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

It seems like the West End Festival took place months ago instead of only a few weeks back. I didn't manage along to many events as I was hit by a mystery bug that floored me. On the day of the Opening Parade, Jim and I had gone along with my brother John, and his carer Maurice, to Ecco Cafe on Crow Road, where the Ianucci's threw a swell fundraising party in aid of St Margaret's Hospice, We had a lovely time sitting in the sunshine with our tea and cakes listening to Jim playing some tunes and our plan was to head down to Kelvingrove for the Mardi Gras Parade and Party, however, I didn't make it.

Gibson Street Gala

I was housebound for a few days but thankfully recovered for the Gibson Street Gala and it was even better than usual. John came along again, this time with Alan, and we sat outside Falafal having lunch and absorbing the atmosphere (the staff were wonderful - very cheerful despite being rushed off their feet). We enjoyed the entertainment, investigating the many interesting stalls and bought earrings, t-shirts and home baking. I chatted to Frances Mildmay at the United Nations Stall, Eric and Peter from GOW and Nina and Mark from GROW. We also bumped into Jimmy and Rena, Jim's mum and dad and I caught up with Lynnie Carson, talented, young west end singer/songwriter and Michael Dale (Festival Diretor), who looked very relaxed enjoying a drink with his wife Freddie.

Allotment Open Day

I had intended wandering down to The Mela, which is always vibrant and colourful, but I ran out of steam and was too wabbit, however, it was great to get along to Gibson Street. We also had fun at the Allotment Open Day with Jim and Ryan. The plots had benefited from all the early sunshine with lots of crops flourishing. It was lovely to see our old neighbours from Glasgow Street, Lala, Belle, Lucca and Steph - along to visit Gordon, who now has the plot next to us and is putting us to shame with his unflagging industriousness.

Folk Blues and Beyond

I was disappointed not to make it to most of the Folk, Blues and Beyond, acoustic music festival events, as I had worked my socks off to help pull this event together along with my buddy Dochan MacMillan. However, feed back about the events has been great. I enjoyed the gig at The Aragon, where Jim and Dinny performed, and it was good to catch up with Chris Rogers, Elaine and Harry, Jimmy and Rena and great to see Val, delightfully tanned after having been trapped in Thailand for a while because of the volcanic ash.

I was delighted to hear how much Mark Di Lucca and Alistair Ogilvy enjoyed the gigs at Cafe Cherubini, at Folk, Blues and Beyond and Mark says 'he wished that he had had four or five more'. Maybe next time but I think I'll need to catch my breath before we make anymore plans.

Jim and I had a great time when we went along to see Patrick Monaghan playing with his band The Reptile House at The Liquid Ship. We also enjoyed listening into the band being interviewed on Celtic Music Radio.

Festivals and Gigs in London and Ireland

However, most of our musical entertainment and activites recently have taken place away from Glasgow. We had another great trip down to London, where Jim played at Blackheath Halls. It was really lovely to have Mary and David and Mary and Alex along at the gig and we had a super time staying in Blackheath courtesy of the McIntosh's. The weather was fantastic when we were there and we spent some time sightseeing and particularly enjoyed sailing excursions. We caught a boat from Little Venice to Camden Lock and used public transport to scoot up and down the Thames from Greenwich to Canary Wharf and other such fancy destinations. Lovely!

We also had a jaunt over to Ireland, where Jim played at festivals in Westport, where we met some lovely people. Then Sligo, where the gig had not been advertised and the main audience consisted of a local poet, who joined in the performance.

There's always a story or two to tell when you visit Ireland and our B & B in Westport was of the Fawlty Towers / Marie Celeste variety of accommodation. No staff in sight - it proved impossible to track down anyone to dish up breakfast - in fact no sign of life until around 4 p.m. each day. Still the gig was brilliant and Jim sold a pile of CD's and we had a great chin wag with some new fans including Tommy, Sean, Felix, Connie, Emer and Mairie. It's a lovely wee town and we hope to return again some day. Thanks to Uri, who organised a great Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival.

We managed to fit in a fair bit of siteseeing and spent a lovely afternoon at Mullaghmore and seemed to to take a step back into history in Achill Island. We drove up to Donegal and visited my relatives again and it was great to see Lily, Fiona, Margaret, Sue, Danny, Brian, Mary and Bridget and all the children. We spent a lovely leisurely afternoon dining al fresco with Nina and Jim in their beautiful garden and some of the gang came along to see Jim play at Rodden's in Buncrana. Thanks to the fabulous Chris Ward for arranging that and Hilary for being so hospitable. We had a great time and will be sure to return.

