Glasgow West End: Pat's guide to what's best in the West

Seems like the first time I've had a chance to sit down to update my diary. I got sidetracked over the festive season by a very bad chest infection, however, I've now learned my lesson that I can't simply throw off nasty symptoms with the aid of some Vitamin C. Eventually forced into an emergency doctor's appointment, some amoxycillin sorted me out. Just a shame that I missed some of the highlights of our festive plans including Martin Stephenson and Kevin Montgomery gigs plus The New Year Hoollies when Jim was playing at The Liquid Ship and The Ettrick, Old Kilpatrick.

Now I feel as though I am still catching up after being lulled into a rather pleasant convalescence with lots of reading and television. I discovered the joys of Gavin and Stacy. second but last programme, and for the first time saw David Tennent in Dr Who. I think I may have got hooked had it not been the last in the series. Looks like you never know what you're missing until you're not well.

Good nights

Prior to my being sick, Jim and I had a few good nights out. We enjoyed ourselves down at Partick Folk Club, where Jim played a couple of numbers with Paul Baird and also sang his song 'Beneath These Scottish Skies" with The Moonshiners so that was a rare treat.

We had another musical night out when we went along to the Art Cafe in the Merchant City to see Larry Guild, who was playing with Chris Trapper. Couple of very talented fellows.

We had a particularly good time in The State Bar, where Jim played with Craig Hughes and The Doghouse Roses at That Devil Music. Super atmosphere and good to catch up with John Alexander and Jane and Graeme (The Dirt). It was quite strange being back in The State as I worked their as a waitress many moons ago, when I was a teenager.

Jim was back playing at Edinburgh Folk Club, supporting Eddie White and we ran into Tony Mitchell, who was also performing at Linlithgow Festival when we were there in September. Tony is an excellent guitarist and had arranged to borrow Jim's guitar to play a few tunes. Unfortunately, i didn't recognise him and thought that he was trying to pinch it. Just as well he saw they funny side of this, although, when we were leaving he did say: "I can't believe you thought I was pinching Jim's guitar".

Over the holidays we were also invited out to visit friends and family and had a great wee shindig down at Anne and Jack's, with their neighbour Liz, and Chris home from Rome for Christmas. Earlier that day we had been invited through to Edinburgh to Tom and Jane Fairnie's, where we had a lovely time listening to some very accomplished musicians including Tom and Jane, Karen, Heather and our buddies Paul Baird and Ciaran Dorris.

Thanks, I had a lovely birthday

We also had great fun when Ciaran invited Jim and I onto his Celtic Music Radio Christmas Party with Steph, Heather, Andy, Ross, Allan and Lynne and Sammy Horner. It was quite surreal looking out over a very snowy Glasgow from the top of Livingston Tower, while all nice and cosy in the studio with our chocolates and mulled wine. It was my birthday so thanks to Ciaran and chums for the good wishes and my three birthday cakes. :-)

I had another wee birthday celebration with Val and Rosemary, when we went to Spuntini's in Byres Road for Italian tapas!! The bliss of black pudding and spaghetti was previously unknown to me. Mrs Venditozzi also had a major Italian cooking project on her plate that night so it was a short and sweet meeting but very enjoyable.

Due to my having a bit of a lurgy other celebrations were cancelled but just last week Jackie had a belated dinner party for me in her very swanky pad in Hillhead. Most of the usual suspects were there (Eleanor, Rena, and Linda) - Joan had a prior engagement at Celtic Connections. Thanks Jackie and lassies, it was a great night.

I also had a wee bite and a gab with les gals in Rossano's our favourite neighbourhood restaurant.

Christmas

We also enjoyed ourselves on Christmas Eve we went to visit the McGreevy family with Ryan and Caitlin and thrill upon thrill - Santa came to the door again this year. Much to the delight of the children, Cal, Rae and Alice, he even had a dance with Susanne on the snow covered lawn. Meanwhile Mr McGreevy looked a bit put out but who's going to fall out with Santa?

