Isabella Kirkpatrick Kirk was born at Kiprig, West Lothian, on the 3rd of May 1926, weighing in at only 2lbs. Surviving against all odds, she left school at 14 and started off her working life in service. She married her husband of 55 years in 1947 and went on to have four children, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She has lived all her life in West Calder and the surrounding area. Despite her busy family life, Bella always found time for her friends and neighbours, and is, without doubt, the most well-kent face in West Calder. She regularly performed and entertained raising money for local charities, and no Burns Supper at Harburn Hall was complete without her Reply To The Lassies. She was a pioneer of childminding in the 1960s, volunteered for Meals On Wheels, learned to drive in her late 50s, and gave care and companionship to the elderly - all provided inspiration for the verses recorded in this book. Bella recently celebrated her 86th birthday; her spirit, determination and sense of humour still prevailing. She hopes that you will laugh with her. So, please, by Bella's request - enjoy!