJXsWeh7qBAU4XN5HHZ92f5RnXtyBZbzCSDrMvUMX1BryiI12GV2vs5u3xIuyI_MOD73wKBsztJIe_Rr0FlliKiBWUXAMQwkLxXKwpuKTQOXmKJwl4q4xfX-p-mvXymuwITxxLRmIqUeY/s1600/ship.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MS Royal Princess and of course, the sun shone the day we didn't have guests</td></tr>
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-19045015513310602302015-07-28T09:20:00.000-07:002015-09-02T12:53:51.509-07:00and looks at them from both sides nowLast time I mentioned that we are dipping into the B&B world before our building works start; well it all begins today!!! No more time to practise our fry ups, guests are due this afternoon. Yikes!! I'm quite confident about the room, we've had guests stay in it a few times already and it's got the thumbs up from them, and I think it's clean enough to pass muster with most "Four in a Bed" contestants. What is unknown is how we'll cope with the logistics of breakfast. I've watched that show often enough to know the pitfalls, overcooking, undercooking, big waits, burnt offerings. Double Yikes!!!!!<br />
I'm also hoping that we can deliver on what I think is the most important thing, customer service. We're just back from a trip to Wales. It goes without saying that we had exemplary care from GlamourPuss and the Prof. but that's different because they're family, what of the other places we ate and stayed?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4V-QMGpIMdOPDm2tdg5MmNp2NYIBtccEOfr38uRYCpl-EauG1IXhHg2dwoXhRb_i14jkXN-mYkw0o9EiQQkiPqm2m1wlyFcOK9sVD-SYPkwgFmN-Osc4f6XFhIPOyHmvVuOHiTTnRyA1j/s1600/P1030273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4V-QMGpIMdOPDm2tdg5MmNp2NYIBtccEOfr38uRYCpl-EauG1IXhHg2dwoXhRb_i14jkXN-mYkw0o9EiQQkiPqm2m1wlyFcOK9sVD-SYPkwgFmN-Osc4f6XFhIPOyHmvVuOHiTTnRyA1j/s320/P1030273.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She controls the weather you know</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaARxRj_MtuIUgLekmKzR92ep9CaBd0B7btqf77B08W1ZEdkLvLPCdRIUE_OQWlH9_cYmzQfcjTix_b9s_YCf8fZ4kVmecZE7wbcdMJT0m21IfaGJbcbWaB_DY1Jg-sSgqlPds9myrR5Z/s1600/P1030274+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaARxRj_MtuIUgLekmKzR92ep9CaBd0B7btqf77B08W1ZEdkLvLPCdRIUE_OQWlH9_cYmzQfcjTix_b9s_YCf8fZ4kVmecZE7wbcdMJT0m21IfaGJbcbWaB_DY1Jg-sSgqlPds9myrR5Z/s320/P1030274+%25281%2529.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon daiquiri, delicious but deadly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrisdh6Y5GYETvKnVvJQOqrnt9bRpCBtJoDLXPMTuJ2_mxo1XvCTF9I0zXWXA-v5WaERt4NA6-eiincU-iOaWUBHknydOCCGxWtK2dySTf-pX3vQWDGQtNM_GY48MGa7KFZm6tXy2eiqZ/s1600/P1030285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrisdh6Y5GYETvKnVvJQOqrnt9bRpCBtJoDLXPMTuJ2_mxo1XvCTF9I0zXWXA-v5WaERt4NA6-eiincU-iOaWUBHknydOCCGxWtK2dySTf-pX3vQWDGQtNM_GY48MGa7KFZm6tXy2eiqZ/s320/P1030285.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prof does food too</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1jGWG8aYKGcm9o7d3c-pGCQLBKRIv5vGtueCk_dDMX5n_HjQP9RF-TovxopWUC26Y28pUAmZoa-HSq29CU5mBaRUuO4PNRZ0EgfKlFIOspHMWXhyphenhyphenYkp3NSx9XEmZvqIlojsAVvNFL5xz/s1600/P1030300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1jGWG8aYKGcm9o7d3c-pGCQLBKRIv5vGtueCk_dDMX5n_HjQP9RF-TovxopWUC26Y28pUAmZoa-HSq29CU5mBaRUuO4PNRZ0EgfKlFIOspHMWXhyphenhyphenYkp3NSx9XEmZvqIlojsAVvNFL5xz/s320/P1030300.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GlamourPuss grew this. The rose</td></tr>
