The fallen tree

At long last , managed to get the picture to load. This was taken from the end of the exit slip road so I would think it will be closed for a couple of days.

Back to Ready Steady Cook, then my srteak and wine dinner.

Windy and more wind

have just tried to do pics again, but failed.

Been to town to cash and carry etc, bit of a carry on at Bonnington where the cars are using every side street to avoid parking fees so on the narrow ones it gets awkward - so when a Range Rover and van tried to squeeze past off went their wing mirrors. Trying to get onto Queen Street, six sets of lights change before i got through. Mr White van man going mental in Melville Street because he was going too fast and chappie pulled out in front of him.
Eventually headed home and at Commiston, BANG - bloody great big tree had blown overin the gales and ended up through the roof of the Shell filling station - will try to put pic in - it looks like a sort of expensive event for someone.

Ann caused a panic in The Mercat by proposing to the young lad who delivers the fish, this being valentines day, he was totally mortified as he knew he could not refuse, but as she said " you cannot marry your granny"

Fortunately Claire saved jamie's life by not proposing to him as he said he would have had to hang himself if that had happened!!! They are good friends though.

Have had communication from the seven drunks on a train to London who ran out of drink by the time they got to York!! - bit of bad planning there considering the previous drinking experience they have. Doubless they all fell asleep and had to be wakened up at Kings Cross

Made it to Friday morning - only just.

Friday a.m., and having a day off if you do not count a run to Costco, the cash and carry and the electrical wholesaler.

Bad night due to terrible leg cramps, was wakened about five times - bloody sore. Ann says to drink tonic fro the quinine, but what % of tonic with gin to be effective?

Thursday in the pub, fairly quiet , but still managed to get a couple in who had escaped their guards, one stayed and was tolerated , the other , having come from elsewhere along the street was so spaced out he just about turned and left quietly.

The old joke about how many men does it take to change a lightbulb !! For about three weeks we have tried to get a bulb out of a holder, me, Robbie and eventually Brian got it out on Wednesday. Yesterday I got what I took to be an identical replacement at B&Q but could not get it to fit properly. Kenny arrived and with this other chap tried had but failed also. So eventually we found that there was a slight variation on the casing - so out with the Ledderman kit and filed it down till it fitted - bingo !!

Sandy and Michele were in with junior - so might get thaty photo on in due course.

Princess ( now named Miss Nippy for the day) Kerrin let me away sharp to rush home and change, and with Captain Calamity @ Mark I headed for Leith to a meeting of the C.C. held in Lodge Trafalgar ( 200 years old). where Jim McQueen BEM was getting his hon membership. Not a big turnout by our standards but a good one by theirs - took photos as this Lodge is old, historic and has lots of interesting items about.

Headed up via the Mercat where we found Graham and eventually after a blether to a group from USA; Austria, Switzerland and France dragged him out and took him home.

ThuThursday morning

Awake half the night, could not sleep.
Up early to type letters which I sent to another machine for printing but it cannot read them !! bad start.
came down passed scene of the crash, but car had been towed out early so no pics.

Via B & Q to get my Diamond Card, but I can only use it on a Wednesday, I thought it was today.

To booker for odds and ends and a free hot chocolate.
Ann now sending me e mails and i am not sure what she has been taking - suggesting holidays, meals long weekends , etc, obviously now well under the influence.

Robbie and co now on the choo choo train to London

back to work

Wednesday - a day of extreme emotions

Up early and on the road sharp heading to Musselburgh when I came across an accident at Fallhills X roads, Police had just arrived and the driver had done a beauty, straight across the junction though the wall and nose dived into the field. BUT no camera with me to get the pics, so bloody annoyed.

Got to the pub, Chick in full swing with disabled Henry the Hoover and me then off into my cellar to clean the lines and sort out the beer.