I think we covered just about every inch of Inishowen and we particularly enjoyed driving over Mamore Gap and up to the very tip of Ireland at Malin Head. We wandered along a deserted Stragill Strand, where memories flooded back of time spent there in my childhood and that of my own children. We had lunch at the famous McGrory's bar, where Jim played with his band The Hemmingways many moons ago, and we very much enjoyed staying at The Lake of Shadows Hotel.

West End Outings

Back in the West End it was lovely to meet up with Basia for lunch at Cafe Delzique. We had a delicious meal and it was great to catch up with what's been happening in the world of the Palkas - Nina, Marianna and her boyfriend Jason and the rest of her family. I'll be watching out for Jason on tele in the new American drama The Event.

I had another enjoyable dining out experience when I went along to Ivy in Argyle Street with Stephanie and Lynn. We were there for hours chatting for Glasgow and were very impressed by the relaxed atmosphere, lovely staff and delicious food.

When I meet up with Roy Beers, who writes our dining and drinking guide, we often try out somewhere new, and we were long overdue a get-together so such a plan was on the cards. However, when we finally arranged to meet the weather was so gorgeous that we opted for the Botanics and ice cream cones. I was a bit scruffy anyway, as I came via doing some long overdue weeding at the allotment so not fit to enter the local eateries.

It was good to see Roy and hear all his news and we shared a bench with a fine looking West End septuagenarian and his lovely Aberdeen terrier, Dougal. The park was full of families, brides, grooms their wedding party having their photographs taken, and couples enjoying a stroll. Everyone looking so happy in the sunshine. Roy and I had a wee wander round the exhibition in The Kibble 'sixty six steps' and a 'real' Westender he was able to fill me in about all the stories behind the images.

I've been having fun wandering around different parts of the West End checking out the cafes and browsing in the shops. Invariably I am drawn to Partick and I took a wee wander down to La Coco to buy some birthday presents, bought some lovely beads in Bead & Co to try out my arty crafty skills, and bought some Polish bread and groceries at Polish Taste in Hyndland Street. I was very impressed by Big Mouth Cafe Bar, 167 Dumbarton Road. I hope to make it our next destination when I hook up for cake and coffee with my friend The Bluesbunny.

De Courcy's

I always enjoy a wee wander around the lanes in the West End and when I met Basia she had suggested that I try out Auntie M's Cake Lounge, a 1950's style cafe with superb home baking. Situated upstairs in De Courcy's, Cresswell Lane, this is indeed a fascinating place, and Michelle Aaron, the talented young woman behind Auntie M's has created something very unique.

The shop owners in De Courcy's are a great bunch and I was just sorry that I was going to be away for their fashion show with clothes from 'Just ....for you' and cake and coffee courtesy of Michelle. I intend going back to De Courcy's very soon as I spent so long chatting with the fascinating, Alan Brooks of 'Not Now Cato', about his passion for vintage and retro clothing, that I didn't have much time left to check out other places, although I hd a wee peep in the fabulous 'Made in The Shade Masionette' chock a block with off beat designer goodies.

Arlington Baths Club

The West End is blessed with an abundance of fascinating places and I thoroughly enjoyed a little jaunt along to the wonderful Arlington Baths Club, where I spent a very relaxing afternoon in this amazing historical establishment. I had a long swim, well long for me, and then enjoyed lazing about in the Turkish baths. It seems that plans are afoot to make the Arlington even more attractive so no doubt I will be returning.

Family and Friends

We've also had some very enjoyable family outings this month and John, Caitlin, Ryan and I had a lovely picnic and hike up in the Kilpatrick Hills. We also had a great time when we all went along to the Old Kilpatrick Gala Day and it was fun meeting up with friends and relatives in the village. We were thrilled to be invited to Cal McGreevy's third birthday party in Knightswood. It was a particularly exciting event as in the evening America played England in the World Cup. Susanne, who hails from North Carolina, was quite beside herself when USA scored, albeit, this was the result of a gaffe by the England goalie.

The McGreevy's have now set off on a big long holiday to America so hope you have a wonderful trip. I've just heard today that Kate McGoldrick will be home with Pat and Becky for a holiday from Australia so we'll be looking forward to catching up with the McGoldrick Clan.

