Ups and downs

It's been quite a full-on week. On Monday we visited friends in the west, who took us to Glasgow's Pollok House, which was built in 1752 as a family home but now belongs to the National Trust. We walked through the gardens, by the White Cart Water, and then wandered through the house. We first went there, with the same friends, shortly after we were married, so about 45 years ago. We've changed more than it has.

It must have been a beautiful family home, though the guide pointed out it was difficult to heat and the last owners used to huddle in an internal room in the coldest weather.

It was a dull day and getting dark by the time we left. Mist was rising from the fields.

Then on Wednesday, Daughter 2 and Littlest Granddaughter arrived.

Alas, Littlest developed a chest infection and was really quite unwell. We took her to the doctor and she was put on antibiotics, which seemed to help. But she was very tired and a bit miserable, poor little person.

The Edinburgh grandchildren came round and Grandson painted a picture of some Romans. One had just jumped in a puddle; another was about to dig in a hillside.

It was a sunny day with lovely blue sky. Their cave is to the right, with a fire in it. His grasp of history may be slightly approximate.

Littlest did rally.

We went to the Botanics. There was a heron in a tree, which I don't think I've ever seen before. They're usually standing in the water.

And then - further alas - this morning Daughter 2 and Littlest went home. This did have the advantage that I could put things back on low-level shelves.

But this evening we heard that the Unbloggable Toddler is going to be a big sister next May, which is very exciting. That's grandchild number 5. I can't wait to meet him/her.