Not long after opening Brian (on holiday) appeared with Glen - serious apologies as I had forgotton to mention his birthday yesterday, he says he is 44, I reackon he is nearer 50 but having showen me his driving licence he has to maybe telling the truth.
But then they appeared, clients from hell, (the gates having been left open somewhere) - no disrespect, but this was heavy going - with the oddest comments, questions, statements - you name it coming from nowhere but an empty head - I was on the verge of needing sedated !!! Ultimately, after a number of drinks I called a halt and suggested they leave and go elswhere.

The day progressed, slowly, however, Rob , Brian and Scott left to look up the blog.

Had to work on as Elaine was coming in after her own work so it was nearly 6 p.m. before I left and I knew that Robbie and Caitlin were en route to the house for dinner.

Heading home I passed the scene of the accident so if I remember to take the camera I will get pics in the morning.

Robbie and Caitlin arrrived at the house, same time as me, both knackered after their trip north which had been quite an adventure. Robbie and Cookie had excelled themselves with a drunken escapade at the hostel in Skye, Caitlin had had to do first aid on a Chinese lady who broke her arm, the weather was rubbish, BUT being intrepid antipodeans and not knowing any better they enjoyed it. Being truthful they have seen much more of Scotland than about 99% of Scots have seen.

We had dinner, looked at photos, chatted, and when Tam Finlay arrived had to say our fond farewells - as they say," parting is such sweet sorrow". I can only say that we will miss them immensley, they have had a tremendous effect on our lives, and hopefully one day we will be able to meet up again.
I have to say that Graham was absent as he was in the Chair and Presiding over a licensed trade function at Roslin, but as he is a bit of a softie he would have found it a bit upsetting.

Fortunately for Rob and Caitlin, Tam, Catherine, Chris, Ailsa, and Cookie are going to London with them on the train tomorrow and will see them off on their final flight home at the weekend. Bon Voyage.

Road rage and heart attacks !!

Tuesday was not too good a day, but I obviously survived.

Set off early to the plumbers merchants to get new siphon for ladies loo, which i managed to get fitted and working without flooding the place - unlike Captain Calamity @ Mark. gents loo was also chocked but nothing a good thump with the old plunger could not cure !!

Michelle C. came to see me and unfortunately has had to tender her resignation as her little boys health is deteriorating and will require her constant care and presence either on hand or at the end of a phone. We wish her well, thank her for her efforts and look forward to seeing her when she can get a bit time off.

Little Princess came in early to let me away and on the road home had a spot of "road rage" in Dalkeith. Was waiting to get through a junction, lights were at green but the road on the other side was blocked so i just sat and waited leaving the junction clear. BUT the chappie in the car behind was going apoplectic, bouncing up and down , waving his fists at me and the food he was eating was spraying out his fat face. Being of a quiet nature I found this a behaviour a bit distressing and he he continued with his apparent tirade i got out and went to speak with him. He was not amused -segments of the apple he was eating was spraying forth from his "gob" as he spoke, but when I explained why i had stopped he said he could not see that far ahead !! End of story - BUT - had I not exercised good self control and been diplomatic ( NOT) it may have been worse.

Home for quick tea, change , loaded up the car and off to my meeting of RA 500. This was the lowest attendance we have had for a long time but due to their being two other big meetings on and a number of apologies. Panic set in when I discovered that one of the Companions was missing and he had promised to be there and do a piece of ritual which I was not sure of - however , being my job I eventually just had to get up and do it - with a little prompting, but the stress levels were sky high, pains in the chest, etc - so i was glad when it was all over.

Good to see Scot Dyer again after a break, but he is now self employed and should be back.

Robbie and Caitlin had phoned Ann to say that weather up north was terrible, no sign of Nessie and their mobile phones were not getting a signal - so it was back to the good old fashioned red phone box and 10 p in the slot. Should see them tonight for dinner before they head of homewards to Oz via London on Thursday.

What a day ! Understatement!!!

Everything was preplanned and straight forward - or so I thought when i got up and left the house for Musselburgh. popped into see Grant at Photogenix who was already run off his feet at 9 a.m. (good sign) - down to Musselburgh for a quick pick up and do the staff hours - but where were the staff ? Waited for ages, in the meantime Chick was having a senior moment with Harry the Hoover - not a pretty sight.