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Well as ever our stopover at The Bear's Paw <a href="http://thebearspaw.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://thebearspaw.co.uk</a> was a positive experience, it's very comfortable, the food is good not ground breaking, it's conveniently placed on our journey, but those are not our reasons for staying. Because of the reliability, yes, but above all the friendliness. We are all - me, MrS and DogStarke thoroughly welcomed. Now it might be that they have a magnificent guest welcome training program and everyone has been taught how to behave? But it seems genuine; and there doesn't seem to be a high turnover of staff which suggests it's a happy place. If the smile is fake, it's fooled me.<br />
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On our way home we stayed at The Castle in Conwy <a href="http://www.castlewales.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.castlewales.co.uk</a>. It's an old hotel which is being brought back to life by its owners. Its rooms are more individual, with large pieces of antique furniture and original windows. There's no lift because it's listed but we were offered help with our bags so don't let that put you off. We had a lovely dinner and were delighted to be able to have your breakfast in the courtyard area, which meant DogS could stay with us. But once again it was the friendly helpful attitudes of the staff which sticks in my mind, not least during that al fresco breakfast<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXVV4lT1gvy8kL2Ae7mXFwlUlJRwXF5jWpYWmU3WQgfYi1qJMentJRMUTBVnFA58woEXS4MlzH52deKLmJvf1c6LaRmgNzylYANGwQp1xYanuMUSVZZsfNuZgHSgs5GsaTHN9jQmGUQFv/s1600/P1030359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXVV4lT1gvy8kL2Ae7mXFwlUlJRwXF5jWpYWmU3WQgfYi1qJMentJRMUTBVnFA58woEXS4MlzH52deKLmJvf1c6LaRmgNzylYANGwQp1xYanuMUSVZZsfNuZgHSgs5GsaTHN9jQmGUQFv/s320/P1030359.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conwy castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rZea9HuOfae2XSTr6dhd60jzS7gbjQySZQBqFCjZ9PpCCbIgcFIIaxLg8jJYC6IHcTZ833FnBuXsy74HJ_zsexlfrHggczzXgOYmlbV4wlbf2XpjI9b0mtA4YPiN2IPEMSPJlkkQwjnT/s1600/IMG_8760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rZea9HuOfae2XSTr6dhd60jzS7gbjQySZQBqFCjZ9PpCCbIgcFIIaxLg8jJYC6IHcTZ833FnBuXsy74HJ_zsexlfrHggczzXgOYmlbV4wlbf2XpjI9b0mtA4YPiN2IPEMSPJlkkQwjnT/s320/IMG_8760.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a bit later on</td></tr>
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Our next overnight stop was another lovely, family one, with the MacStarkes this time, catching up on their travels and then we were back on the old familiar road home. Even though the day was damp it was hot so when we got peckish we looked for somewhere DogS could join us indoors. And she was very welcome. But... They forgot to take our order, then one set of cutlery and whilst the open kitchen is fashionable, I don't want to lose the fourth wall to the extent that the owners are discussing their business accounts at the next table. That's not a thing now is it????<br />
The food was tasty as always and could be managed with minimal cutlery (fingers for me, fork for the more fastidious MrS). I know, we could have asked for another set but the staff were not that attentive and we were hungry...<br />
It's a well reviewed place, if you go there you'll get a good meal, and maybe good service. But it left us with a sour taste.<br />
