Caffeine intake soars!

Woke up at 8:15 to a single little bark. Wee Archie evidently thought it was about time somebody was up and about!

I think I’m officially better now. Well, my coffee intake has increased - accidentally - threefold! I had a morning coffee at home, then we set off for a wander into town with Archie, not having been for ages.

We walked down Victoria Street, and happened upon a coffee shop that looked interesting. Filament. Rustic, charming and serious about coffee. Also - dog friendly. How could we not have one? It was their last day there, as they wanted to move somewhere more ‘neighbourly’, not touristy. We suggested our neighbourhood - Marchmont! But I think not - rents too dear.

The menu was great - Just Coffee/ Not Coffee. And the coffees were: Black (long black), White (flat white), Filter (a five minute process). Brilliant. Also pastries and cakes. What more do you need?

From there we had a wander down the Grassmarket and it felt very Continental with all the outdoor eating and a Farmer’s Market. Also, the Cooncil have done the rubbish correctly there - with just wee shiny recycling bins lined up, and huge capacity underground. Instead of the revolting big black stinky bins they have littered the rest of the city with.

We then popped by a restaurant we’ve been meaning to visit, but it’s always been closed - Timberyard. Today it was open. But not open. They were getting ready for a wedding, but we had a wander in for a nosy.

What an amazing space! The owners met us for a chat and was (of course) quite taken with Archie. He mentioned he had a dog, Millie, upstairs and could she meet Archie… and she came down and she was the sweetest little wire-haired dachshund. They fell in love with each other immediately, and played so sweetly together. I think Millie is a bit timid with other bigger dogs, but Archie was so gentle with her. We all sat and watched them for ages and the owner offered us a coffee. Although it was my third in as many hours, it seemed impolite to refuse, as they were (rightly) proud of it. We will be going there for a meal very soon.

We walked back and happened in to the Cloisters Bar, my no-muzak favourite. The barman came to offer Archie some water and doggie biscuit. Archie was such a good boy - he just lay down and waited patiently for us to finish. But then JR popped to the loo and Archie got a bit frantic and began yowling - causing everyone to look at me as if I was torturing the poor wee dog! What a fuss!

He had a big run around in the Meadows. No dogs, but JR and I were miles apart, and just kept calling him and waving our arms and he raced backwards and forwards to us for ages. What fun that was.

What a grand day out.