No response to phone calls so panic was setting in as I had an important meeting in Edinburgh. Graham was M.I.A. and as usual his fancy phone was out of power, so poor Samantha was in charge at The Mercat with water dripping though one of the ceilings. Back at Musselburgh, spot of good fortune whilst pursuing Micky along the street met Karen who used her logic to get me a helper for an hour and a half until Kerrin arrived. Brian (owner of Glen the dog) arrived and even he volunteered to help. Spoke with Kerrin who I think was hiding under a desk in the college to take the call but she was happy enough to come to work. When I called her later she had been held up by a Police car who would go no faster than 30 mph, which was a bit inconsiderate of them - obviously nothing important to do.

I heard that the owner of the pub where one of our girls had been served a spiked drink with her ending up in hospital had been making his mouth go !! Looks like he will need a talking to .

So I eventually got back to Penicuik and picked up Ann to go to this meeting. On the way I pointed out the above Highland cattle, who have been there for years, but Ann- being used to driving blinkered and seeing nothing further than the pavement at either side of the road thought they were new to the field.

Made out meeting at 1 p.m., then headed home to fill in forms which I had to take back to town again, by this time getting ratty in the traffic and still with lots to do - so now, glass of wine in hand I am off to get on again (bit of double dutch).

Busy day again Tuesday with an early start at the pub, toilet to fix, then home to get organised for a long meeting at the RA no 500 - so I had better get my homework done.

The Comeback kid

To "The Sportsmans" again to meet up with the upside down people for another of their farewell doo's. Several folks present and even more there to watch the footbvall, but as long as they were not getting in our way , fine. Robbie and Caitlin, slightly more subdued than normal but I think this is only to be expected as the final departure day ( next Thursday ) draws near. My Graham was there, Jamie' Shrek (still recovering from his fund raiser), Graham allan Snr. and Brenda, Addi and the usual team of stalwarts from the pub.
Brian was wanting his photo taken but suggested that I wait while he was having a "fag" in the fresh air, and to make matters worse he shunted poor Glen back through the door on his own, SO, I just took Glen's photo and left Brian to get on with it. The dog is one of the better behaved clients.

Ian Ross was being a bit tempremental and suggested that I contact his agent/lawyer before he would pose full frontal!! ( for the Police Gazette - no). Irrespective of all this Celtic managed to get a last minute goal, but the three supporters were outnumbered.

I gave Rob a "boys toy - Ledderrman knife and tool kit" as a present so the chaps were spending ages how all the gadgets worked.

Had to leave and head home to see how Ann was having been out for several hours and I am still not feeling 100%.

On route home had a near miss when Sir Christopher Reid in his dark blue charger came careering round a bend and attempted to run me off the road. Doubtless his attention was distracted by Miss "talk a lot @ Ailsa" who would be whispering sweet nothings - probably about marriage so that Ann can buy a hat. He was saying on the phone that he can now get the car onto two wheels if he goes fast enough.

On the road, a conundrum

SALTIRE CROSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday morning, nice and bright (not me) and I was heading over to Gorebridge for a meeting. Pictures are out of sequence , but, a couple of weeks ago when passing this bad bend at night i saw this car in the field and was surprided to see it still there today. on checking it out, there is no question that it has gone through the wall and straight on at the bend rather than take the corner, however the car has no damge at all and is sitting in a very boggy piece of ground so it has obviously hit the banking and cleared any stonework to end up in the field. But the owners obviously have a problem as how to get it out without causing any damage ?

Only a few minutes later I was gazing out the car window, as one does when driving , and saw what I thought was a strange cloud formation in the shape of a Saltire Cross, obviously formed by the contrails of two aircraft.

Anyway, headed on to Gorebrifge for my meeting, then over to bonnyrigg to sdet up the hall for my R.A. meeting on tuesday night, before going down to Musselburgh where Robbie was having yet another farewell doo, - he has more comebacks than the Rolling Stones. Read on.

Irish Christine

Regular readers of my blog will have read about Irish Christine, this is she and when I returned from a walk this afternoon she had arrived for tea and cake !! Having the car it would not have been appropriate for her to be caught drinking. Anyway she always has wonderful stories of her life to tell and has a great memory for jokes.

So today's story goes back to her late teens when she attended the dancing on a weekend so in the process of getting all scrubbed up and dressed she gave herself a good dusting with talcum powder, including a giant "skoosh" into her nickers. Off she went to the dancing, managed to get a lumber ( as they say) and was giving it laldy on the dance floor totally oblivious to the fact that the talc was escaping through a hole in her tights and forming a large patch on the floor where she was gyrating. Her chap, on seeing the gathering cloud of talc and being tactful asked " Have you got fuc++++ dandruff". End of dance, exit stage right with red face and dusty breeks.

I started this blog at home but lost it due a problem with the phone line, so reloaded the photos and have just edited it down at "The Sportsman's"

So Scotland got yet another stuffing today, looks like the wooden spoon with again adorn the managers kitchen sideboard.

How the day ended

"Or didn't he do well. Good one Jamie, it turns out that jamie and family made just under £200 for the Marie Curie fund at last nights doo. Patrick sat and allowed lots of folk to cut chunks out his "flowing mane" at a price, and eventually a real hairdresser tidied up what little was left by basically shaving his head.(Picture on the left is not Patrick before the haircut - but if you know any "Gay" Aberdeen supporters this guy was looking for friendship).

The Hearts Strip, signed, went at a bargain price of £86, but that was good considering the numers present.

We spoke to Jamie in The Mercat at lunchtime and he was delighted with the end result, and said that Ann had won several prizes in the raffle having left some money for tickets when she left.

Back at Musselburgh last, the pub was quiet till near the end of the evening, but those present seemd to be enjoying themselves. There were a few comments about the pub going back on the market, but that's life as they say.

Brian's missus, Janet was in with her friend so she was talking about this blog and how much Brian likes to get his photo !! but then I am sure we all do.

Jamie's doo

Just back from the Forresters Rugby Club, Edinburgh, where Jamie @ Shrek was having a charity fund raiser in aid of the Marie Curie Hospice who nursed his mother prior to her death a short time ago.

He had a really good crowd gathering with some excellent donations to raffle and auction. There was a new Hearts strip signed by the team, tickets for the Hibs game tomorrow, just lots of nice gifts.
This was Ann's first night out since she took ill on 29th December, and she was looking forward to meeting Lillian, Kenny, Gordon, Sandra, Rob, Caitland, etc. However the crowd and the noise of the disco was a bit too much so it was early home for her and then I headed down here to Musselburgh where it is a bit quiet. Looks like the karaoke competition at the bowling club is now drawing a crowd as the final draws closer.
Despite the small numbers present it still did not stop on or two doing my head in with their various renditions / murdering of pop songs.
We will see how the night develops.

And last night.( Thursday)

Now going backwards in time a bit, last night when I went to Corstorphine I could not get parked near the hall so had to park in a side street and parked up trying not to block anyone , etc. However, when I came out and was heading up the road I saw the papers flapping under the wipers and stopped.
The note read
" Dear Regd. No. Your number and photo of car has been taken and is being forwarded to parking violations. Please do'nt block the acccess road to No.3 parking space again. Thank you"

Obviously the air turned blue in the car and had it not been so late I would have been back knocking on doors, the bloody cheek of the folks. Next time I am passing I will take a photo just to show how I was parked.
Obviously these folks think the Police in the area have very little else to do if they think I am going to be pursued (better not speak too soon!!). It would cause a stir if I complained about everyone who parked outside my door on a public road.

Happy Birthday Sandra

Today (22nd), although she does not want to admit it, our tea lady is yet another year older.

Sadly she has gone off the rails a bit since this photo was taken and has taken to drinking stronger liquids than the tea she has here. Granted , she has been working hard helping with the extension and a full redecoration of the house, but does that really give her carte blache to act like one of the boys? I think not.

