Saturday at last

Sorry, long story today!

Today I was up sharp to take Isobel to gymnastics. Eilidh is still under the weather, just wiped out so she was still asleep when I got back. Jon came and picked Eilidh up then Isobel and I started the task which has been filling my mind for the last few weeks - along with everything else.
I drove the other family to the airport. Ali got the bus with the girls and S came in the car with me and the luggage - they don't (can't) travel light. Three suitcases, one large rucksack, which made me laugh as its the one I bought for Katy for her DofE bronze expedition in 1997! It might even have been for International Guide Camp the year before! Then there were two car seats, a buggy, 4 hand luggage bags, Josie's rucksack and a bag of baby foods and travel requirements. They're off to South Africa for three weeks which include Christmas and Bonnie's first birthday. I know they'll have a good time but I've been dreading the journey on their behalf. However the first leg is over, they are in Istanbul, apparently Josie is a bit miffed because she hasn't seen any Turkeys, lol.
Their next flight is in about half an hour and by the time I wake up tomorrow, God willing, they'll be there.
I stayed with them till they were all checked in and through security then set off again in the car feeling rather empty, but happy to see them all in such good form and looking forward to seeing family when they get there.
I drove around rather aimlessly and ended up in Leith Walk where I was the recipient of some real kindness.
I've been looking for a replacement Cruet (lidded bottle) for our home communion sets, they have all vanished somehow. To buy a new one is around £200, they are around 10 cm high and have silver lids. I've been looking on eBay and other places with no success. By chance I parked outside an antique shop in Leith Walk so decided to go in and ask if they had such a thing or a similar bottle that I could use. The owner, who was just putting down the shutters said he thought he had but didn't know where it was. We spent the next 5 minutes looking in all the display cabinets and while charging, he asked me what I wanted it for. I explained about taking communion to people unable to come to church. We found the bottle and I asked him if could measure it as I thought it might have been too big. When he's done that, I still want sure, so I asked if he would be willing to keep it for 24th hours so I could bring the set down to check if it would fit. He asked again about what I was going to use it for and when I explained, he took the price ticket off, handed it to me, and said "Have it". I was so grateful, I could hardly believe I had heard him correctly. I thanked him effusively and gave him a hug. I brought it home, tried it in the set and it fits. He'll be getting a very nice letter and the bottle which is now cleaned and is lovely Birmingham 1896 hallmarked silver had been well cleaned. It will be blessed next time I see our curate and ready for use. I'm still smiling at his kindness.
I ended up, on my way back going into a very nice and very Indian restaurant on Ferry Road. I really fancied a cup of Chai, so to Sabzi I went. That is the subject of my blip, the balloon says : Chef is 40! As always I was welcomed and thoroughly enjoyed the chai and the chance to unwind. I love their decor and they are always so friendly.
Back home and Katy arrived with the girls and fish supers. She's on call overnight and Jon is now on nights. We enjoyed the fish and chips, I ate half a child's portion! My appetite has definitely decreased.
Colin is still in Banchory, so we were ready for our girls night in. We settled down to watch Strictly and consumed a large part of the sweet popcorn while doing so. Isobel and Eilidh voted online.
With the news that the others are now in Istanbul - still no Turkeys - ready to board for the next leg, I'm off to bed. I know they'll have a wonderful time but selfishly I'll miss them.