Wee jaunt up to the Camera Obscura

This afternoon, Magnus and I decided to take a walk up the Royal Mile and put our free visitor attraction passes to good use by going to the Camera Obscura. It was really worth the visit. The camera itself is quite cool, and I also really enjoyed the fun hands-on exhibition.

A lovely wrought iron grate on an old door on the Canongate.

Some views from atop the Camera Obscura.

Ooo pretty lights!

Very weird - transform your face into a baby, a chimp, or a manga character.

Heat sensitive camera

More pretty lights

Bubbly fishie simulator thing on the floor

This was my favourite - Magnus as seen through a pinhole camera.

Walk in the Park

Magnus and I took a walk in Holyrood Park this afternoon, and walked up on top of the Crags, for a beautiful view of the City.

Chillin' at the Farm

There is no place more peaceful than my parent's farm. The horses are gone, the pasture is grown over, and the day they sell it is getting closer. This might be the last holiday we spend here, which makes it even more beautiful to me.

The pond

The pasture is badly overgrown now the horses are gone.

The barn.

The stage - my parents get local bands to play here during the summer.

The kitty love Magnus.

We love the kitty's little velvet paws.

The pond.

Charles and Camilla move in next door

Every year around this time, our neighbourhood is graced with the presence of its most famous residents, the Royal Family. Strangely, we have been present every year for the past three years when the helicopter has landed in the park behind our flat, and have managed photos on two occasions.

It's all very exciting. First, a hoard of police arrive in a van. Then, they go around telling all the kite fliers to take in their kites. Then they form a square at the corner of the park through which no one is allowed to walk. This involves much waving of arms and pointing at Japanese tourists and dog walkers. This is the point at which I arrived today. I knew what was about to happen, and my first thought was 'Sweet, some awesome photos for my 365 tonight!' So I plopped myself down on the grass to enjoy the sunshine for awhile. About 15 minutes later, the gates of the Palace open, a helicopter emblazoned HRH lands inside the square of policemen and a bunch of people get out and rush into the Palace. This year I was close enough to actually get a couple of photos of HRH in a kilt.

London: 15 - 19 May

Last weekend, Magnus and I went to London to visit some of our friends. We stayed with Pete and Melanie in their new house in Colliers Wood. They were absolutely brilliant hosts, and we had such a nice time. We had a BBQ on Saturday - Zach and Annalisa, Habba, Ali, and their little girl Emma, and a couple of friends of Zach and Anna all came.

Habba and little Emma

Pete overseeing the BBQ activities while we stayed dry and warm in the conservatory.

OMG - Mel's black bean burgers

Ali and Emma, and Magnus


Zach and Anna

Magnus enjoying a manly cocktail - 'Twinkle my lights'

Mel and Pete's sweet little kitty Pip

We had AMAZING sushi in Soho on Sunday night.

Magnus and Pete getting violent at the Trocadero

Blowing bubbles on the Tube

Walk in the park this evening.

One of our favourite things to do in the spring and summer is to take walks in the park after dinner. The weather this evening was crisp and clear, and it was perfect for clearing the cobwebs after a big meal. The light was absolutely lovely, and I took loads of photos.

Girlie Lunch at Sally's

Today, Sally hosted a lovely girlie lunch for myself, Giordana, Kiki, and Kiki's lovely kids. Sally made some unbelievable carrot orange soup, a huge salad, a wonderful loaf of bread, and some absolutely amazing scones. A wonderful tummy-filling time was had by all.

Can you tell I enjoyed my soup? (and my wine!)

Kiki and Milly helping with the scones.


These were AMAZING!!

I love Sally's flat - she has it done up so nicely. These are her spice jars on the open shelves in the kitchen.

Sally FOUND these cool letters on her street and painted them with chalkboard paint.

Her cool American-sized fridge