Ruthven Mews

I'm now off out to check out Ruthven Mews, which from today is home to antique, vintage and retro. Looking forward to having a peep at this new venture and catching up with Jackie. I feel normality looming this week as I have also arranged to meet Les Gals for tea and catch up with Rosemary over lunch.

Lots of new stuff on the site

• Update: Roy Beers' Dining and Drinking Glasgow West End
• Glasgow Gig Guide - update
• Jim's photo diary: photos from trip to Ireland
• Fundraiser Zumba: Women's Support Project
• What's On in Glasgow: Cinema
• Fundraiser: Cycle Glasgow 2010
• Update:Glasgow What's On for Children
• What's On Theatre - Gracie Flair one woman show
• What's on in Glasgow: Art
• Poetry by Kathleen O'Rourke
• Poetry by Harry Hughes
• What's On in Glasgow Sport - Super 8
• Campogrande: A bed and breakfast diary in Umbria
• Benefit Night Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
• Review: Ivy, Bar/Restaurant
• Bad Bad Men: Glasgow Musicians' Biographies

Also see our What's New

It's been a funny wee spell as my usual pattern has been disrupted because we've had family members in hospital. Still, some progress now being made so greatly relieved and it's been interesting as I've seen a lot less of some people and a lot more of others.

I've not managed along to all of Jim's gigs but I made it down to The Ettrick in Old Kilpatrick for the launch of 'Can't Catch The Butterfly' and it was a really wonderful event. It was great to see so many friends and family including Issi and Davie, just back from a cycle trip to Holland to see their daughter Marianne, the young artist who designed the cover for the CD. Also good to catch up with my brother Drew and Sharon , Johnny and Anne Morgan.

Anne, a force of nature, who initiated the Butterfly Action Project, has made links with various community projects working in the field of mental health and biodiversity and this marriage has led to some great activities taking place every Monday.

A fantastic Community Garden is taking shape down at The Saltings, in Old Kilpatrick, to create a peaceful place for people to relax and encjoy nature. Already a wild flower meadow has been planted, benches are appearing and wee ponds for the frogs and insects are being created. I'm planning to go down soon and see the developments for myself and take some photographs.

The group have also got involved in tree planting in the Kilpatrick Hills, along with various local schools and other community groups. I spent a lovely day up there on Monday with the kids from St Joseph's Primary in Faifley. Great fun.
You can buy Can't Catch The Butterfly online.

Jim and I also had a great evening out when he went along to entertain the folk at The International Club. Some lovely people down at the Wellington Church and always good to catch up with Grace Franklin

Another highlight this month was a trip to Ireland for my cousin Lily's 80th birthday party. I could only manage two nights away and my plans went awry when the volcanic ash meant that my flight over was cancelled. I had to make alternative arrangements to travel by boat and train. I only caught the train to Stranraer from Glasgow Central with a minute to spare. But typical of those hospitable Irish friends of mine, they made a two hour drive from Donegal to come up and meet me off the boat at Larne.

I was thrilled to make it along to the party as we had relatives home from San Jose, San Franscico, New South Wales and Birmingham. It was a great event with hundreds of folk calling round

to congratulate Lily. I stayed in the lap of luxury in Rosemary's new home and I was delighted to receive a gift of Conal's book about the Doherty/Mulholland family history. With a chapter dedicated to 'The Scotch' - that's us - and all that we got up to when the weans were wee and we spent long holidays in Donegal. Fascinating stuff and a great achievement.

I've made a few wee forays into the West End and it's been very pleasant dining al fresco during the sunny weather we had during April. I've caught up with Mario at Sonny & Vito's, become a bit addicted to 'Three Steps to Heaven' in Byres Road, mainly because Ryan loves their ice cream and John is a bit of a fan of their afternoon tea (quite a bargain at £7.99 as there is enough for two to share). We've also checked out some of Roy Beers' recommendations and enjoyed a lovely snack in 'Flavour', Great Wesern Road, Kelvinbridge. We liked the juices so much that we took a pile home with us.

Lots of lovely healthy and unusual stuff. Further along going towards Byres Road we followed another tip of Roy's and tried out 'Persia'; it's absolutely lovely and the meal was delightful. We both had kebabs, John had chicken and I had lamb, very delicately flavoured with amazing dill rice. The owner Hamid has great plans for further developments and Therese, our art school student from Rhode Island, was a charmer. I'll definitely be going back there.

Whilst along in Kelvinbridge we popped into see my good friend Arthur McGough at The Coachhouse Trust Shop. He was in great form and the shop is looking wonderful. Make a point of popping in if you are in the area.

Another of my favourite shops in the West End is Handbags and Gladrags, great for bargains and I love a natter with Maxine and Gina. I went along with John and he got the most amazing jacket for %pound;25 - it looks as though it should cost about £200. They've also got some great vintage in at the moment and there seems to have been an explosion of vintage shops in the West End. 'We love to boogie' at the lower end of Byres Road looks very cool with its own little kitsch cafe.

I popped in for a wee browse and then also checked out The Wooden Heart gift shop on the same stretch and bought a couple of wee gifts for Katrina, who had very kindly invited John and I along for afternoon tea. As my mum would have said: "She put on quite a spread" and we spent a lovely afternoon with her.

Jim, John and I also met up with the happy gang, Ciaran, Stephanie, Lynn, Andy, Paul et al for their usual Sunday Night get together and we met Eryn Strachan (Ciaran Dorris's guest on Celtic Music Radio that evening). Apart from pursuing her career as a singer/songwriter, Erin also works in Opal Moon, "Glasgow's sparkliest Mind Body Spirit shop", in Queen Margaret Drive - I intend calling in for a wee look around.

I've traipsed up and down a few times to The White House to the West End Festival Office, where Michael Dale and his team are flat out pulling the 15th West End Festival together. I've been pretty busy myself working with six local venues to co-ordinate this year's Folk Blues and Beyond 2010, acoustic music festival. Looking all set to be another cracker and great to have a couple of new venues this year including Tchai Ovna and Cafe Cherubini. Other venues include some of my favourite places: Rio's Cafe, The Aragon, Jinty McGuinty's and, of course, The Liquid Ship. Get yourselves along to the festival - you'll be spoiled for choice.

I've enjoyed outings with some friends and I've been delighted to see quite a bit of my old school chum Ann Anderson including on a nice wee outing with John down to Bingham's Pond.

I've also spent more time with Eleanor recently including when Jackie picked up our wee gang to go along and see her give another dazzling performance with The Kilmardinny Players..

I met up with Maggie Graham to try out the Rijsttafel at Stravaigin in Ruthven Lane, every bit as fabulous as Roy says. and we had a lovely evening out. I I also enjoyed a nice long catch up with John Rae in The Esquire House (Wetherspoons) then he kindly came visiting with me at the hospital.

It sometimes makes a nice change to visit other parts of the city and John and I had a lovely time one sunny afternoon down at The Merchant City. After a leisurely lunch in the sunshine at Bar90 in Candleriggs, we strolled along to the Fruitmarket to see the Dazzle Designer Jewellery Exhibition, which included pieces by Glasgow designer Shona Fidgett

We popped into Trongate 103 to have a look at the Art Exhibitions and also catch up with what's new at Projecability. I was delighted to bump into Westender, Louisa Francescangeli, who was working on reception and we also enjoyed a chat with Celine, one of the art instructors at this brilliant project.

Afterwards we had coffee in the amazing Cafe Cossachock then we browsed round some of the shops in King Street and Parnie Street. I absolutely loved City Retro in King Street and will go back. Great selection and very inexpensive and lovely young owner from Barcelona adding a touch of glamour to Glasgow. We also checked out some of the little art galleries in Parnie Street so lots of fun and culture in the Merchant City.

Although our foremost gallery outing was when Jim and I went along to Kelvingrove Art Gallery to see Pioneering Painters: The Glasgow Boys 1880–1900 . The exhibition is on until September and we will definitely be returning. It's absolutely brilliant.

Also down at Kelvingrove, John and I took a run into The Butcher Shop Bar and Restaurant, 1055 Sauchiehall Street. We enjoyed a wee chat with the owner, James Ross and his lovely young wife Louise. Full of enthusiasm and ideas, the restaurant has a fresh new style and it has, of course, got the best view in Glasgow over to the Art Galleries and Glasgow University.

I've had a few quick jaunts out in Anniesland and have been chatting to the Ianucci's at Ecco Cafe about their summertime charity day on 13th June. Jim will be playing at the event so I'll definitely be going along.

