MRI in the Toon

As part of my ongoing participation in UK Biobank, I was invited to Newcastle for a torso MRI, a functional brain MRI, a full-body X-ray scan and a free sandwich. Alas, I didn't get any of the images but it was an interesting day. MRI scanners are claustrophobic and noisy! Plus I didn't know the Millennium Bridge lit up at night.

Rest and Be Thankful

Once in a while I try to start running again. This was taken on an "epic" 13km Saturday morning plod. Any excuse to stop for a moment. Maybe I'll just give up again.

Just Eat!

Edinburgh has a bike hire scheme! Sponsored by Just Eat, the bikes are slow and heavy. Naturally then, I took the opportunity one sunny lunchtime to ride one to the top of the Braid Hills...

Dancing In The Street

Well now that I've found out how to embed Facebook videos, there's no escape from this sort of thing; the choir I'm in doing a wee performance at Sainsbury's in Cameron Toll (the glamour!) in aid of SiMBA. With cool yellow hats.

Watery Activities Croatia

A wee compilation of all the usable footage I got from the "No-Pro" in Croatia this year. Good times!

Foxy McFoxface

A regular visitor, napping in the garden in the evening sunshine.

Big Ship in the Forth

Out for a bike ride around Dalmeny on a Saturday morning, I noticed a huge cruise ship  not unlike the ones we had seen dominating the harbourfronts in Croatia. So I took a picture of it. Note grey water and dark forbidding skies in stark contrast to the Adriatic.

Loser!

I entered the G-Form Enjoyro - part of the Tweedlove bike festival. It was a Christmas present. It's a mountain bike race, but you're only really racing on the downhills. I'm faster uphill (that's my excuse anyway). I came 58th out of about 80 blokes over 40.

There are more photos of me here but I can't use 'em without paying for them!

Winter Is Coming

A wee dump of snow to cheer us on our way and remind us of the coming ski trip.

Three Wise Monkeys

Happy New Year!

Along December

A December miscellany; the view from my office window, a cheesy corporate portrait; Holly's dress from last month's fashion show, and a few snaps of Christmas chez Lodge.

November Miscellany

Remember, remember blah blah blah November. A few goings-on including fireworks chez McKee, a school fashion show for Holly, Louis' guitar recital, an icy seafront at Silveknowes, a new job - and office - for me, and a case of Hillend Thumb for Holly.

Birthday Triathlon

Another year, another birthday for me. Forty-twelve this time. We went to the Gardener's Cottage en famille, and very nice it was too. The day before, Helen had done her first triathlon in Peebles. She ran (and swam, and rode) a good race, but it was hard work. I didn't manage to get any decent pictures, except of Louis and the bike...

Renegade

I bought a new bike. It's one of them modern "adventure/gravel/all-purpose" bikes they're talking about. It's steel (because Steel is Real apparently) and it's awesome. That is all.

You Shall Go To The Ball!

An invitation to walk across the - yet to open - new Queensferry Crossing!

The Green Green Grass of Home

We finally deflated the pool in anticipation of the end of the summer holidays. The grass may have suffered a little in the meantime. What you don't get from the picture is the extraordinary smell of rotting vegetation that emerged...

Deer Deer

Holly snapped this deer running through the woods at Bonaly while on a Wildlife Club.

Green

I think we may need to clean the pool.

Mmm, Gizzard

The Ringtones choir sang at soprano Maria's birthday party. There were labels on the food to help us navigate the various Ghanaian specialities on offer. Gizzard sounded particularly appealing (and was indeed v tasty).

Some Like It Hot

We now have a double oven. I fitted it myself. I am the king of DIY :-)