For a wee while, life slowed down to a snail's pace - no, it was, in fact, a bit boring. But things have picked up! I've had lots of family visits. All lovely. The one with the grandkids was over in a whizz-bang flash!

From first thing when my eyelids were gently poked, followed by, 'Are you awake, granny?' I sleepily opened my eyes to see smiling Grandkid1 (5 and a half) with 2 books in one hand, and my reading glasses in the other!

Ordinarily, my morning is slow-paced with a sugary milky coffee and a bit of Sudoku to help ease my brain into gear. But now my coffee was withheld - 'cos there was a deal attached - read 2 books first! When 2 more were produced after that, I exclaimed that I was too parched to read any more. But this only resulted in me being jumped on - despite protests that my bladder might burst!

Grandkid2 (1 year) sorted out all my cupboards and rearranged my tins & pans at various locations around the house. All small items of electrical equipment got an impromptu once-over and a good old shake. I was shown never-before-known functions that my mobile could perform. When my coal scuttle and fireplace needed investigating, make-shift barricades had to be put in place!

All harmless fun. I loved it. Daughter2 is so patient and copes like a trooper.

Daughter1 arrived shortly after Daughter2 & gang were safely home. Daughter1 shares my preference for unrushed mornings. She surfaced mid-morning. Our decision to view Inverness from the open-topped bus proved a bad one.  Unfortunately there was a bout of heavy rain! Didn't stop us from chatting though.

There's nothing better than a good old family chinwag to catch up. And I'm touched that they continue to make those long journeys north to see me.

Son1 (only son!) and I are off glamping shortly to the small isles. That should be an adventure. Can't wait! Hope the weather holds on the West Coast - hiking with backpacks is involved!