On Christmas Day we had my brother John, my John and Michael and his gang for dinner in the afternoon and then spent the evening on our own. It was just nice to have relax and listen to music and watch some television

John and I had planned to take the kids to see Cinderella at The Citizens but that particular jaunt also had to be ruled out. I had promised them that we would see a panto and was getting rather anxious that we were running out of time, however, we managed to get tickets for Pinocchio at The Pavilion. It was a very exciting excursion as we were right up in the Gods, much to the delight of Ryan and Caitlin, who thankfully had no vertiginous symptoms. This was my only outing during our mini-ice age and it was the coldest night ever but after the show the kindly commissionair let us stand inside the theatre entrance till Jim came to pick us up.

The kids were thrilled with the treacherous, icy pavements, which I trod on with the utmost trepidation when we delivered them home. It's all a matter of perspective and as Ryan pointed out when we passed the gritters: "That's not fair, they know the kids love snow and ice".

Outings and Ice

The place certainly looks lovely and Jim and I enjoyed a brisk, if rather chilly, walk round Bingham's Pond, where it was very strange seeing people skating and curling. Not a typical Glasgow scene.

John, Ryan and I spent another chilly but very interesting day down at Partick at the Wood Recycling Project. Ryan was thrilled to be shown how to make a window box from scratch and then plant it with a tiny spruce tree. He said it was his 'best day ever'.

Down in my village

We also managed to catch up with my brother Danny and his wife, daughters and grand-daughters down in Old Kilpatrick and we had another party in Edinburgh with all the Byrnes. So it looks like almost all the presents and good wishes have now been exchanged.

We had another super night down in Old Kilpatrick for the fundraiser for the Butterfly Garden and it was great to see Maureen, Frances, Anne, Rena, Sharon and Johnny. Also very nice of The Bluesbunny and Dinny to come along. Jim sang his one and only Christmas song 'It'll be a Blue Christmas Without You', which proved to be a big hit as was Dinny's "Only 24 hours from Tulsa". Another great night and we'll be back down in March.

Celtic Connections 2010 and new friends

However, I failed to get my act together regarding Celtic Connections, Scotland's Premier Music Festival, and by the time I had perused the programme the acts I fancied were sold out. I was disappointed not to get tickets for The Chieftains and Ry Cooder, on Tuesday, 26th January, when Jim will also be playing at the Danny Kyle Open Stage - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Last Sunday we went down to see Eilidh Patterson, whom I had met on myspace, over for the festival from Northern Ireland for Celtic Connections. She was a big hit on the Danny Kyle Open Stage and sold lots of her CDs. We also enjoyed the bluesy set from Wing and a Prayer. We had another great night with Eilidh when she came along with Jim and I to a lovely little musical soiree hosted by Bill Adair and Barbara Burns - Barbara's phenomenal pavlova almost eclipsed the excellent music.

We caught up with Bill and Barbara again at The Liquid Ship on Friday when Jim played with Dinny and Eilidh. It was a super night and great to see Val, Mary, Mick, Graham, Julie and Tam along - especially when Celtic Connections is calling (I was disappointed that this gig clashed with Angelique Kidjo at the Old Fruitmarket).

I'm pretty keen to get along to investigate The Festival Club at the Art School so planning to have a late night next week-end and check it out. Would be nice to catch up with Doris Rougvie, who is hosting the House of Song - it starts at midnight!

Although, I've not seen much of the festival to date Celtic Connection reviewshave been coming my way from Pauline Keightley and The Bluesbunny.

More Glasgow Festivals are on the way

Also on the music front, I've been busy making plans for this year's 'Folk Blues and Beyond, Acoustic Festival' at the West End Festival along with festival director, Michael Dale, Dochan Macmillan and Louise Mitchell and Hannah McCloy from UNESCO Glasgow City of Music. A whole lot of work ahead but looking good. I'll keep you posted.

