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

Just when you think you can't fit anything else in you find a whole lot of different activities appearing on the agenda. I've been back out at work this month helping Jim with a Usability Study that he was conducting so we've been up with the lark, catching trains into the City Centre with the office workers and even spent a day in Edinburgh.

I don't think I could easily go back to a 9 - 5 p.m. routine but it certainly made a change. Although I think I lead Jim astray as I like to spend long lunch breaks having a wander around, popping into shops and nice restaurants. When we were in Edinburgh we had lunch in Bella Italia on the Royal Mile then a little wander around Cockburn Street. During my punk phase that was one of my favourite streets as you could always pick up some of the essential clobber, henna for your hair and stuff like that. I think Jim was a bit worried that I was going to spend the day in 'Whiplash Trash'. We also popped our heads into The Albanach pub, designed by Ranald McColl, who is also responsible for the Ben Nevis' great look.

I've found time to have good browse round the shops in Glasgow and it makes you both happy and sad to see such fantastic sales on - including poor Woolworths. Back in the West End the shops are looking amazing. I've been enjoying some leisurely Christmas Shopping in between coffees with Jim in Offshore and Tinderbox and I've introduced him to the heady delights of Sonny & Vito's. Their Christmas Hampers look amazing.

I've been constantly drawn back to Kelvinbridge, Cresswell Lane and Queen Margaret Drive and you can see some of my favourite shops in my Christmas Shopping Feature. Check them out you are sure to find some extra special gifts, festive outfits and some great bargains, including 20% off at Strawberry Fields.

I've been fitting in all of this stuff around a major project - the launch of Jim's debut CD, which took place on Friday at The Hidden Lane Cafe. We had a great time with Michael Clarke, Aidan MacEoin and Jim providing the entertainment. Thanks to all our friends and family, who came along and made it a great party

It took quite a bit of planning pulling everything together including recording the album, designing the cover and organising the party - amazingly everything fell perfectly into place. Maybe the secret was spending an afternoon relaxing at One Devonshire over coffee and homemade shortbread, when we pulled together stuff like the press release, guest list and our 'To Do's'.

I also called upon the talents of some of my dream team and Issi whisked me off to Costco's to buy the wine and nibbles. Gill Millar threw open the doors of her fabulous Hidden Lane Cafe for the event and Michael and Aidan willingly offered up their talents. Then Val took charge of the CD sales - what a winning combination. (You can listen to some of the tracks and purchase the CD on Jim's myspace

I set myself up for the occasion with some extra special relaxation courtesy of Narad's fantastic sound therapy. Val organised this at her house in North Kelvinside and also laid on a beautiful lunch so I spent a lovely afternoon chatting to Mary, Bob and Maureen. I think we put to right all the problems in higher education today! Then I popped along for a browse in the fabulous little shops on Queen Margaret Drive including e & a - some great offers on their handmade jewellery and also lovely selection of gifts in 'Ae Fond Kiss'.

Despite this busy period, I've still managed to see a lot of my friends and met Eleanor and Jackie for lunch at Chocolinos then caught up with them at Offshore, where I went with Ryan en route to Kelvingrove. We popped down to their Craft Fair and then spent the afternoon in a very frosty park, playing at 'ice adventurers' - that was a first for me! Then we walked up through Park to Fotobareesta on Woodlands Road, where I used their machine to create photographs from my digital images and enjoy some very welcome hot chocolate.

We've captured lots of family celebrations on camera recently including my brother John's birthday and our new great-niece, Kayla-Jayne, so congratulations to Val, Andrew, Kevin, Callum and big sister Ashlynn. We are lucky having so many children in our family - ranging from the new born through to teenagers, they now total 18 including the baby, a one year old, two two year olds and two three year olds.
Congratulations also to Maggie Graham, who also has another new grandchild - delighted to have her back on form with her writer's diary.
Looks like Santa is going to be very busy this year.

Michael and I had a bit of a problem finding him yesterday. We set off with Caitlin and Ryan to Gartocharn, where rumour had it that he was hanging out with his reindeers. There was great excitement and we sang Christmas carols and songs all the way there but there was no Santa when we arrived. Seems he won't be there till next week. So we set of on a 'mission' and after a few unsuccessful stops at Lomond Shores and the Outlet at the old torpedo factory, we eventually found him in his grotto at Antartex Village.

