Added on Thursday 26 Oct 2006

It's been a busy, busy month - Anne and I went along to the SECC to the Ideal Home Show, unusually early at 9.30 a.m. as I had invites for the Media Launch, so I take it that's me in with the in crowd now? Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves wandering round the show house and seeing the new products being demonstrated (I bought Jim a great little microwave saucepan for his lunchtime minestrone). We managed to grab a seat to watch the fashion show and then received some expert advice on hair care from the lovely Bea Watson of Aveda. I am very much tempted to go for a pampering session to the fabulous Mar House and sample some more of these very nice products. We got a couple of goodie bags as well - which just tickled me pink. I was also pleased to meet Alan Tompkins, owner of the restaurants Urban Grill and Gamba, who was there promoting Gourmet Glasgow.

It was a really beautiful day so on our way back home we had a leisurely stroll up to Finnieston and through Kelvingrove Park back to Hillhead. We had a look at the new development at Kelvingrove near the gates to the park - a really lovely location. Jim and I are working ourselves up to moving house as I fancy something smaller and more easily maintained. I met up with David Howat of Pattison & Sim in Tinderbox a few weeks back to pick his brains regarding preparing to sell and searching for property. A fortuitious meeting as not only did David send along the very helpful Maureen Biondi, who provided some excellent suggestions and advice, but he also agreed to write a regular feature on property in the West End. This kicks off with what you would like to know about 'Sales in the City'.

Maureen provided us with the impetus to tackle some work needing to be done at our place including the re-plastering of the ceilings in the hall and living room. I dread the upheavel of having workmen in the house but Vincent McKenna, Junior and Senior, who were recommended by my good friend Issi Wilson, did a fantastic job and made the 4 day operation pretty painless. So if you need any plastering done get the Vincents of Top Class Plasterers onto it - 07796983866. You can see more information on our Business Directory.

I am becoming a big fan of Ruthven Mews, and went along to their official opening party a couple of weeks back. It is now fully occupied with a lovely range of shops. You will love the stylish clothes in Czech Designs and can book in for some relaxing therapies at Heart and Soul. There are lots of lovely gifts and some great jewellery and plenty for the children at Damselfly and Matilda's Book Shop. Gallerie Templiers has a fascinating range of art work and gifts and Bead Chic all the paraphernalia required to make your own jewellery. I had cappucino at Di Maggio's little cafe in the Mews, I think it is called Tiki, very attractive and convenient. The staff were lovely and I enjoyed a chat with Jennifer Condie and Kiaran Smith. It's great to see this side of Byres Road becoming more lively - another super place to visit is Andre and Ossie's Gallery, which now has a unique lighting range to complement their beautiful hand carved furniture. You can catch an Artists' Evening at the Gallery on 3rd November, 6 - 9 p.m.

Yesterday, I met Frances for lunch in Booly Mardy's and had fabulous salads. Then walked along to the Mews as she had never been there. We had a peep into Pippa Gardner's Gather in Glasgow. Looks like you are going to be able to do just about anything here - like having a village hall right in the West End. We plan to go back along to Ruthven Lane next Saturday 28th at 2.00 p.m. for the Fashion Show organised by Czech Designs (red carpet and all). Frances was delighted to bump into her old workmate Costas Papamikial, who coincidently is married to my friend Jeana, so we had a coffee together before we headed out West to Old Kilpatrick, where I went to visit my son John.

I enjoy a little wander around the West End on my own and although I love the East Village of Hillhead, as named by Sandy of Felix and oscar - I really love the buzz of Partick and seeing what's new down that neck of the woods. Merkland Street is full of surpises with a great designer shop with some super boots and the irrestistible Boudoir lingerie shop - with M & S at cut price. Don't know if they are seconds but they look good enough to me.

I also went along on my tod to see Alasdair Gray's play "Goodbye Jimmy" at OranMor's Play, Pie and a Pint. Only Alasdair could dream up a dialogue between a rather lazy God and his frustrated son, Jesus. Karie, the bloggeria's, review (9th October). If you go along to any of the lunchtime plays be sure to wander up the back staircase into the bar and see the gallery of photographs from previous performances. I will aiming to go along to see Juliet Cadzow in Tequila Sunset. It's a great way to spend a lunchtime.