I love this time of year in Glasgow because the festivals really get off the ground big style. Last week Jim and I went along to the launch of Glasgow Film Festival 2010 (18th - 28th February_ and it's looking very exciting. I'm particularly keen to see Thomas Ikimi's film Legacy, produced in Scotland by Black Camel Pictures. I'm also planning to take Ryan and Caitlin to see Ponyo, described as "the latest animated" masterpiece. Would also be nice to see some of the Carey Grant films that are showing.

Aye Write 2010 will take place between 5th - 13th March. I'll definitely be going along on 7th March to see Eleanor Gordon and Gwyneth Nair talk about their book "Murder and Morality in Victorian Britain: The Story of Madeleine Smith" and Ian Mitchell with an illustated presentation of his book Clydeside: Red, Orange and Green - also on 7th March.

I would also have liked to have seen Karen Campbell but she is on on that date too!!! Still lots more to choose from and on Thursday the 11th March I'm quite keen to go along and see if there are any future stars among the current students on Glasgow University Writing Showcase A free event.

Out and about in Glasgow's West End

Despite having spent a lot of time at home recently we made an effort for Jim's birthday and went out for lunch to Cafe Mediterraneo and then to the cinema. Jim also had a jaunt to the sales and bought himself a very nice new suit.

I've also had some excursions and had a lovely afternoon browsing in The Bead Co, if you haven't been here yet then you really need to check it out. You can easily make yourself some fabulous earrings and the choice is unbelievable.

I couldn't be down in Partick without taking a run into Handbags and Gladrags - I always enjoy a gab with Maxine and Gina and last time I was there I bought a gorgeous angora cardigan. Very cosy.

I also like to pop into Eunice Whyte's on Dumbarton Road - I've been very snug with the fabulous cashmere shawl I got there - my current favourite item of clothing.

Also in Partick, I had a wee look in a second hand clothes shop for children in Hyndland Street, 'Love it Again'. Some cute gear at cut price for the fashion conscious weans.

I've been along to Hyndland to Daniel's shoe shop where I got some great shoes in their sale and I also bought a lovely ink coloured cardigan in Jasmine. This really is a lovely shop and Steph is a big fan as well so when we met up a couple of weeks ago we enjoyed a wee browse. We also had some cake and coffee in Jellyhill and a grand natter; picked up some gorgeous cards in Hilly & Boo's and a few treats from Peckhams before heading home.

Along in the heart of the West End I had a wee wander down Byres Road with Eilidh Patterson. We had a wee bite in Little Italy then popped into Vintage Guru, Pink Poodle and Sandalwood, where she was delighted to find some gorgeous shoes in their sale.

Another shop that is looking excellent at the moment is Nancy Smillie's and if you have any special plans to celebrate Burns Day you could pop by and pick up something from their selection of tartan brooches, necklaces, bags and headbands.

Some outdoor activity

I was back in "Little Italy with John and Ryan last Saturday, before we headed to the Botanics for a game of football - fortified by some of the rich, thick Italian drinking chocolate. It's amazing. We also had a wee stroll round the Children's Garden, which is looking a wee bit desolate after the bad weather and then into the play park.

Some tidying up to be done on our balcony but I can see wee brave bulbs peeping through at last. We need to get along to the allotment and start preparing for spring and we have promised to continue our support to the development of the Saltings Memorial Garden in Old Kilpatrick.

Funerals

Sadly we've been along to two funerals recently, both very fine men, Gerry Murnin from Old Kilpatrick, who was married to my cousin Felicia, and well known as a languages teacher at Holyrood School, Glasgow. Also Ken Palmer - Glasgow artist and a good neighbour of ours in Hillhead.

We have been asked to transfer Ken's website, where he had catalogued images of his many paintings, onto our website and we are more than happy to undertake that task.