He usually also turns up in Knightswood on Christmas Eve so we will be off to the McGreevy's to see if he shows up again this year.

Jim has lots of gigs on over the festive period and it should be especially good fun at The New Year's Hooley at The Liquid Ship. We had a great night there recently where we were joined by Val, Mary and Frances, Jim was playng along with Kevin Young, who is really briliant so watch out for him.

We were treated to some great music when we headed over to the Southside Tchai Ovna, where Jim was the guest of Mike Simons. I particularly enjoyed Mike and Magdalena Reising playing a song called Blue Cafe. Jim sang one of his news songs that he had not performed before, 'Ghosts of the Past' and the small, but discerning, audience seemed to really like it.

He also had a very enjoyable gig at the Aragon last Sunday and we had a great time at The Quiet Riot, at The Drawing Room, where John Deery, who is a musician and artist from Northern Ireland, puts on a great show.

I went back to The Drawing Room with Ann for a meal and had some fabulous sea bream and sea bass with leek sauce and mashed potato, my two favourite types of fish on the one plate. Bliss! She had never been before and loved the restaurant. The staff are extra friendly and we had a chat with Stephen, David and James and also Collette McGuire, whose wonderful photography exhibition 'Connection Interrupted' is showing there at the moment.

Jim and I are also keen to see 'The Two Alasdairs' another exhibition of the work of Alasdair Gray and his friend, Alasdair Taylor, at the Glasgow School of Art. We were heading there week past on Sunday but discovered that it is closed on Sundays so instead we went along to the Antiques Warehouse down in South Street. It is a very interesting place with lots of different dealers showing their wares. Fantastic furniture, vintage clothes and accessories and china and allsorts of bric a brac. There was a very Christmassy atmosphere with a great big tree, some lovely live music and a buffet. It is a lovely setting but vast and freezing so if you go along wrap up - Jim had to escape back to the car as he was chittering. I bought a beautiful antique lace collar and my mother-in-law's Chrissy present.

We then spent a very leisurely evening at Fanny Trollopes in Finnieston, where we had a fantastic meal and enjoyed hearing all about Gary's plans for a makeover for the front of the restaurant. Sure to make this great eaterie even more attractive.

We paid another visit to Partick Folk Club (last Friday of every month in St Peter's Church Hall, Chancellor Street). It's a super night out with lots of talented performers and friendly audience. Jim King, an old colleague from Save the Children days, was excellent as was the Paul McKenna Band. Most nights you will be lucky enough to capture one of Glasgow West End's greatest singers Mick West, who with his wife, Irene, and friends runs this event.

With all this traipsing about my drumming classes and fitness regime have gone by the wayside so need to gear up for the New Year's Resolutions. In the meantime hope you all have a Happy Christmas and thank you for your support throughout the year.

There's lots to do and see in the West End over the festive season so hope that you enjoy yourselves:

• Christmas Menus for you to peruse if you've still not organised your festive dining.
• Brighten up your private function or party and learn some Latin Dancing
• Best of Christmas Shopping in Glasgow West End
• Sirens of Titan Choir - Christmas Eve at OranMor
• Feel good with Dawn's Wellbeing Words
• Glasgow Pantos
• Music What's On This Christmas
• Glasgow Gig Guide
• International Club - events and activities

New on the site:

• Local Character Mick West - singer of traditional Celtic Music
• Visit to an Old Firm Game Frances Rickus
• Poetry by Paul Wright
• Richardson Murray, Hair and Beauty Salon
• Update from Barry Paton Rural France
• Glasgow Wood Recycling Project
• Competition:Passion for Fashion

Last month my feet hardly touched the ground with lots of celebrations, exhibitions and spending time with my sister, Catherine, here on holiday from Canada. Seems like there's been even more reason than usual for sampling the delights that Glasgow West End has to offer. Catherine and I went along to Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire for her birthday lunch and then had a wee tour of the hotel. The meal was sumptuous and we had the very best window seat - she had been wanting to go there for a long time so glad that she was duly impressed.