I also caught up with Campbell Cameron, who has been writing some great features for the website, and we had a coffee and cherry scone in Lunch. Campbell has invited Jim up to play at the folk club in his home village at Bendarloch, Near Oban, so we'll be looking forward to a trip up there.

My brother John has been up with us to the allotment and we've been out and about with Ryan to the wee park at Dowanhill and Kelvingrove. I hope we are going to get lots more sunshine and get some jaunts further afield. Also lots of folk to catch up with so looking forward to seeing Dochan, Matt and Roy.

Jim and I were very touched to receive a gift of one of Ken Palmer's paintings. Very kind of his family and The Glasgow Group of Artists.

Loads of new stuff up on the site:

• The Bluesbunny Reviews
• Update from Barry Paton in Rural France
• Squinty Jewellery
• Maryhill Burgh Halls
• Update: Glasgow Musicians' Biographies
• Diary of a Mature Student
• Campogrande - bed and breakfast diary
• Roisin Brady in USA
• Jim Byrne's Acoustic Music Adventures

  Don't forget Partick Folk Festival 27th - 30th May

February

It's lovely to see the sun shining, even though the hills are still covered in snow, both the Campsies and the Kilpatrick Hills, I can see them from my window. It's been a very long winter - so far only snowdrops blooming and not a daffodil in sight.

I have made a few trips along to the allotment but did not achieve much as the ground is so hard and cold. Five year old Ryan came along on our last jaunt there, where he was highly entertained by a very bold fox, which kept slinking around. Cheeky thing even pinched the wipes out of my bag. Still our neighbouring plotter came of worse, it ran off with one of her shoes!

Rio's Cafe

We've also had a few excursions to the Botanics but mostly we've been spending time indoors. I've wiled away a few afternoons in Rio's in Hyndland Street, and met Stephanie there for some cappuccinos and a great gab. You meet lots of interesting people in this popular West End cafe and I also had a chat with Sebastian from Heart Buchanan, Mark Robb, DJ extraordinaire, Paul from Rio's who gave me all the lowdown on the entertainment there including The Blas Collective.

Another day I shared a platter in Rio's with The Bluesbunny - just perfect for a cold, cold day. I had a wee blether with the very affable Ed, who also works there and I also ran into my old friend Jo Linley, and we had a bit of a chinwag. Notwithstanding the fact that we had completely put the world to rights the week before in JJ's, round the corner on Dumbarton Road.

Folk, Blues and Beyond, Acoustic Music Festival

Along with Dochan MacMillan (of The Ballachulish Hellhounds - watch out for soon to be released CD). I've been busy trying to co-ordinate along with the Folk, Blues and Beyond, Acoustic Music Festival, which will again this year be part of the West Festival so I've been popping along to The White House at Dowanhill to keep Michael Dale informed of my progress. Venues taking part will include: The Liquid Ship, Jinty McGuinty's, The Aragon, Rio's and also delighted to have Tchai Ovna and Cafe Cherubini on board. Should be another great event with lots of talented performers and a wide variety of musical styles.

Can't Catch The Butterfly

Our other major musical project is also shaping up and Jim has been putting the final touches to 'Can't Catch the Butterfly' - the charity single in support of the Erskine Bridge anti-suicide project in Old Kilpatrick. Johnny Russell and Sharon Campbell, who run the Open Mic in The Ettrick in Old Kilpatrick came up to our house to add some backing vocals, alongside Dinny, and it's sounding superb.

We also had a visit from Ann Morgan, the driving force behind the project, and I am planning to take a run down some Monday, when lots of volunteers are getting together to create a Butterfly Garden at the Saltings in Old Kilpatrick. This will be a lovely contemplative place for people to visit and wander in the wild flower meadow.

The launch of 'Can't Catch the Butterfly' will take place at The Ettrick on the evening of 3rd May and, weather permitting, there will be a picnic at the Butterfly Garden in the afternoon. So hoping all our friends will make it along, including Issi and Davey Wilson, whose daughter Marianne has designed the loved CD cover.

Catching up with friends and culinary treats

I caught up with other friends from the village recently and it was great to see the Templeman's and hear all about their new wee grandson Jamie and also catch up with Lisa and hear all the latest news about Cirkis Dance Costumes.

We were also invited round to the Bowes and it was really lovely to see Michael, home from his studies at Cornell University, and hear all Katrina and Jim's news. I think they had raided Mellis' cheesemonger in Kelvinbridge - but we weren't complaining.

Jim and I have enjoyed a few good nights out and it was great to meet up with Margaret and John Rae. We had a really lovely meal at Rossano's over a rare old blether and, of course, it's always a treat to catch up with Rossano, Amanda and Marco as well.

Other culinary pleasures have included an outing to Two Fat Ladies, where I went along with the usual suspects, Joan, Jackie, Linda, Rena and Janet, to celebrate Eleanor's birthday. The food was absolutely delicious and very nice catching up with the gang.

Glasgow Film Festival

Also in February we had another great Glasgow Film Festival. Jim and I had a very enjoyable time at the launch in the GFT and I had a wee jaunt back there with Frances, when we went along to see one of the Carey Grant films, North by Northwest. We really enjoyed it, although, that wasn't the plan, we had been heading to see 'New York I Love You', however, Allan Hunter (co-director of the Festival, alongside Allison Garner) came along to explain that the film was still wending its way to Glasgow but was stuck in Nashville. Least I think it was Nashville, definitely somewhere in the USA.

Jim and I went along to see Crazy Heart and really enjoyed that - a well deserved oscar for Jeff Bridges. However, some of my plans went awry - I had planned to take Ryan to see Ponyo but he opted instead for Alvin and the Chipmunks - we met up with John afterwards for pizza in Dino's in Sauchiehall Street so turned into a nice family day out. This year we didn't get invited to all the parties and the closing event like we did last year but I'm not in the huff. Maybe just down to a change of personnel and the charming Ms Emma Dunnipace, now at Scottish Youth Theatre, has lots of enticing stuff going on there - including The Ugly Duckling. I'll be hoping to catch that over Easter.

Haiti Fundraiser at Kelvinside Hillhead Church

We're still making it along to some great gigs and had a very enjoyable time round at Kelvinside Hillhead Church at a fundraising event for Haiti, organised by the incredibly talented Lynda McMinn. Some other talented performers from RSAMD and church members contributed to the event plus Jim and one of my favourite local musicians Larry Guild

March

I met up again with my old uni days friends at Aye Write 2010 when we went along to hear Eleanor and Gwynith Nair talk about their book 'Murder and Morality in Modern Britain: The Story of Madeleine Smith'. I had great plans for Aye Write and very much enjoyed the day I spent down at The Mitchell, when I caught up with Maggie Graham and met her friends Brian Whittingham and Donal McLaughlin (all three winners of the Robert Louis Stevenson Award) and main players in the Scottish Writing Centre. Maggie wrote a review about Aye Write. I also went to see Willy Maley on Irvine Welsh and Ian Mitchell talking about his new book, however, my plans for further visits during the festival had to be cancelled as I was laid up with another chest infection.

Rosie Cheeks

Once I got out and about again I went along to meet David Howat at Glasgow Art Club for lunch. Always good to see David and GAC is such a unique place. We were joined by Rosie Brown, the young owner of the lovely new baby boutique Rosie Cheeks at 415 Great Western Road (Tel: 0141 237 4407). Ryan and I went along to see the shop and it's really gorgeous. Great place to buy those baby presents and beautiful things you need for the nursery. (Also very handy for Peace and Jam, who sell designer clothes for kids.)

Chilly and cheery outings

Afterwards Ryan and I popped in to say hello to Annmarie in Sonny and Vito's and then we had a great time playing football in Kelvingrove Park - I like to be the goalie, less running about. Afterwards we had a wander along Univesity Avenue and up Byres Road to The Sentry Box in Great George Street. Ryan spent his pocket money and bought his big sister a present. Lovely atmosphere in this great toy shop. Fairly gives you a lift to see so may happy weans.

John, Ryan and I also had an outing down to Scotstoun Swimming Pool and had a lot of fun but mighty chilly coming back outside to the, still very wintry, cold weather. We'll wait till the sun is shining for our next visit, unless we are going in the car.

Music, music, music

I've also been having more outings to musical events and Jim and I really enjoyed seeing The Keiran Goss Trio at the Old Fruitmarket. I also had a cappuccino and a fascinating blether with Keiran at Cranberry's in the Merchant City.