New stuff on the site:

There's lots of new stuff on the site including regularly updated pages:

• Roy Beers' Dining and Drinking Glasgow West End
• Glasgow Gig Guide
• What's On in Glasgow
• Celtic Connections 2010
• Jim Byrne Acoustic Music Adventures
• Ken Palmer - Obituary
• International Club Programme Update

Plus lots more in our:What's New

Maybe see you on Saturday 30th at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church, Observatory Road for a Haiti Relief Fundraiser with students from RSAMD, Jim Byrne and Larry Guild plus others.

Thank goodness no rain this morning. Hazy gray skies are quite acceptable after day upon day of depressing downpours. It's not exactly been my brightest few weeks and the poor weather hasn't helped. I've been a bit overwhelmed as it seemed that one by one family members became ill. Thankfully two of the patients are now coming along leaps and bounds and I'm hoping that by Christmas we may see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

However, in between long discussions with doctors, nurses, physios and carers I've managed to fit in a few interesting events, catch up with some friends and I've even tried out a couple of new places in town.

I met up with The Bluesbunny down in Finnieston and I had a little chat with two Viragoes (Louise and Kevin), who were doing a bit of recording at La Chunky. Then we headed across Argyle Street to Sugar Qube - what a lovely cafe - amazing cakes and lots of people working (or playing) away on the computers. I had a lovely snack and enjoyed hearing all about what's new in Glasgow's music world not to mention Mr Bluesbunny's exciting trip to Lancaster Music Festival. I'm now on a mission to find someplace nice that sells homemade empire biscuits for our next tête-à-tête.

Not too far away, on Sauchiehall Street, Roy Beers introduced me to another restaurant 'Bukharah', the beautiful Indian restaurant in the reburbished Lorne Hotel. We had a delicious lunch, very reasonably priced and sumptious decor. Lot's of happy memories of the Lorne so nice to see it back in business.

Another new cafe/bistro, which has recently appeared, is Cafe Mediterraneo, on Byres Road. I was made very welcome when I popped in for a peep and Burak Soyusinmez, the young proprietor, hospitable as ever insisted that I try out some bruschetta. I can see this becoming a real favourite, great menu, lovely Bei & Nannini coffee and lovely decor. Certainly brightened up a rainy day for me.

My final outing to places new was on Michael's birthday, when we all went along to The Partners Italian Bistro, at the old Coach House Building, Great Western Road at Gartnavel. Typical Italian fare and once again very nice surroundings and attentive staff.

Also on the dining front, we've been in and out of Little Italy non-stop, taking full advantage of their carry out service. On other flying visits - I had a quick chat with Allan Mawn down at Pinxto's in Partick and I also caught up with Angela at Sonny & Vito's in Kelvinbridge, when I popped in for some of their delicious quiches.

I had a great chinwag with Dochan MacMillan in Tinderbox after we had been along to meet Michael Dale, West End Festival Director, to chat about developing the Acoustic Music Festival we organised earlier this year. We got quite carried away with lots of ambitious ideas for 2010 - fingers now crossed and we're going to talk over some plans with the folk at UNESCO City of Music tomorrow.

We met Dochan again at The Liquid Ship when Jim played there a couple of weeks back with the fantastic Bob Cheevers. Issi and Davie came along so it was great to see them and we all enjoyed the music.

We also had a lovely afternoon at Jinty's Acoustic Session and met up with lots of friends including Mary K Burke, Bill Adair and Simon Kempston. It was also good to Alex Murray and Jackie and Jim's mum and dad came along as did Val.

We had a good night out at OranMor when Jim supported The Electrics at their 21st birthday reunion gig. Their fans were delighted to see the guys back together again and the music and the atmosphere were brillant. Lots of our friends came along and great to see Margaret, Val, Mary, Frances and Issi through from Edinburgh. Issi has an important birthday this week so many happy returns.

