Let the Games begin.

London 2012 has finally arrived. After what seems like the longest run up in the history of world sporting events the Olympics got off to a very British start with the opening ceremony. I have to admit that I did not manage to see all of it as I was out with chums in the pub, but I can only imagine that the rest of the world was watching with mild confusion when Middle Earth transformed into an industrial landscape and then filled with smiling NHS workers dancing round beds. I have to say the Bean and Bond moments were very funny and added a lovely touch of humour to an event that can often be extremely dull and boring.

Molten rings.

Cider rings.

In other news, this week I suddenly realised how close the Pedal for Scotland event is (9th Sept). Sudden panic gripped me, so have been out on Dolly over the last couple of days. I have prayed to the weather Gods to keep August as dry as possible so that I can clock up a few more miles. I have a feeling I might have to suck it up and do a few wet miles over the next month.

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey

Alcohol and reunions.

One thing I have realised from this weekend is that I am too old (or out of practice) to have 2 consecutive late nights that are fuelled by booze. The lethargy pixies were in full effect today on this very wet and miserable Monday.

I had another lovely night with Hazel putting the world to rights on Friday. Although it was very funny to be told by her 8 year old son, that if we wanted our wine we had better get a move on as they have changed the selling hours and they won't serve you after 9pm. Oh how we scoffed and said "It's Asda, they always sell alcohol", but sticking to his guns he said that he heard it on Cbeebies and it was coming in to effect as of tonight. So since it was approaching this dreaded hour we jogged into the store  and right enough they were preparing the barriers to block off the aisles! Shocked, yes we were, but grateful to have made it in time to get some lovely vino plonko. Phew.

Saturday night I was out with my wonderful friend visiting from Switzerland. We are old college buddies and although we chat regularly on skype it is always good to catch up in person on her annual visit to Scotland. This year we met up with Kev, whom neither of us had met since leaving college in 1996! Excellent drinks and chat. I do love a good old chin wag.

Kev and Karen.

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey.

Red Balloon.

Oh red balloon, Oh red balloon,

You rise up fast and over the trees,

You bounce and bop on the gentle breeze.

You float up high on the Summer air,

I hope you travel far without a care.

Take my worries and take my woes,

Carry them as far as the wind will blow.

You disappear so fast from my sight,

Swallowed so quickly by the evening light.

Oh red balloon, Oh red balloon,

When you burst and fall from the sky,

I will hear your pain and let out a sigh.

Peace x

Words and images by Caroline Harvey.

Whirlwind

It has been a bit of a whirlwind couple of weeks, due mostly to some very impulsive behaviour on my part. Don't get me wrong it has been good impulsiveness, but sometimes I actually wonder if I should really be allowed to be in charge of my own brain or indeed left on my own.

Anyway my impulsive behaviour sent me South to Cornwall for the weekend. I have never been that far south in the UK before and it was a very pleasant surprise. The scenery and landscape were stunning, and I even got to see the sunshine.

Widemouth Bay.

Even though I have done very little climbing recently, I still miss the touch and feel of rock and had to take a photo of these lovely patterns.

Swirls.

Baywatch British style. Cloudy and a bit chilly.

Lovely jubbley.

Moo.

In case you had forgotten what a blue sky looks like.

Previous to my weekend away I tried something that I have never done before. Bike polo. My friend Fiona had been asking me for months to go along and give it a try, but I had always been too busy. So last Thursday I went along mostly just for a look to see what it was all about, but needless to say was coaxed in to trying. It was really good fun, my balance and left brake could do with being better but an enjoyable experience, especially on the one sunny dry evening in months.

Through the fence.

Go Fi!

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey.

H2Oh my God!

Well what is there to say about the last week other than it has been wet. We have had flash floods, rivers bursting their banks, road closures and general traffic chaos. On Wednesday it took me an hour and a half to travel about 4 miles, at the end of a long day it was not pleasing for me or all the other commuters trying to get home.

Ocean terminal.

For me, like many others I presume, the bad weather really does take it's toll on my mood and motivation. The Summer is the time when I like to recharge my batteries with plenty of outdoor activities and fresh air, I need this to survive the long dark nights of the Winter, but this year so far that has been so hard to do. Granted I was not well recently but today was the first dry day in weeks that I have been able to go out for a wee tour on Dolly. She has been so underused that her tyres had gone quite flat. I hope that does not happen with the real Dolly! It was great to get out, although I am kind of worried about my fitness levels, but will struggle on.

I think this is referring to Summer.

Fog and rain.

Hearts and flowers.

Forget me nots?

I eventually found some sunshine on Friday in Aberfoyle. It really was quite blinding to my unadjusted eyes, but sat out for my lunch and tried to absorb as much vitamin D as possible.

I found the sun.

Yesterday (Saturday) was still absolutely disgusting and rained for the whole day, so the only sensible thing to do was go for a bit of retail therapy. I found what I think will become my most loved pair of shoes. Always been a fan of them cowboys. Further cheering up was found in a bottle of wine and a good blether with my fabulous friend Hazel. Good times.

New shoes. Yee Haa.

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey.

A clearer view?

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey