August 2020
I kicked off the month with a day trip over to the west coast, catching up with friends who were visiting family in Troon. It was great to be out of Edinburgh again.
![](https://jamiemchale-assets.imgix.net/collections/2020-08-august/20200803-A7R08150.jpg?w=275)
![](https://jamiemchale-assets.imgix.net/collections/2020-08-august/IMG-20200803-WA0009.jpg?w=275)
I’ve started trying to be a little more social, although we’re still not clear of the virus here in Edinburgh. Although pubs and restaurants are open for indoors, I’ve been sticking to places where I can eat and drink al fresco.
I’ve had luck with outdoor seating at Black Ivy, Civerinos Slice, Doctors, Blackbird, Bennets of Morningside, and one of my favourites, The Ventoux.
![](https://jamiemchale-assets.imgix.net/collections/2020-08-august/IMG-20200812-WA0019.jpg?w=275)
![](https://jamiemchale-assets.imgix.net/collections/2020-08-august/IMG_20200814_212118.jpg?w=275)
Kirkcudbright
Towards the end of the month I took a day-trip to Kirkcudbright to see my parents. It was the first time I’d seen them since lockdown. I was a little nervous, and so remained cautious with the physical distancing. Luckily, the weather held, so we ate outdoors, and I came away with a great box of fruit and veg from the garden.
![](https://jamiemchale-assets.imgix.net/collections/2020-08-august/20200822-A7R08210.jpg?w=275)
![](https://jamiemchale-assets.imgix.net/collections/2020-08-august/20200822-A7R08223.jpg?w=275)
![](https://jamiemchale-assets.imgix.net/collections/2020-08-august/20200822-A7R08226.jpg?w=275)
![](https://jamiemchale-assets.imgix.net/collections/2020-08-august/20200822-A7R08231.jpg?w=275)
Flat for Sale
Another big move is underway. I decided to sell my Edinburgh flat. I’ve moved from Tollcross down to Morningside for the time being. My one/two bedroom flat is now available via Neilsons/ESPC.
Reading
With the flat-move taking up a lot of my time this month, I haven’t had much time for reading. I did manage to read Birdstories by Geoff Norman on the history of New Zealand birds. It was a great book to fill in some of the backstory to birds I have seen on my previous walking trips.