I also had a chat with Alan Broom from Celtic Music Radio, Larry Guild, Ciaran Dorris, Stephanie, Paul, Lynn and Sammy and met the charming Jennifer of Glasgow Radio online. Happy birthday to Lynn, who also has a birthday coming soon.

I was also very happy to catch up with my cousins Lorna and Gaynor and their partners George and Donald, when Jim and I went down to Balloch to see The Moonshiners at The Maid of The Loch. They are a brilliant band and very interesting to see the new line up with Laura-beth now making it two females in the band along with Gemma Donald.

We're looking forward to seeing The Moonshiners again this coming Friday 27th when they will play at the Partick Folk Club, 8.00 p.m, St Peter's Hall. Jim will be playing a few numbers as well.

We went a bit further afield a couple of weeks back when Jim was playing at the Perthshire Amber Music Festival in Pitlochry Theatre. It was a lovely break and a beatiful bright day when we drove up to the festival. Jim just played a couple of songs on the Open Mic but we got chatting to lots of people and it was a very fruitful journey with invitations issued for other gigs.

Down nearer our neck of the woods I met Ann for breakfast at Rio's Cafe in Hyndland Street. We had one of our marathon blethers as we had not seen each other for ages. Then I had a day in town with Frances for her birthday. Another wet day so we hung out in the Malls and for lunch we shared a lovely Celtic Platter in Fifi and Ally's in Princes Square.

I've also been working away on the site and in the morning I went along to meet Muriel Barclay, the artist, who is my current candidate to join our local characters. I met Muriel a couple of months back at Glasgow Art Club, where one of her paintings had pride of place in their exhibition. It was a real treat getting to see more of her work and learn about her life. Now I need to get down to the task of writing it all up so that she can join our characters, including recent addition Rossano McCulloch.

I recently put a new feature up about La Coco Gift Boutique in Partick, and have been back there quite a few times to buy some Christmas Gifts. You really need to check out this lovely shop. It's a breath of fresh air, chic jewellery, cards and unusual gifts and staff with lovely smiles.

Another interesting shop, which has opened in the West End is Peace and Jam, lovely designer clothes shop for children at the corner of Great Western Road and Park Road.

In the same block, on Great Western Road, Nancy Smillie's Jewellery Boutique is looking amazing and I am still fascinated by Vintage Guru on Byres Road.

The main shopping event of the month in Glasgow's West End was, without doubt, the opening of the new Waitrose Supermarket. Like all other dutiful shoppers I had to go along for a look - very nice! Also enjoyed bumping into Alan Horn and his lovely wee son, Charlie.

Apart from dining and shopping I have managed a few cultural and educational outings. Don't know if I can quite count a trip to Glasgow's fabulous Science Centre with Ryan and Caitlin - which was great fun and followed by a Hallowe'en Party when we got home. However, Jim and I fairly enjoyed Alasdair Gray's book launch at Glasgow Film Theatre. Rupert Thomson, the young organiser of the event from The Skinny, was an absolute charmer and Alasdair was in fine fettle as he discussed A Gray Play Book and performed one of the plays with the asistance of Rupert. Glasgow is so lucky to have such a gifted, refreshing and entertaining character as Alasdair. The Question and Answer Session was very humourous but quite a few pertinent points were made about Theatre in Glasgow. Alasdair fairly flew the flag for the West End's fantastic Play, Pie and a Pint sessions at OranMor.

I went along to Glasgow University for another book launch, "The Edinburgh Companions to Scottish Literature". The Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies have launched this new series, which includes The Edinburgh Companian to Robert Burns edited by Gerry Carruthers. The academics were in fine form and could not hide their sheer delight in adding to this series and promises of more to come.

