Hinge success

It was SO COLD this morning - we had an extended visit from the haar, which didn’t move away till mid afternoon, meaning cold cold cold. Just as well I stepped out of the gate no gate - yet, and immediately returned for my hat. But what I should also have done was put on a warm jacket, not my raincoat. So I was even colder than I should have been.

We saw John and Amanda from afar, just crossing the road, and once they got near enough for Archie to spot them, off he went running. And while they all set off one way, I headed for the bus down to Leith. I was taking the original gate hinge down for a duplicate to be made by the wonderful ironmonger, Graeme.

It wasn’t hard to find. But it was shut, not unexpectedly. I rang and he said to leave it with his neighbour, who was loading beer barrels. And there was a different bus route just across the road. How handy.

I got right back to our meeting place in Princes Street bang on time. For we had spotted a good deal on lunch - £10 steak & frîtes. I could have upgraded to a better fillet, but I was happy with that wee bargain. JR had fish and, oddly, a pitta bread & salad. And a few of my frîtes.

Bus home (JR walked). I couldn’t wait to get the fire on and warm up!

The dog and dog walkers arrived home 16,000 steps later. The last bit was actually in warm sunshine.

And Graeme, the ironmonger, has texted to say the gate hinge is ready! Wish we’d gone to him first off, but who knew it would be impossible to buy new/old gate hinges…

Archie had a bath - here he is, snuggled up, drying off.