The weekend

Another jolly walk with the group on Saturday, in West Lothian, from Almondell, along the aqueduct and the River Almond.

We passed Illieston House, built around the end of the 16th century. Previously there had been a hunting lodge for James II and IV on this site. Evidently James III was more interested in unmanly pursuits such as music than he was in hunting and leading his country into war. That's my kind of king.

Walking along the aqueduct was fine until...

you looked down. Argh.

A bridge over the canal was much better for the nerves.

This is the sign for Lin's Mill. William Lin died there in 1645, thus achieving the unenviable distinction of being the last person in Scotland to die of plague. He'd have been surprised, I imagine, to find out that his house was for sale recently for offers over £795,000.


The walk was about six and a half miles.

Then yesterday was Grandson's fifth birthday. The other grandparents, Nanny and Gramps, were here to celebrate, as were Son and Daughter-in-Law. Grandson looked at his cake, which had five candles plus a 5 (which was also a candle) and enquired, "Why are there six candles on my cake?" (Pedant.)

This was the cake. Grandson decorated it himself.

This was the cake that Daughter 1 made - on request - for his party with his friends. You may be able to perceive a theme.

That was a quick five years. How we love him.