Missing

Regular readers may have wondered what happened to me yesterday. No, it wasn't the inescapable lure of my new Smartphone. And it wasn't an almighty hangover from Friday night out with my awesome partner in crime either - although I confess I was a bit on the delicate side after a yummy meal at Hermann's, Stirling's own Scottish-Austrian gourmet eatery followed by cocktails at our favourite hang-out.

No, the reason for my radio silence has been participation in my first ever Thanksgiving dinner. My main contribution, other than eating way too much, was providing a deal of the crockery, cutlery and moral support to Frances. We badged it as a jointly hosted party, but the reality is that she did most of the cooking and my involvement was pretty much limited to turning up, eating and being sociable.

The more observant will realise it's the first time since almost the beginning of October that I've missed a day's blog post. I set myself the challenge at the start of the year to blog more regularly and for a while I was doing ok, and then I hit a slump and got out of the habit. I got back into it when I headed off to Italy in October and I've managed to keep it up since then.

I confess I really enjoy my daily blogging. It helps me sort my thoughts out. I get to indulge my passion for writing and it also allows me to say some stuff that I might not get round to saying face to face. Hopefully you enjoy reading it too - but if not, what are you still doing checking in?!

Just changing tack a bit, the other thing that's missing today, sadly, is my old friend and Frances' much loved husband, Paul. He would have been 50 today but tragically he died well before his time. It was for Paul that we ran the Loch Ness Marathon and he's been in our thoughts all weekend. 

This one's for you, mate. Happy birthday, Paul x

*All photos courtesy of JustFrances. 

And in case you're wondering, the opening photo - well, apparently it's traditional at Thanksgiving to put olives on your fingers. Never one to miss the opportunity to be silly, I thought it would be rude not to participate. When in Rome, after all...

Things seen from the window.

I guess it must be prom time.

I spotted this stretch Hummer driving past this afternoon. Swiftly followed by a stretch cadillac, also pink!

Summer is here!

Now that Christmas is over...

...you'll probably be thinking about what to do for New Year, or Hogmanay as it's called in Scotland.

Well, think no more - I have the perfect Hogmanay evening out for you. Come and join us at Scotland's friendliest Hogmanay party on Stirling Esplanade where you can see (and hear) the magnificent Deacon Blue bring in the New Year with style.



Tickets are still available at £25 each, or £80 for a family ticket, online or from various outlets in Stirling. You won't be disappointed.

And even better, the weathermen say it's going to be a dry and frosty night - wrap up warm, but then you'll be dancing so much you won't worry about a bit of cold.