Ryan and I have been a bit restricted to indoor pursuits, however, he would be happy to visit the Transport Museum every day and that's where we went yesterday. We had fun on the tram with one of the workers singing 'Wheels on the tram go round and round' and then he added to his Hot Wheels collection from the shop. When we left we walked through Partick and had a peep into Eunice Whyte, exquisite knitwear if you are searching for very special Christmas gifts. Then we went to see Maxine in Handbags and Gladrags, where you are sure to find your perfect party outfit - for next to nothing. After that we had a cup of tea and scone with John in Cullis's. Got to be the cheapest cafe in Glasgow.

In the evening we went along to The Hidden Lane Cafe, one of my favourites places, and Jim sang his songs at a wee private function upstairs and I hung out with Linda and Gill in the cafe.

Also out and about in Glasgow's West End we went along to The Grosvenor Cinema to see 'An Education' - great film and I'm hoping to catch some of the French Film Festival at the GFT.

I've been a wee bit tardy but gradually pulling together some of the great events coming up this Christmas so watch out for What's On and don't forget to get your tickets for Celtic Connections 2010

Lots of new stuff on the site including:

• Christmas Menus 2009
• The Bluesbunny Music Review
• Glasgow Gig Guide
• Update: International Club
• Sounds in the Suburbs
• Holiday in France
• Book Launch - Winter in Berlin by Ian R. Mitchell
• La Coco Gift Boutique Glasgow
• Music Reviews: Eilidh Patterson's album 'When the Time Comes - 3rd November, 2009.
• GrailWorld Public Lecture Series
• Budget Trip to New York - Bairds Travel
• David Howat: Sales in the City
• Special Days Wedding Planner
• Travel writing: Impressions of India. Part 1. Paul Baird
• Poetry by Paul Wright

Here's hoping for some blue skies and frosty mornings

Seems like every time I sit down to start writing my diary that someone calls or another invitation pops through the door. Not complaining, just excuses for not putting pen to paper - or fingers to keyboard - and completing outstanding tasks including writing my diary.

It's been a very interesting month (or so) and apart from checking out some very exciting new ventures in the West End, Jim and I have been away at some Scottish festivals and we also went on a trip to France.

Book Launch in The Merchant City

I've managed to catch up with quite a few friends and enjoyed myself recently at the Merchant City Festival, when I went along to The Ramshorn Theatre with 'les gals' for the launch of Eleanor's book. 'Murder and Morality in Victorian Britain: The Story of Madeleine Smith' (Gender in History) by Eleanor Gordon and Gwyneth Nair. The launch was very interesting as the two authors read out letters from the star crossed lovers and Cordelia Ditton, who knows more than most about presentations, was also a real asset. In addition, the setting was very apt as the victim is buried in the Ramshorn Graveyard right beside the theatre.

Friendly visitors

We've had lots of visitors including Stephanie Greer and Paul Baird, who popped in to escape the rain, when they were out for a wee walk. It was a treat for us and we had a great chinwag about our ancestors and genealogy pursuits. I'm now looking forward to hearing about the update of Steph's research.

Dave Arcari and Mags McDonald also visited our neck of the woods and we met up with them at Rossano's, our delightful local restaurant in Anniesland. Dave and Mags kept us highly entertained with tales of gigs, tours and their adventures in the music business and we had a laugh with Amanda and Rossano - and, of course, the food was wonderful. A somewhat belated 'Happy 16th Birthday' to Marco.

More recently it's been a real treat having my niece Lauren visiting from Canada and she's been having the time of her life meeting up with her cousins in Old Kilpatrick, Dumbarton, Edinburgh and Peebles. We got together with my brother in law Alastair and all our clan for a meal in The Railway Inn in Bowling. It was particularly good when Danielle, my other niece, turned up with her three girls and, of course, everyone is delighted to hear of Aileen and Ryan's engagement. Congratulations to you both.

Checking out the shops

Earlier this week I met up with Lauren for a day out at the shops. We took a run into the city centre and had a good look around Buchanan Street, before returning to the West End, where I introduced her to the joys of my latest favourite shop - 'Vintage Guru' on Byres Road. We both bought some fantastic, and very reasonably priced, earrings. She also enjoyed browsing in Pink Poodle and Nancy Smillie's but sadly not enough time to take her along to Kelvinbridge to Nancy's jewellery studio.