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So here I am, waiting and hoping. That we can deliver a good taste.<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4274472821206730607.post-32127684836902913742015-07-08T14:24:00.000-07:002015-09-02T12:53:11.890-07:00and resolves to check opening hours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been all change. Nine months of commuting are over and now our new(ish) house is our permanent home. Our planned extension and conversion is going to turn everything topsy turvy but until building work begins we are going to start offering B&B using the existing spare room. This has meant making a few cosmetic changes and lots of breakfast practice. So to work off all those extra calories we've had lots of lovely walks . Dogstarke has been having a wonderful time; you can read about them here <a href="http://sheilingchat.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://sheilingchat.blogspot.co.uk</a><br />
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And as we're not likely to have a "proper" holiday this year I've been especially keen to have little adventures slightly further afield; soothing my itchy(and tired) feet by exploring the local area.<br />
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Along the way we've had plenty of cups of tea.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Airds hotel <a href="http://www.airds-hotel.com/" target="_blank">http://www.airds-hotel.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolce Vita, Oban <a href="http://www.dolcevitaoban.com/find-us/" target="_blank">http://www.dolcevitaoban.com/find-us/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETTuFhiFDAFbDJ8bXNGwZmjYCduZaHAQIE4sA7Y9x_d1uuWEkWiCeT6Q1S4LAYd8LS_USgiw32mO14Ll2QHUMEFBHR7fNVsEW2jEhxVCsIeNde2xPPvpdTX9rSBAlOfQjsiSeWrHc3HhB/s1600/IMG_2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETTuFhiFDAFbDJ8bXNGwZmjYCduZaHAQIE4sA7Y9x_d1uuWEkWiCeT6Q1S4LAYd8LS_USgiw32mO14Ll2QHUMEFBHR7fNVsEW2jEhxVCsIeNde2xPPvpdTX9rSBAlOfQjsiSeWrHc3HhB/s320/IMG_2946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sometimes at home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczQHCVKov8wuigPvccrNmAGs844t9s7aPBtwQNmBcThG6utT0g_ril1M4a1jIlFdwcR4_kz3yHcpFMtsuEfbGe0xe8YwSjH_G1tj1GTYfrTmR178qMpJ3hc2CN8gjnFSLldg6zTj3Z4YL/s1600/P1030096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczQHCVKov8wuigPvccrNmAGs844t9s7aPBtwQNmBcThG6utT0g_ril1M4a1jIlFdwcR4_kz3yHcpFMtsuEfbGe0xe8YwSjH_G1tj1GTYfrTmR178qMpJ3hc2CN8gjnFSLldg6zTj3Z4YL/s320/P1030096.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm, not this sort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And there might have been the odd slice of cake....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLp3pxbShMEMQ914phm9Fa4PDPazkXt7AnGupPPGtLOzNHJLxj4gIBtc3WL0x9ORlpUrIc7AxW_8aPb22mugtzyAbpbb4S-TrrPcSG-y_HSsw0xcTxmiyb77LNehRXA9Q3G1WwG8cBsS_/s1600/IMG_3233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLp3pxbShMEMQ914phm9Fa4PDPazkXt7AnGupPPGtLOzNHJLxj4gIBtc3WL0x9ORlpUrIc7AxW_8aPb22mugtzyAbpbb4S-TrrPcSG-y_HSsw0xcTxmiyb77LNehRXA9Q3G1WwG8cBsS_/s320/IMG_3233.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">too delicious to capture at The Temple, Oban <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeafoodTemple" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SeafoodTemple</a><br />
