Gosh, I can't believe we are nearly at the end of September, especially when I look out the window and see glorious blue sky - summer has finally arrived - it is actually hot and sunny today and is expected to last until the weekend with temperatures in the mid 20's (mid 60's F).  Woohoo, better late than never. 

I've done another couple of evenings at the Byre Theatre, last weeks Doorways in Drumorty was hilarious, if you get the chance go and see it on tour, I only saw the 2nd half but it was very funny.  I'm back there again tonight but can't remember what's on.

Last weekend saw us all travel to Devon on Friday for Kev & Den's wedding.  After a fraught Thursday night when we discovered Tom's passport had run out in June we discovered that it is ok for a child to travel within Britain with an out of date passport. Phew.  So we all really enjoyed the short flight from Edinburgh to Exeter.  We met up with all the Stringer side of the family for dinner on Friday night and then we had the wedding on Saturday in Tavistock (a lovely little market town) returning to the countryside for the reception later in the afternoon.  Highlights of the day were Kev's face when Den was saying her vows - so much love - I thought Kev's face was about to explode with happiness.  The hog roast was spectacular - very tempted to host a big party now so we can have one, it was truly delicious.  Also, the music was a highlight - some great tunes from the eighties to dance to when the disco started and an unusual group of singers earlier on in the day - Flash Jack?  I think, a group of 5 or 6 men and a lady singing shanties?  Very entertaining.  Unfortunately after the early start on Friday and late night due to the family dinner Lily was exhausted and desperate for bed by around 5.30pm on Saturday, so I spent a couple of hours cajoling her to stay awake until the evening buffet so she could have a quick sarnie before hitting the hay at 8.30pm.   Nick & I were exhausted as well and we finally dragged Tom off the dance floor around 10pm before we called it a night too.  A fantastic weekend.

It was actually a nice day last Sunday so we had a lovely walk through the woods around St Andrews.  Then a fairly quiet week at school and work - well, quiet for 3 of us anyway.  Nick's stress levels were going through the roof as the airshow drew ever closer, culminating in him not getting home until 1020pm on Friday night.  Then back up at 530am on Saturday to a grey and rainy day. 

 Thankfully the rain had stopped by mid morning and we grabbed our buckets and spades and Greg and headed off to the beach to watch the show.   The boys got busy digging a trench to protect themselves from the airborne assault and Lily charged about doing whatever it is Lily does.

 We had a good couple of hours before the heavens opened again and we had to abandon the beach, luckily not before seeing some of the jets perform for us though.

Nick got home around 9pm a lot less stressed than yesterday thank goodness.  On Sunday he was back into work to tidy up and make sure everything was in order before coming home for a sunday lunch and a relaxing afternoon of sport....on the telly.

Lesley came up last Wednesday for a visit, her train got in late at night so Nick picked her up and brought her back here for a bowl of soup and a sandwich before bed.  On Thursday we went into town for a potter around the shops and I rather smugly managed to buy her Christmas present for her.  How organised is that?  I did also manage to buy a birthday present for Gladys who turned 1 on the 12 August and I had completely mixed up my dates for that so missed it.  So not such an organised smarty pants all of the time.
On Thursday night Nick & I were out for cocktails at the mess and then I had my shift at the Byre on Friday.  On Saturday night Nick & I were out again, this time round at Jason's for dinner.  We had a great (but very late) night so Sunday was spent mostly lounging except for when we went out for a pub lunch.  On return from lunch we put the fire on as it was a very cold and windy day. 
So on Monday I finally managed to cook a nice meal and sit down for dinner with Lesley.  And then it was Tuesday and time for her to board the train back to Somerset.