Catherine also came along to the Ubiqutious Chip, with the usual suspects,Eleanor, Joan, Jackie, Linda and Maggie to celebrate more birthdays. The Chip remains one of the most attractive restaurants in Glasgow, the food is always lovely and the staff are very friendly. Marie and Dickie were particularly attentive. Fond memories for both Joan and myself as we worked there as waitresses a long time ago when we were students at Glasgow University.

For quite sometime Roy Beers, our drinking and dining expert, has been shouting the praises of Shimla Pinks, the new Indian Bistro on Byres Road, so I went along there for a birthday lunch with my two sons - part of Michael's 40th birthday celebrations. He was dining out with 18 of his friends in the evening so the small, snack portions at Shimla Pinks were ideal. The bistro lived up to the positive picture painted by Roy and he will be pleased to know that the staff had printed out his excellent recommendation from the website. A great place for a quick and tasty lunch - the curry sauce was delicious and the pakora spicy and fresh. Also fantastic smoothies - I could not believe how reasonable it all was.

I met up with Roy at the first year birthday party at Allan Mawn's Pinxto's in Partick, Frances came along with me and we had a lovely evening sampling their delicious tapas. Alan excelled himself in producing an incredible giant paella. with lots of his friends and customers there to enjoy it, including Nancy Smillie, Pat Duffy and his partner, who was great fun, also journalists Tam Shields, Ken Smith and Jack MacLean. Jack MacLean is quite an eye-catching character and I recognised him from Heraghty's bar in the Southside, where Jim and I had been earlier in the week listening to some music.

I'm afraid I had to decline Roy's invitation to celebrate The baby Grand's 21st Birthday Party but at his behest Jim and I went along to try out the Kelvingrove Cafe down at Finnieston. We did not have time to sample the cooking but the menu looks great and could be a good option for Christmas Dinner or Lunch if you are on a budget. Ruth Anne Murphy, the lovely Irish waitress is an absolute charmer.

Ann and I enjoyed a chat with two other charming youngsters, Peter and Chris, who work in Atrio on Byres Road. They were kind enough to let us order something off menu and then we left with a little gift of some amazing fairy cakes topped with brambles. Will definitely be calling back in.

I caught up with Ian Mitchell in our old favourite Antipasti. Ian's latest piece of writing is about The Garngad, or Royston, so I was very interested as I worked there for seven years when I managed the Rosemount Project. Great folk there - I've got a very soft spot in my heart for them so enjoyed a chat about the area over some coffee and bruschetta.

I also had some superb danesi coffee at Fotobareesta along at Woodlands Road. Always a great location for some window shopping, I spotted lots of bargains in the antique and reproduction shops and some really lovely jewellery in the Annan Gallery - I know I should be admiring the art! Something else that caught my eye was a djembe drum, and I could not resist it.

Percussion has been a major topic in our house lately and now my chicken shaker and tambourine have a new companion. My earlier drumming career was curtailed due to a series of injuries (clumsiness), apart from this major setback, I was always happiest performing drum solos. However, there have been some changes around our house with ever increasing music making activity as Jim now writes his songs at home, rather than at rehearsals with the band, and he is inclined to engage me in this process.

It's very enjoyable and we've been seeing more of some old friends also joining Jim in creating music. Especially good to see more of Graham MacIntosh and Robert Ruthven - in fact as I recall my old drum kit was passed onto Robert's band The Creeping Charlies.

Jim's also had some assistance from the amazing vocalist, Mick West, who has just been nominated in the category of Scottish Traditional Singer of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2008. Mick is the founder of the Partick Folk Club, now meeting at St Peter's Church Hall, on the last Friday of every month. We went along last Friday and we had a great night out with an assortment of local talent, including Jim, joining Mick in providing excellent entertainment. Everyone had their feet tapping to top of the bill bluegrass band The Moonshiners - the soup and pastries were pretty enjoyable too. Jim has written all about it on his myspace blog.

I'm too busy to go along to all of his gigs but we had a very good time when we went along to Brel, where Jim played along with Graham and some lovely fellas in the band Southern Tenant Folk Union. Val, Issi and Davy, Frances, Gillian and Catherine all came along and we met up with some very friendly music lovers from Italy, Spain and Australia.