(If you are into retro and vintage you can help raise funds for Yorkhill Children's Foundation at Frock and Roll 23/24 October.)

Welcome to The Bluesbunny

I've been enjoying developing a new music section on the website including reviews from The Bluesbunny and I went along to meet Mr Bluesbunny for lunch in Booly Mardy's. He's certainly a very hardworking fella and mighty knowledgeable with regard to the music business in Glasgow. His wry sense of humour does no harm either so very welcome to the site.

I was delighted to spy my friend Basia having lunch with her daughter Nina and managed to have a quick chat with her as well. Delighted to hear that she has started writing some more poetry and will be performing at The Polish Club, where there will be some Poetry Readings on Sunday 11th October at 3 p.m.

Gigs, Festivals and Celtic Music Radio

Unfortunately, I won't make it along because I'm meeting up with 'the usual suspects' to celebrate Rena's, Jackie's, Joan's and Maggie's birthdays for Sunday Lunch, downtown at Wndows Restaurant, then I'm going to hightail it along to Jinty McGinty's where Jim is playing with Simon Kempston, Bill Adair and Mary Kathleen Burke. Should be a good gig - Sunday 11th 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

We met Simon recently down at Moniaive Guitar Festival, where both he and Jim were playing. It was also good to catch up with The Doghouse Roses and we enjoyed the company of Robert Doyle, a very talented musician from Dublin. It was a very chilly week-end so we were luck to have such fantastic accommodation at Causie's Corner Guest House (01848 200 719). You can read more about the festival and some of the great acts in Jim's Acoustic Music Adventures.

Jim also recently played at The Star Club in Glasgow when he opened for Bill Adair in his show Along the Miners' Row - this is a terrific show and you can listen into Celtic Music Radio for details of further shows.

I'll be looking forward to seeing Mary Kathleen again, although, have seen her and her new beau, Paul, a few times in recent weeks. We met up with them at The Grand Ole Opry, when we went along to see The Ballachullish Hellhounds, The Dirt, Carlton Jug Band and Bad Bad Men. It was a super night out and we particularly enjoyed being in the company of the recently wed Outi Karhula and Crawford Smith. Surely Glasgow's most engaging couple. I'm not sure if Outi's family, who are from Finland, understood all that was going on but they certainly seemed to enjoy themselves.

We caught up with Mary and Paul again down at The Old Fruitmarket when we went along to the Celtic Music Radio Fundraising Concert. I absolutely love this venue and Eliza Carthy, who headlined, was amazing. What a great band, huge energy and immense talent.

Celtic Music Radio seem to be figuring in our life a lot lately and Jim enjoyed being interviewed on The Stewart Fenwick Country Show, and very pleased that Stewart has since used his song, Beneath These Scottish Skies, recorded with The Moonshiners, to open his show.

We hooked up with another Celtic Music Radio star, Ciaran Dorris, down at Linlithgow Folk Festival, where both he and Jim were performing. This is always a brilliant event as the festival organisers are so dedicated and the most friendly folk on earth. You can have a look at Martine Stead's Photographs from the Linlithgow Festival 2009.

Dining out on Byres Road

Back in the West End we had a get together with the Byrne Family to celebrate Rena and Jimmy's 50th Wedding Anniversary. The whole gang, twenty-two of us, had a lovely meal in Tony Macaroni's on Byres Road. It was a bit of a responsibility as Jim and I had recommended it after eating there recently but everyone was happy and we had a lovely day out. Congrats to the happy pair.

