Ladies Day at the races

Last Friday I went with Fiona and a couple of her friends to Ladies Day at Musselburgh Races. It was a great day and for once the weather was glorious (it has been raining here everyday for months). We all got dressed up, complete hats or fascinators. 

We had booked tickets in the Pavilion where we had a private table in a marquee with our own bar and betting window. There were also nice people wondering around the tables taking bets and helping people which we very much needed. 

With the ladies.

I will admit my betting selection process was very unscientific. I pick the ones with either the best name or had a lady jockey (got to support the sisters!). Needless to say I got my money back on one race and lost the rest. If I could have bet on which horse came last, I would have done a lot better. Oh well. I figured I would be loosing the money anyway so it was good fun just to watch the horses. I am not at risk of becoming a gambler!

The other ladies were a lot more lucky than me and all at least made their money back. I figured someone has to support the underdogs. 

My unlucky bets

We also took a very nice picnic with us complete with a full cheese board. 

 It was a really good day and it was loads of fun looking at all the outfits. Some were amazing. Some questionable. But good fun. 

Bamburg Castle

ON the way back to Edinburgh from camping, we stopped at Bamburg castle which is the place where the Lost Kingdom was set as Uhtred's home, Bebbanburg. We have both watched the series so figured why not? 

The castle is set on a gorgeous beach (though we were much too lazy to walk down), and they had a costume display from the series. 

Honestly it was nice but there wasn't as much there as I was expecting. The views were great and well worth it, though we were a little cautious on the battlements are the wind was still insanely strong.  

View from the castle

Uhtred's costume

 It was a nice little stop but we were both happy to get home and unload the car and have proper showers. I still need to pack the tent back up but for that, I need a dry and not windy day, and frankly I live in Edinburgh so I am still waiting. 

Camping

In July, Caroline and I went camping for the first time. I have camped next to my parents caravan but this would be the first time alone and Caroline's first time at all. I loved it. Not so sure about Caroline.

We left work early on the Friday and travelled down to just outside Bamburg in Northumberland. And of course it was absolutely throwing it down when we get there so we were quite wet after we had put the tent up. But we had a tarp for over the front so we sat there drying off and watching the rain with a bottle of wine and then Pimms. 

The next day was sunnier but really windy!

We managed to cook ourselves a very nice breakfast (thank god for the wind guard).

As we were camped only a couple minutes walk from the beach, we decided to go and chill no the beach. The idea was sound and the pictures make it look idyllic.

What you can't tell is the wind. We had put sunscreen on and within seconds were like sugar coated donuts! We got absolutely sandblasted. I was finding sand in my ears for a day or 2. We weren't the only people on the beach though. We ended up back at the tent taking cover between the tent and the car with a bag of nachos for lunch and reading and napping for the rest of the day.

We were going to try a BBQ on the evening as I have a portable BBQ pit I have been wanting to try for ages. But we figures hot embers and high gale force winds (we were one of the only tents still standing - thank you Vango!) were not a great idea so ended up walking into the nearby village and finding a pub for a lovely dinner.

Village church

Feeling windswept.

On the sunday we headed home via Bamburg castle, looking windswept and with a sand exfoliated skin. I definitely want to go camping again, but it might take some convincing to get someone to go with me. 
 

Animals

Over the last few months I have been spending as much time as possible with friends pets. 

Sister's cat, Barney

I really want a dog but my landlord is not keen so I have joined BorrowMyDoggy and have multiple dogs I now either look after sometimes during the day or take for walks.

Bim likes his cuddles...

... and his naps

                                         

Nico is just a puppy so very active ...

... until he flakes out

Little Ellie

The back of Teddy's head.

Blurred Teddy

Another blurred teddy - the nutter is rarely still

Belle like a walk and nose about

Or telling me to stop working.

Teddy being photogenic! :)