We also enjoyed catching up with Aidan MacEoin, our favourite poet, at Tchai Ovna, where he was on the bill with the very talented Scott MacDonald. Also good to finally meet Jenny Soep, whose art work I have shown on the website on more than one occasion. Now off on a trip around the Highlands and Islands, it was nice to have her around to serve us some Fairy Tea.

Then we went back to The Place in Milngavie with Jim's mum and dad - it's their favourite folk club. Jim joined Erne Parkin, Mike Simons and The City Sinners, in providing the evening's entertainment.

Despite all this recent folk club experience, after 40 odd years in 'rock chick' mode my transition to 'folkie' has not been entirely smooth. For example, I was a bit thrown when we went along to the Perthshire Amber Festival to find the spectators at the Open Stage Event in Pitlochry Theatre engrossed in knitting. Very ethical and altruistic approach from Dougie MacLean and his family, who organised this charitable activity, but I fear my mutli-tasking skills will never extend to knitting, listening, watching and clapping the performers all at the same time.

However, these difficulties could have been exaggerated because it took us hours to find the venue, albeit, wandering off the track is not unusual for us. All in all our journey to Pitlochry was pretty spectacular as not only did we meander along many highways and bi-ways amid glorious Autumn colours but never before have we seen so many rainbows in one day.

Nonetheless, we enjoyed our day at the Festival, good to run into the irrepresible Trish Santer and her friedn Tracey. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Gina MacLeod and Eliza Lynn and Jim was delighted that people were asking to buy his CD. He'll soon be able to oblige.

We also got lost on our way back, when we went to visit my sister's inlaws in Peebles and found ourselves heading for the Borders instead of Glasgow. Ryan found it very exciting and by the time we got back on the M8 he had us all convinced that there were, in fact, 'ogres in the woods because it was dark'.

Back in the West End, I've had some very pleasant outings including meeting my brother Liam and Nicky for lunch in Heart Buchanan, where we had some great soup and sandwiches. I enjoyed hearing them chat enthusiastically about their new health related ventures including Nicky's salsa-exercise. Sounds like something Val would enjoy so maybe we will pop up at Nicky's classes. I also met Boo Hewerdine in Heart Buchanan and had a chat with him about his amazing career as a singer/songwriter. We saw him perform in the Old Fruitmarket at a great concert with Kris Drever, Heidi Talbot and John McCusker. I wrote a wee blog about it on myspace

Heart Buchanan seems to be the happening place as we also bumped into David Howat there, fresh back from his travels in the South of France. After a wee chat with him Jim and I had a very pleasant afternoon wandering through the Botanics and popped into the greenhouses to get a heat and admire the fabulous fuchsia. Then I investigated some of the shops on Queen Margaret Drive. I've not been along there for ages but had a thoroughly enjoyable browse in the great little range of shops on that stretch. E & A, the two very creative art school graduates, who had their first shop at Ruthven Mews, are now located at Queen Margaret drive. They have some really unusual jewellery and I picked up some very arty cameos for Christmas presents. If you are on the lookout for something amazing and very unusual then worth checking out their creations.

Then there's also Zico's, who have some very natty attire. Lots of very wearable casual clothes and super glam dresses and coats plus their one-of men's retro t-shirts. You can catch their fashion show in Bar Buddha, Cresswell Lane, 2nd December from 7 p.m. -9 p.m. Also watch out for the gorgeous new tea room, The Mannequin, the cakes look amazing. It's almost next door to that old favourite North Star. I also popped into K1Yarns and picked up some lovely black cashmere wool to crochet Issia hat as she took a bit of a yen for mine when we were in Colonsay.

Jim and I have been having a few outdoor outings, mainly getting the allotment into some shape, but we also took Ryan and Caitlin along to the Bigman Canal Festival at Maryhill. They had a great time, listening to storytelling in a tent with a fire and investigating some of the boats. We also caught a smashing concert with Tam Whyte and some young Bollywood Dancers.(You can see some of the photographs in Jim's photodiary). Maryhill continues to have a place of prominence on the website with and the feature Unlocking Maryhill attracting hundreds of comments.

