Normal Service Resuming

Well, we're now getting settled into our lovely new home and already enjoying the change. Not only are we getting used to a new house but also a new area and one that has taken me some distance from my beloved River Clyde! However, I'm a positive person and have adapted well to being more central. There is lovely countryside within close distance and lots of new places to explore, as well as being a short stroll away from a very good cycle path for bikes or walking. Might get a bit fitter at last.

The main benefit, of course, is being nearer to our grandchild and her parents - we've already appreciated the joy of that and look forward to seeing more of them, and being of use in their busy lives. Another plus is feeling more connected in every way - near shops and transport, within easy train journey to Edinburgh and only slightly longer to Glasgow. Our internet connection is also super fast compared to what we suffered in our previous small village at the top of a hill!

Needless to say, we've been spending most of our time getting the house organised, but neither of us has slackened with that and it now looks like home. Only some decorating and a few minor things to do and we'll be able to concentrate on work again, or enjoy getting out and about in my case.

At the weekend, we had our first outing from here and called at South Queensferry for a walk only to discover the car parks full since a charity abseiling even was taking place. We've visited here before and can now more easily return on a quieter, sunnier morning. I managed to get a snap of part of the newest road bridge (not quite finished yet) from further along - the one above is the famous Forth Rail Bridge.

We drove on to Hopetoun House - one of the top venues on my list of places to visit. I'll be going back to explore the house and gardens another day but we did have coffee and cake in the converted Stable Tearooms then stopped at their amazing Farm Shop where much of their own produce is on sale. Can't wait to learn all about this magnificent 17th century stately home and I'll no doubt write a proper post about it eventually. Couldn't get a decent photo of the whole house as they were clearing the grounds after a huge outdoor event the evening before.

Surprisingly, I even managed to send off two short stories in the midst of everything and, thanks to husband and son, my new study is up and running with most of the bookcases in place (and their contents). Been feeling a bit guilty about the number of heavy books I brought with me but they've been really good about it!

I hope to get back to blogging at least once a week again from now on and can't wait to get all my writing and ideas organised at last - at least that's the plan. Watch this space...

Rosemary