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<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But it's not all been tea and cake, we've visited some local heritage sites<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PgyqeZPsm8ny1eJKK6UG17aIGIPT1-l_5m2DpGzQ05qdLpNFJJkgefTGhDjQOuUFcuebV7U8itjB4xx3CK9roWf06o2E3_1VHKpXHHtrLX_Yss8aNCTs4AVKbMLN2R4XZQZByNEAUB1f/s1600/P1020848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PgyqeZPsm8ny1eJKK6UG17aIGIPT1-l_5m2DpGzQ05qdLpNFJJkgefTGhDjQOuUFcuebV7U8itjB4xx3CK9roWf06o2E3_1VHKpXHHtrLX_Yss8aNCTs4AVKbMLN2R4XZQZByNEAUB1f/s320/P1020848.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that's the cottage Taigh Iseabal Dhaibh at Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre <a href="http://www.lismoregaelicheritagecentre.org/" target="_blank">http://www.lismoregaelicheritagecentre.org</a>, - from the cafe<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9GqnicZBcuJTIBtrRuUwtARnroL-ncoUrnOquh9ix6uo8wkm8lDS2P8diLxhWZoYdOxEjZkMLMGWN6CACmhxIP3nyPJ2xG8KTbVnqX9Muo52eL02k4TSGK-CQ2bzb2xh2zUBpdy6y1Du/s1600/P1030073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9GqnicZBcuJTIBtrRuUwtARnroL-ncoUrnOquh9ix6uo8wkm8lDS2P8diLxhWZoYdOxEjZkMLMGWN6CACmhxIP3nyPJ2xG8KTbVnqX9Muo52eL02k4TSGK-CQ2bzb2xh2zUBpdy6y1Du/s320/P1030073.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h2byYeIpQ5m_yim-Hgia1VYW3l69xRIaVjlzBWAqRDd5yup0EQbIBG8L4tZddsLEK_k5FZ0ArCv-btj_g-shRBI2a5Md-dBjbBAN4lqMxjLTTIBbvaUKSWxiuFRpLGglMDhg_zyNl3q2/s1600/P1030078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h2byYeIpQ5m_yim-Hgia1VYW3l69xRIaVjlzBWAqRDd5yup0EQbIBG8L4tZddsLEK_k5FZ0ArCv-btj_g-shRBI2a5Md-dBjbBAN4lqMxjLTTIBbvaUKSWxiuFRpLGglMDhg_zyNl3q2/s320/P1030078.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOjxoa9KHeP-suNhGPHWulJgyDQifm2unvOcwu7AyY-OabWGbKkaI2tDfNZ1DIbgxPigi0-r-gbnG8M58LM8uyRq9QErKEcG64eG02rqFJ2el10ZrX7WDPECHV353eAWRCNkZFS-irObx/s1600/P1030080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOjxoa9KHeP-suNhGPHWulJgyDQifm2unvOcwu7AyY-OabWGbKkaI2tDfNZ1DIbgxPigi0-r-gbnG8M58LM8uyRq9QErKEcG64eG02rqFJ2el10ZrX7WDPECHV353eAWRCNkZFS-irObx/s320/P1030080.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Conan's Kirk, Lochawe <a href="http://www.stconanskirk.org.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.stconanskirk.org.uk</a> - it has a tearoom</td></tr>
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<br />
I have a guide to some of the less well known Parisian museums, and i've really enjoyed visiting them, so I've rooted around for similar sites here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5AWHJipgHDtUhODLG6nhuzd_l5ryywrrdVHs1Mn2KS_N9GWd2kI9AIJ1jXN1z95x1ee4OxRCKj1cOzDwLIPa9nMoNE1S1MtJ3tHVH7pugpLPFL_tYWMvQtaDaNxQrDcuu9qNFPrM0JIj/s1600/P1030199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5AWHJipgHDtUhODLG6nhuzd_l5ryywrrdVHs1Mn2KS_N9GWd2kI9AIJ1jXN1z95x1ee4OxRCKj1cOzDwLIPa9nMoNE1S1MtJ3tHVH7pugpLPFL_tYWMvQtaDaNxQrDcuu9qNFPrM0JIj/s200/P1030199.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Research<i> </i>delivered what promised to be a great little heritage centre at Bunessan on Mull, <a href="http://romhc.org.uk/index.php?id=2" target="_blank">http://romhc.org.uk/index.php?id=2</a> I thought it would be particularly appealing to Mr S with his background in Archives, and so feeling fidgety, persuaded him there was no time to lose and off we sped to catch the ferry. The crossing was lovely, sitting out on the top deck, and the bus connection worked out well and we arrived at Bunessan and there was the Heritage centre.<br />
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But first, I wanted lunch. And what did I see? "Community cafe today - All welcome". And indeed we were, even DogStarke.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLMsEV9BnEjYTIGmRbkqH04Id_JUOLi-VGGczlx792E-Q0OoyG4tcLPufPIcDa8twXJLZ_BFXsNuZW9gLT2ZbsDHOwDTpbYe1GTwlwqQGzppGvd25M8h0gClTEVY5H2pE14SLA0747QeR/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLMsEV9BnEjYTIGmRbkqH04Id_JUOLi-VGGczlx792E-Q0OoyG4tcLPufPIcDa8twXJLZ_BFXsNuZW9gLT2ZbsDHOwDTpbYe1GTwlwqQGzppGvd25M8h0gClTEVY5H2pE14SLA0747QeR/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" /></a></div>