Further West and also situated on the canal, Catherine and I met up with some friends at The Ettrick in Old Kilpatrick. Maureen O'Neill, Maureen Templeman, Ann Anderson and Morag McAulay all popped in to say hello, when we went down to the village for a meal and a drink. It was very good fun and the Chicken Ballantyne was super tasty.

I've been hanging out in my usual West End Haunts at Rio's, Sonny & Vito's and on occasion keeping Jim company in his favourites, Offshore and Tinderbox, also met up with Frances Rickus and some of her friends at The Atrium, when I was waiting for my sister to accompany me to The Western Baths. I am still enthralled by that place and feel history washing over me as I swim up and down the pool - my maximum so far is 24 lengths. Although I'm more pushed to stop by time rather than exhaustion so maybe if I can free up more space I can increase the distance covered. Still not had a go on the trapeze!

I'll need to check out their Aqua Aerobics as I always find that great fun but usually Val chums me along so need to check whether it is open to non-members. Mind you, I've been back down to Scotstoun now that the pool has re-opened and one morning at the crack of dawn I went along with Jim. I can't see that happening on a daily basis, despite the fact that, apart from the exercise,you do gain a feeling of great virtue when venturing forth so early in the morning.

Other outings this month have included a trip down to John Gilmour's Photography Exhibition at The Hidden Lane, where I eventually met up with Stephanie Spindler, who organises the exhibitions. We've been corresponding for a long, long time now but never met before. I didn't realise that she was American and for some reason she thought that I was Canadian!

Great turnout for John's super exhibition, and I had a brief chat with the photographer Robert Burns, whom I know from the Glasgow Group and also a fascinating discussion about historical television programmes with Michael McEvoy, who works for Scottish Television. Very enjoyable event so looks as though The Hidden Lane will be the choice of location to launch Jim's CD on 12th December.

I'm looking forward to Christmas and in particular to the return of young friends now off spreading their wings. Looking forward to hearing all about Cornell University from Michael Bowes and how Luisa Venditozzi compares living in Paris to Milan. Will also be great to see Kerry Wilson and hear how she is liking London. Reminds me of my own youth and the excitement in setting off for 'the Big Smoke'.

Back in the West End there is already a bit of festivity in the air and the shops are starting to spruce themselves up in preparation for Christmas. I've been having a peep into a few of my favourites including Hilly and Boo's on Hyndland Road and Pink Poodle down on Byres Road. I also had a browse around Damselfly on Great Western Road, perfect for both crafts and gifts. I've added a new feature on the much talked about boutique, Doll on Park Road, Kelvinbridge and busy working on another for Carpet Monkeys also Park Road. Another new shop has popped up selling nice smelly stuff - Purdie's on Great Western Road next to Mellis' the cheesemonger. I've just seen it from the bus so need to check it out.

Also near Kelvinbridge - if you get a chance you should pop into Recoat Gallery, 323 North Woodside Road. Very interesting exhibitions and super designer jewellery and clothes to buy. I had a lovely outing there with Rena, Melanie and Val and it was great bumping into Lala from Great Western Auctions (one of my old neighbours). Amy Whiten, one of the young gallery owners, whose own illustrations were exhibited gave a particularly informative talk about The Front Row Exhibition and it looks as though their 14th exhibition The Holiday Special, which starts on the 10th November, will be equally successful.

Lots of new stuff on the site including Christmas Menus for you to peruse.

You'll also find:

• Art News Update
• Christina's Film Crits
• Celtic Connections Programme, 2009.
• Glasgow Gig Guide
• Poetry from Paul Wright
• Review: Southern Tenant Folk Unions
• Acoustic Music Glasgow
Aidan McEoin - Local Character
• Wedding Favours
• Helen Rose's Hillwalking Diary
• belong designer jewellery - now purchase online
• Rallion - a review
• Boo Hewerdine at the Old Fruitmarkert
• Caring Christmas Trees
• Winter Programme - International Club

Big welcome back to Barry Paton in Rural France - and don't forget to see What's On

Off to see if the firework displays are still going on - we're going to miss them when they stop. One night they were amazing and we could see four different displays lighting up the skies all at the same time. Should happen every week-end!

