Arran

early start and long day to visit John's dad on Arran. This shop on the seafront has always made me smile. For those that don't know, Brodick is the main town on the island.

7.45am start for the 9.45 ferry and to John's dad by just after 11. it is a duty rather than a pleasure, sad to say, as Jimmy has early stage dementia (he is 85 in two weeks) as well as macular degeneration and is a bit deaf, so he repeats himself constantly and we hear the same stories every time we go. We always go out for a nice lunch. Iain, John and Jimmy tucked into cullen skink, fish and chips and venison and I stuck to a plain pasta dish, until the sweet menu arrived and there was still Christmas pudding on it. I was sunk.

the ferry back is at 4.40 so we don't get home till after 7. we stopped at Sainsbury's and what should we see prominently displayed at the entrance - hot cross buns!!!!!! it's January 5th for god's sake!

John is now cooking himself some indian snacks that smell delicious but I am trying to be virtuous and just grazing on healthy stuff. one blemish on the halo is enough for one day.

since yesterday:

wine: none
treats: 3 chocolate coins found in the toe of Iain's stocking when I put it away
halo: slightly tarnished