Lots of new restaurants appearing down that neck of the woods and after reading Roy Beers' Drinking and Dining Feature with all the lowdown, I headed down Byres Road to check out what he refers to as the Byres Road Renaissance. It's certainly great to see 16 Byres Road up and running again and, when I popped into the Two Figs just across the road, I was delighted to see Kev (ex-Rio's Cafe) recently returned from a stay to Australia. The Two Figs looks lovely and fresh and bright in contrast to the other new restaurant, The Blind Pig, where Whistler's Mothers was previously. It has a very dramatic nightclub type of decor, reminiscent of the 1920's Speakeasy, which inspired the name. Looking forward to checking them out one of these days.

Down in Partick

I had to make a little trip along to Partick when I was invited by Mike Kurtyka to be one of the judges for the jewellery making competition he ran at his shop. The Bead Company, the other judges were local councillor Aileen Collaron and Bethsy Gray, the jeweller. It was very difficult to make a decision as the work and designs were amazing - good job I took my super stylish friend Jackie Gulstad along to help me. The prizewinners were: Valerie Veitch, Chris Hughes, Alison Brady and Angela Wallis. I've been inspired so going to make some necklaces for Christmas presents this year.

Another reason for visiting Partick was to gather information for a new feature on the very popular hairdressers Kennedy + Co 436 Dumbarton Road. Whilst out on my wee jaunt I carried on along Dumbarton Road and enjoyed a wee browse around a fashionable new shop called Honey on Dumbarton Road, aimed at the young clubbers, although I was informed that people of all ages come into shop. I also had a look in Furniture Innovations in the West End Retail Park, some fantastic bargains to be had and I hear it is going to be even better soon as a refit is planned.

Another amazing furniture shop in the West End is The Store at Anniesland. I hadn't been in for a while and it is looking more amazing than ever - three floors of great furntiture and home accessories.

I bumped into my friend Gill Martin from The Hidden Lane Cafe and we had an enjoyable chat about some of her future plans down in Argyle Street - it would appear that there is a lot going on and plenty to look forward to.

I also ran into Larry Winning, a very well kent Westender, whose wife Ghislaine ran The Grosvenor Cafe for many years, who was home on a trip from his home in France. I was pleased to to hear about the success his daughter Chantal is making of The Waterbury Guest House her Guest House in Birnam. Jim and I had a lovely time when we went to stay ther a while back and will need to plan another visit to this lovely part of Scotland. Particularly beautiful at this time of the year.

I've been spending lots of time in the Botanics and Kelvingrove with Jim, John and Ryan and despite a very rainy August, we've managed some very enjoyable outings. John and Ryan and me finally got along to check out the An Clachan Cafe in Kelvingrove and it is terrific and very handy for the swing park. I think it may well become a regular destination.

Kelvinbridge

I seldom go too long without a visit to Kelvinbridge and always enjoy a coffee and chat with the Pelosi's in Sonny & Vito's. I popped in just before we headed off on holiday, picking up some of their delicious wee quiches for our tea.

On my way back along Great Western Road I called into Strawberry Fields, where they now have their new collection of children's clothes for Autumn and Winter. I also had a browse through the wonderful fabrics in Flounce I also dropped by Christo's Gallery, where there is a super new exhibition by Hazel Bowman and the usual array of tempting accessories and gifts.

However, I was saving my pennies to turn into euros for our trip to Nimes, where we have been invited many times by my old school friend Maureen Maille, however,this time she was extra persuasive and even set up some gigs for Jim. So how could we resist? We had a fantastic time, staying at the lovely jite,owned by the charming Florence and Phillipe and we had a great time exploring Lanquedoc and Provence. Fascinating places, wonderful people and blue, blue skies. I'll be writing a wee feature before too long.

Must dash now as going along to our old close in Glasgow Street to dine with our old neighbours.

There's lots of new stuff up on the site, including:

• Jim's Photo Diaryt
• Marianne's trip to London
• The Bluesbunny Reviews
• CD launches
• Classical Programme at The Concert Halls
• Glasgay 2009
• New feature: Kennedy + Co Hairdressers
• See also What's New