I can't believe I'm only getting round to putting up my diary on the 1st of October; the month of September has gone by so quickly my feet have hardly touched the ground - or been touching strange ground.

We had an amazing trip to Colonsay for their First Folk Festival, where I went with Jim and Issi and Davie Wilson. We had a wonderful time meeting the locals, going to concerts, sessions, hanging out round the fire in our cottage and exploring this beautiful Hebridean island.

Jim was chuffed to bits with the positive responses to his performances - he even got a write up by David Kushnar in Spiral Earth, David had come all the way from Bristol to write a review of the Festival and was only one of the great gang of people that we met on Colonsay. You can see some photographs of our trip in Jim's September Photodiary

Another trip we had this month was spent near the village of Straiton in South Ayrshire, where we went to spend a Byrne Week-end with Jim's family, eighteen of us in all including six children. The accommodation was in a lovely spot with great walks and we also went on a day excursion to Culzean Castle, which is one of my favourite National Trust destinations.

I've also been spending a lot of time going along to Jim's gigs; as he pursues is new solo musical career. We had a super time at Linlithgow Folk Festival, where he performed on both the Festival Showcase and Outdoor Stage. The entertainment was great and we enjoyed watching The Linties and Duncan McCrone, with the multi-talented Westender Stevie Lawrence, whom we met up with again on Colonsay. He was there performing with Rallion, alongside the fiddle player Fiona Cuthill, who also hails from Glasgow West End.

Another little jaunt that I fairly enjoyed was to The Place, nearer home in Milngavie. We went along with Jim's Mum and Dad and Jim peformed at the Open Mic. Super night out with tremendous entertainment from Erne Parkin and The Cross Border Band. Well worth a ten minute drive.

Back in the heart of the West End, I've been out and about a lot hanging out with Jim and my friends and checking out some new establishments.

We thoroughly enjoyed seeing The Viragoes at OranMor - pretty exciting band. We've also been out for coffees galore to Tinderbox and Offshore, two of Jim's favourite haunts, and we've been down to Rio's Cafe in Hyndland for some smashing breakfasts. Always a great place for meeting folk you know and Rio's Eggs Florentine is pretty irrestible.

Back in Tinderbox I met up with Alan Hendry and found out a bit more about his Sounds of the Suburbs gigs in Glasgow West End. I've been catching up with Roy Beers, our dining and drinking expert and we had a lovely lunch at Brel, where I demolished a huge bowl of their delicious moules. Just as well I decided to forego the frites. We also had a delicious meal at Cherubini's including some of Marc Di Lucca's incredible Italian sausage. No surprise to hear that this is now much in demand by local delis, including the fabulous Mellis' Cheesemonger at Kelvinbridge. So watch out for it next time you're stocking up on your Brie and Camembert.

I've popped into Sonny & Vito's on Park Road, always very vibrant and inviting. Mario is busy perusing fascinating brochures advertising allsorts of delicacies so as well as their delicious soups, sweets and savouries, watch out for some tantalising Italian biscuits for little gifts. They look amazing.

Frances and I tried out the newish restaurant Cail Bruich at 725 Great Western Road. I would have no hesitation in recommending this lovely enterprise run by the Charalambous brothers, Chris and Paul. The menu is attractive, the food delicious and mum, Isabella, does a first class job serving in the restaurant. I love these family run establishments where there is a real interest in creating a successful business and keeping the customer happy.

I went along for a late birthday celebration to Paperino's with Rosemary Venditozzi and we had a great gab and I caught up with a couple of the usual suspects, Eleanor and Jackie at Booly Mardy's. At Booly's we bumped into Jeana Papamikail, whose been out of touch lounging in the sun in Greece all summer, what a cheek. She was just home for a flying visit to see her son Mikailis off to Montreal for an exchange year and Jim and I were invited up to his going away party. Montreal is a very exciting city so sure he will have a great time. Good Luck, Mikailis.

I also had coffee with Luisa and Damien at Heart Buchanan's, incredibly we were able to sit outside on one of the few sunshiny days we've had recently. Luisa, just back from a year in Milan is now heading off to study for a year in Paris. Great to see all these young Westenders speading their wings in exciting places.

