margaritas

 

 

 

Through Gabby I've been lucky enough to meet a wonderful bunch of Spanish-speaking friends. This Friday we headed for Mexican food and margaritas at The Grill House and The Vic to celebrate Cristina's birthday and talked girl-crushes, recent erotic publications, and the merits of metrosexual haircuts.

21st

 

 

After a very long two weeks of presentations, essays, interviews and 12 hour work shifts, the pressure is finally off a bit. We celebrated with drinks for my awesome friend Sazzle's 21st birthday... perhaps too many drinks, as the above note to myself shows what happens when you come up with an "amazing idea for a poem" when drunk. 

easter

Before heading back up to the Bubble I managed to get to my Gran's for our family Sunday dinner on Easter. It was so good to see everyone (especially my cousin's baby Maddy who's gotten so big!) As per, the ladies did the washing up while the men watched the football after dinner. Oddly enough I don't mind this at my Gran's and actually love the old-fashioned-ness of it. At 5 o'clock we sat down to tea and Gran gave me some holy water from mass: only at the Blair's. 

home

 

I don't know why we keep the Blessed Charles and St Francis of Assisi in the fridge, but we do. I don't know what the rationale is that places The Two Ronnies between Dickens and The Moonstone. I love how Gran leaves us bizarre notes in random places (like the dishwasher..) I love coming home and being reminded of all the quirks that a house builds up when it's been lived in for so long.

gabby's visit

 

 

1. The first Pimms of the year, drunk in the Blue Blazer 
2. Wine and espresso on sunny George Street
3. The Dean Gallery
5. All Bar One for Rahul's birthday
7. Scottish sunbathing
8. Sunday walks 

edinburger

 

Edinburgh was humming with happiness today as people soaked up the rays. I grabbed a gorgeous lunch at Amore Dogs with some very dear school friends - their gorgonzola and sun-dried tomato pizza is to die for. We sat chatting in the gardens, waiting for the trees to start sprouting. 

beach date

At the festival I recently volunteered at, an American poet observed, "Happiness rests uneasy in the heart of a Scot." This is normally true, but this week instead of the usual snow and rain we've had gorgeous hot afternoons and balmy dusk in the evenings. I've been in heaven and the whole tone of Edinburgh is different. My amazing friend Caroline drove out for a break from medicine coursework and we slurped ice creams on the sand. 

weekend

 

 

 

 

1. Dinner with the girls

2. My new favourite Edinburgh second-hand          bookshop, Till's

3. Complete with old-fashioned range and fire!

4. And movie posters!

5. Dad designed a new sports building for my old school and gave Mum and I a private tour! I'm so proud of all his work... I'm so lucky my favourite architect is also my Dad. 

6. Impromptu lunch al-fresco at the farmer's market - what a good idea

7. An adorable accordian player and audience

8. I'm so glad to be home for long Saturday nights cooking and eating 
9. Finally catching some rays on the back step
10. Dad and his over-zealous preparation for his Spanish class