I've had a chance to catch up with some of my friends this month and spent some time with Val. I also saw Joan and Eleanor in Chocolatte, which is a very nice cafe on Great Western Road. It was a shame that Jackie could not come along but sadly her mum died and she was down in Liverpool. My other friend, Ann Anderson's mum died too and I went along to her funeral in Old Dalnottar. Both Margaret and Madge were lovely ladies and although they lived into their 80's it is still so sad for their families. I hope to meet up with Jackie and the other two usual suspects this Sunday. We need our pals around when times are tough.

Last week-end we saw Ryan (my grandson), his sister Holly and their mum Anna. Ryan is now a right little chatterbox his favourite reply to most things is 'Why?' or 'Okay'. John and I took him along to see Jim at the allotment and then up to the Botanics, where he had great fun on the shoot. We had his pushchair but he wanted to push it and had an amazing tantrum when I decided to put him in the pram. Exhausting business. I think I'll need to sign up for a Grannies' Fitness Class.

During the week Jim and I popped into The Buttery to have a chat with Ian Fleming about our Restaurant Reservations Service, which is developing very nicely. Jim had never been to the restaurant before and absolutely loved it so we must plan an evening out soon. We also went back to Blas, the lovely Scottish restaurant opposite Kelvingrove Art Gallery, we just had time for a coffee but it is a great place - good to see it so busy.

There are quite a few sales on right now and the shops are starting to prepare for Christmas and they are looking amazing. Strawberry Fields has the most wonderful window display and if you are on the look out for jewellery call into JKJ in Park Road also Chaeobol has some tremendous lines in stock. Nancy Smillie's is looking absolutely wonderful and I got a lovely pair of smart, but sturdy, winter shoes in Sandalwood in Byres Road. I've also got my eye on some very striking green suede boots - not practical but a lovely birthday present and as I am going to be sixty soon that would not be asking too much. I don't think? Pink Poodle is chock a block with the young, chic and fashionable snapping up some stunning outfits. Jim was in taking some photographs so that we can update their page on the site so I'll be getting to work on that soon.

I took a little run into see Arthur at the Coach House Trust Shop and he assures me that his feature on the Trust is in hand. I cannot stay away from Galletly and Tubbs and Gabrielle has done a fantastic job with their displays. I am eating my heart out for handbags as well as boots. What I actually need is a warm winter coat but accessories are such an enticement and before spending a fortune I need to check out Maxine's at Partick Cross - Handbags and Gladrags to the uninitiated.

A new contribution on the site Diary of a mature Student comes from Frances Rickus, who is going to keep us informed on this topic with regard to her studies at the University of Glasgow.

On our What's New you will also find information about some Charitable Events including Concert in aid of the Melanoma Support Group. There is also a Charity Fashion Show in aid of Bluebell Day, Hillhead Sports Club on 9th November. If you are looking for a partner, or just some fun, you could try the Singles' Ceilidhs at OranMor.

This week-end should be pretty lively in the West End with The Ashton Lane Beer Festival Saturday 28th, and Sunday 29th. Glasgow is awash with festivals and you can still catch The Big, Big World Festival - finishes Sunday 28th, and Glasgay continues until 12th November.

Jim and I had an enjoyable day out at The Merchant City Festival and spent ages investigating the French Market and then we listening to some jazz while enjoying some tapas. I think we caught the last of the sunny days and it was lovely sitting outside absorbing the Festival atmosphere.

Other new information on the site includes:

• Barry Paton'sUpdate from Rural France
• Christinas's Latest Film Crits
• The West End Lectures
• Roy Beers reporting on Eating and Drinking including: theHotel du Vin at One Devonshire
• Helen Rose's Hillwalking Diary - Cona Mheall
• Charles Rennie Mackintosh Festival Listings

Finally, just want to say 'Happy Birthday' to Lisa Templeman,(Cirkis Made to Measure Dance Costumes who was 30.

Also watch out for our Christmas Menus and Glasgow Restaurant Reservations