JR went off to the gym, right as rain, this morning. But her wee gym pal now has ‘slap face’! 

Hazel popped over for a coffee and to enthuse about her holiday in Japan. Though it’s not for the faint hearted - full on every day, walking, walking, walking. We’ll hear more about it on Friday when they both come for dinner.

I got a message to say that my shoes were in Ecco, so Archie and I took the bus in. The chap was delighted to welcome Archie into the shop, though there’s no sign to say they’re dog friendly. 

I stopped for a coffee (NO pastry) at Victor Hugo - we’ve got one near the Meadows, and it’s dog friendly. Their city shop is in a good spot - sunny, with pavement space, but it’s long and narrow and very noisy and crowded. Archie wasn’t keen, so we went and sat outside. Not too cold.

I did debate whether to catch the bus back, but knew that Archie would prefer to walk, so we went through the Gardens and sat and admired the fountain for quite some time. I started my new audiobook - Sam Neill’s ‘Did I Ever Tell You This?’ which I’m very much enjoying. Actually, that was another the main reason for walking all the way home again. (6,007 steps)

We sat in the Grassmarket for a while, Archie watching folk, me listening to Sam. Up the Vennel steps again, and I was pleased to see a group of older ladies going very slowly as well. In fact, I caught up with, and passed them!

We also sat for a while in the Meadows. And then outside the cafe. Archie is so patient. 

I am now wearing the new shoes around the house, and as yet, I’m undecided… My feet are sore from walking home, so it’s not a good idea to judge them yet.

The news that Peter Murrell, the SNP’s Chief Executive and Nicola Sturgeon’s husband, has been arrested regarding the £600,000 missing from the SNP coffers. So just as well she’s no longer our First Minister - it would be awfully embarrassing to have your husband arrested while you were running the country… Did she know? Did she suspect this was inevitable, and jump ship first? Fascinating.

I got notice of my next COVID Booster!