We had a super time at The Grand Ole Opry, where we went to see The Dirt with Robert Clyne. Also good to catch up with Paul Tasker, who gave Jim loads of great information about setting up a record company, he was there with his partner in crime Iona Macdonald, together they form Jim McAteer whom I've heard loads about but yet to see.

Jim has been playing at more far flung places and we had a jaunt through to Falkirk to the Folk Club and he also played at Leith Folk Club supporting Sonny Condell. We had a brilliant time at The Wee Folk Club in Edinburgh and he also enjoyed performing at Glenfarg Folk Club, although, we had a very hazardous journey back home in a blizzard. Still would be good to make it back up for their Glenfarg Festival in April.

We've had lots of musical goings on in the house and among the talented crew that have popped in are Larry Guild, Scott MacDonald and Chris Barratt - why will I not be surprised if some of these guys feature on Jim's next CD.

Glasgow West End - De Courcy's Cresswell Lane

Back in the West End I've been catching up with what's going down and enjoyed a coffee with Maggie Graham in the Atrium, looking bright and sunshiny under its new ownership. Maggie persuaded me that it was about time I had a wander upstairs to the refurbished De Courcy's Arcade in Cresswell Lane.

I'm in the habit of popping into Nancy Smillie's to see my friend Basia Palka and, of course, it's the perfect place for a browse, so I went along one day and then afterwards popped into the Arcade. It was fun hearing all about what Liz McKelvie in The Studio had been up to - her amazing Glasgow Style furniture and antique home accessories look amazing in her larger shop. I was also very taken by Shirley Sampson's 'Velvet Tigers' boutique, which has to be seen to be believed. Shirley designs and makes bespoke clothing, corsetry and accessories and she invites you to 're-imagine yourself'. I'm tempted!

The other new shops include 'Just for You' - which buys and sells designer clothes and accessories and where you're sure to find a good deal. Justina McLaughlin, the owner, seems to have just the flair required for this business and I enjoyed hearing all about her exciting plans for the shop.

I also liked 'Not Now, Cato' - a rather zany retro and vintage shop with loads of great stock for men and women. I had a peep into 'Made In The Shade' with crafts and designs by young Glaswegian designers. 'Rachael Albert' has some lovely handmade clothing and accessories for women and children. So great to see a very varied group of interesting new shops in the West End.

I'll need to go back and that will be no chore - I spent just a bit too long in Velvet Tigers to get a full handle on the other shops but De Courcy's is definitely looking up.

Another newish shop I investigated is The Glasgow Vintage Co on Great Western Road. Next to Roots and Fruits, some of you have no doubt spotted their lovely vintage shop sign. It's a great space and owned by the nice guy who has the retro shop Watermelon just along the road. I bought Jim a new hat - wee bit pricey but he liked it.

So heigh ho it's now supposedly Springtime! Need to be thinking about getting back to he allotment but before then Winter will have to disappear.

Also time to spruce up the house and Kathy Sharp, my good friend from KAS Interior Decorators was the very person to give me some sound and useful advice. In return she enjoyed some of my homemade soup.

I have an overdue date with Roy Beers so we are going to get together for some of the delicious brunch they serve in Ecco in Crow Road. Prior to meeting up with Roy, I popped into to say hello to David and Sandra Ianucci, hear their news and take away some of their addictive homemade lasagne

Roy has also suggested that I pop into 'The Flavour' next to Strawberry Fields on Great Western Road. It certainly sounds very enticing - and healthy. Also handy for The Coachhouse Trust Shop, so I could catch up with my buddy Arthur McGough. That's a plan!.

What's new on the site

There's loads of new stuff up on the website and it's been particularly nice having another blogger, Tanya Starret. I'm thoroughly enjoying her Campogrande: Bed and Breakfast Diary, the story of the business she is building in Umbria with her husband David.

I'm also delighted to have Roisin Brady updating us on her West Side Story from Texas

We've also added Ken Palmer's Painting Archive to the site

In addition:

• The Bluesbunny has been adding to his music reviews
• The Scottish Youth Theatre The Ugly Duckling
• Paul Wright Poetry
• Jim's Photo Diary
• Glasgow Musicians' Biographies
• Beoomhill Easter Sports Camp
• Roy Beers' Dining and Drinking Guide
• Do something different - camper van hire
• Book events directly from the site
• Helen Rose's Hillwalking Diary
• Celtic Connections 2010 Reviews

Plus lots more to see in our What's New and What's On

Happy Easter everyone!