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<br />
So after a very pleasant lunch<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjsx0zQ0aQEQ_lA3dsbTE_gGZQdac2Sm101gUgAjp59U2W_iAikOnb-XMF_lyFBl810j9U20Bz4M58tl5800LWC0oUGLUbfRC-19-CkrZkSOHYxn2C0-Db6rPHBHmpTA1rQA-OMq2maNw/s1600/IMG_8572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjsx0zQ0aQEQ_lA3dsbTE_gGZQdac2Sm101gUgAjp59U2W_iAikOnb-XMF_lyFBl810j9U20Bz4M58tl5800LWC0oUGLUbfRC-19-CkrZkSOHYxn2C0-Db6rPHBHmpTA1rQA-OMq2maNw/s320/IMG_8572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I *could* have eaten all of this</td></tr>
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<br />
we made our way up to the Heritage centre. A little concerned that the rain seemed to be starting a few hours earlier than forecast. I'd persuaded MrS he didn't need his coat. Anyway it was just a short walk to the centre and then we'd be back indoors.<br />
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Except.<br />
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It was closed.<br />
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Had closed before lunch.<br />
<br />
Oh dear.<br />
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But all was not lost. We'd noticed a charity shop and decided to go for a rootle about. <a href="http://www.mict.co.uk/islandcastaways/" target="_blank">http://www.mict.co.uk/islandcastaways/</a><br />
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I bought myself a couple of souvenirs. One practical,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkzBWIw23gLisJV8q_oiUMxJEVpngY1OwXpNO3h8nEKIDzKOzo7ZZDWZGZSQFvo4YgdCV-ZR9ZWL4khQ3tV2iwLiqgWVTXKTjJuKXJlz5TnpqTNLmyHlgVO42Ut1D8pAJ6b7l1WXYH4WR/s1600/P1030194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkzBWIw23gLisJV8q_oiUMxJEVpngY1OwXpNO3h8nEKIDzKOzo7ZZDWZGZSQFvo4YgdCV-ZR9ZWL4khQ3tV2iwLiqgWVTXKTjJuKXJlz5TnpqTNLmyHlgVO42Ut1D8pAJ6b7l1WXYH4WR/s320/P1030194.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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the other a little less so, but it does look pretty on my bar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgxDhFw3Y6vxARanN8nVpLi8emLxhy1zJ45msG8VzJCt_kKWtDzsyPs-Hur3L1mjg-sheNJjblUw08MFEZzhMSXu6l90L2RBHtmzOt3OY-36q5I8D_Y2KjTwH0EzcGcRdKJ_D3hGZHzdO/s1600/P1030164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgxDhFw3Y6vxARanN8nVpLi8emLxhy1zJ45msG8VzJCt_kKWtDzsyPs-Hur3L1mjg-sheNJjblUw08MFEZzhMSXu6l90L2RBHtmzOt3OY-36q5I8D_Y2KjTwH0EzcGcRdKJ_D3hGZHzdO/s320/P1030164.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no whisky left inside</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
And guess what? I checked that website when we got home, the Heritage Centre does open in the afternoon. It's a small village so maybe the custodian was helping with the lunch? But no matter.<br />
MrS really wants to visit which means we will just *have* to go back.<br />
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And next time we'll stay over.<br />
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A good result all round.<br />
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<br />Marina Starkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757943342502786502noreply@blogger.com0