Another young West End woman, who is enjoying life, is Marianna Palka. I had lunch with her mum, Basia, and sister, Nina, at Kemper and Jones (very tasty humous dip and lovely coffee) and learned that Marianna's film Good Dick will be on at the GFT from 3rd October. I loved this film, award winner at both Sundance and the Edinburgh Film Festival. Don't miss it.

Judith Kenny has also been pretty busy lately, I can't believe that she is continuing to fit in her jewellery design alongside caring for her new son, Red, but this girl is a star. She's no longer working from her base in Park Road but her great jewellery is available in Galletly and Tubbs, at Kelvinbride or you can purchase online from her website.

Jenna Miller continues to add to the fantastic range of jewellery available at Nancy Smillie's Jewellery Studio. I bought my sister, Catherine, a gorgeous necklace there for her birthday. She is home from Canada on holiday at the moment so having fun meeting up with all the family and having some jaunts around town. We made it along to the Merchant City Festival at the week-end but the weather was dreadful so after buying some stuff from the French Market and admiring some of the live models in Ingram Street, we headed for a cafe in the Italian Centre for bruschetta and lattes.

Catherine is mainly interested in catching up with folk in Old Kilpatrick but I have some Glasgow West End jaunts planned and want to take her to see Alasdair Gray's magnificient ceiling in OranMor and we need to dine out. I fancy a wee trip to Fanny Trollope's, where I've not been to for a while and as she loves a curry we might take advantage of one of our restaurant deals at Ashoka West End or Kama Sutra.

Hope she'll come along on Saturday, when Jim and I are taking the children, Ryan and Caitlin, to Maryhill to see Andy Scott's latest giant steel sculpture Bigman. Should be lots of fun with some great bands and entertainment, including Tam White and his Shoestring Band.

We've also been having a look at some of the shops in Hyndland, including Daniel's the smart shoe shop and she bought some gifts to take home in Hilly and Boo's. I took her into Currie & Quirk Opticians as she needed a small repair to her specs. I went along there recently with my friend Anne, when she got her new specs and I've got my eye on their Lulu Guinness range when I next need glasses. They have a great selection of specs and for the gal who has everything they've even got Tiffany sunglasses with diamonds. I kid you not!

I also want to take Catherine into Handbags and Gladrags as I got her a fantastic baby pink cashmere their a while back and she is hoping to find another bargain.

I'm also hoping that she will make it along to one of Jim's Gigs, you can see them listed on his myspace. He has a couple of crackers lined up: with Southern Tenant Folk Union at Brel on 27th October and supporting Canadian Allison Lickley at The Liquid Ship but she may have left by then as that's not until 21st November.
You can listen to his new tunes
Mick West that well kent Glasgow folk musician can be heard on some of the tracks singing backing vocals.

Apart from all this eating and gadding about I've been trying to get a bit fitter and been out and about, weather permitting, on my bicycle. I've also been introduced to the delights of The Western Baths by Jackie and I am patiently waiting on my membership coming through. I've fallen by the wayside with my exercise regime over the last week or so as i've been away so much so need to get into a good routine at The Western and not just lounge around reading the magazines. Might prove to be a challenge but I'll keep you posted. Who knows by Christmas I might be able to traverse the length of the pool on the trapeze?

In the meantime I need to settle down to some work as I have a pile of enquiries about promotions for Christmas. Some interesting menus coming in and just been along to the very swish Glasgow Pond Hotel, where they have a super new chef and interesting plans afoot for Christmas. More to come next month....

Lots of new stuff up on the site including:

• Christina's latest film crits
• Roy Beers' Eating and Drinking Guide
• Helen Rose's Hillwalking Diary - Mournes
• Kelvinside Allotments Association Newsletter, September 2008
• October Week Art Camp 5 - 12 year olds
• New Courses at DACE, University of Glasgow
• Royal Airforce Band Concert
• New exhibition at The Hunterian Boucher and Chardin: Masters of Modern Manners
• Southern Tenant Folk Union at Brel - 16th September, 2008.
• Review of Proms in the Park
• Closer Poetry by Paul Wright
• Glasgow Weddings section: quick guide to buying a wedding ring

Also see our What's On in Glasgow and Gig Guide.