I J Mellis, Cheesemonger, Morningside.

Went to Morningside this morning for cheese and chocolate. Mellis's is the place for cheese in Edinburgh. When I got there there were 15 people in the shop and another 10 in the queue outside the door. Waiting outside was a pain in the gusty, bitterly cold wind and driving rain while those inside deliberated and tasted cheese after cheese trying to decide what to buy. Obviously they'd been waiting outside in the driving rain etc and were making the most of being inside.

Once inside the smell was wonderful, it was cold but dry and calm. I chose the Gorgonzola, which we always get here, Mull cheddar and some Brie. The person behind me bought half a big Brie which must have cost the earth as my 200g cost £5.00.

After Mellis's I called in at Waitrose for a few bits and pieces and ended up with the others hunting for chocolates and enjoying a hot chocolate with hazelnuts.

After taking Barbara back to Balerno we went for a swim in the Commonwealth pool. At 50m lengths it seemed to take for ever to get to the other end and the water was 2.00m deep too, which addded another dimension. All in all another great day despite the very inclement weather.