Anyway Sandra, happy Birthday, have a good one.

Car park chaos

after my early risde, I eventally managed to get a wee bit extra sleep and woke up all the better for it.
Headed into town and dropped off Ann who was going to the hairdressers and I went off to see Robbie at Musselburgh, stopping at Bookers en route.

Despite the fact this is his 2nd last working day the good lad was beavering away and more than happy to help me out with the tedious jobs - he is worth his weight in gold and I for one will certainly miss him.

Headed back to town and went into the multi story car park at John Lewis where things were more than chaotic. The exit barriers had broken and there were massive queues trying to get out, who in turn were blocking the route inside. A valient young learner was trying to get his car out of a space and after many attempts did so. On the other hand when coming out a silly women was causing mayhem with her antics, she just had no idea at all, nearly caused another lady to scrape the side of car on a very tight exit ramp - blocked all incoming cars and if I had not spoken to her I would have thought she was drunk. A trying time for several folks who were probably delighted to get out in one piece.

Ann went to see Gillian and the girls in the cosmetics dept at Frasers store, who were pleased to see her back on her feet again, as was her hairdresser. She then walked the length of Princes Street as the traffic was just crawling - with the end result that when she eventually met me she was not worth tuppence. I on the other hand was doing fine, testing the fancy recliner chairs in the furnishing department and reading my book!!

As we headed home the winds were getting and at one part of the route in the city the buildings formed a wind tunnel and you could see cars rocking in the gale, pedestrians really struggling and litter bins and rubbish being hurled along the street.

Anyway, made it home safe and sound, have parked the good lady and once again I am off on my masonic wanderings.

Sleepless night, early rise

I made a slight error here, probably due to the fact that I have been up half the night restless. Anyway I was supposed to only add in the photo on the right as Brian (in the orange) was complaining that I had not published his picture with Cookie. You will note that Brian is ampidextrous, (he is able to use either hand to keep himself upright by hanging round folks necks) !!!

Cookie @ Ian, had planned on staying in this area for some time, however he has decided to change his plans. So next week he will go Nessie hunting with Rob and Caitlin, and after they leave is planning a mega tour of northern Europe before heading back to Oz.

The whole house appears to be suffering from insomnia, Ann has just arrived downstairs, and Graham has just disappeared into the shower, so it looks like it will be a long day !!

Heading out to Edinburgh and Musselburgh today, and will then see what state we are for this evening.

My turn today.

Just like the weather we can all be changeable - today it was my turn to be out of sorts.

Took Ann throughto Livingston where I had a Weatherspoon's breakfast, which at about £4.30 for the lot was good value and filled a space. However despite a wander in the fresh , raw and dreik air, chilled me to the bone and just made matters worse, so after another coffee we headed home where an afternoons siesta was called for.

Spoke with the upside down man @ Robbie who enjoyed his evening last night - a night to remember.

Now all booted and suited and ready to head off to Currie for yet another, and there is another tomorrow and another on Friday (but that one I will miss as Jamie is having a charity doo for Cancer Relief which we plan to suppport)

Caitlin's nightmare

From a distance, this is "Arthur's seat" an extinct volcano, and one of the best landmarks in the Edinburgh Area, seen from miles away on all approaches to the City. Depending on which angle you look at it , it can look like a reclining lion.

It is situateed in Hollyrood Park which is owned by Queen Elizabeth, is adjacent to Hollyrood Palace, has its own private Palace police force - is closed to traffic on a sunday - the sheep are protected so if you kill one with your car youy are liable, ( but if you fall in love with one you will be beheaded)

The bold Rob decided to take his sweetheart, Caitlin, for a walk and headed up into Hollyrood Park where this fantastic piece of geology is set but unfortunately decided to head for the top via the "big boys path" rather than the easier scenic route. Poor Caitlin, with a fear of heights was reduced to tears,crawling on her hands and knees, being badgered by Rob who was totally insensitive to her fear of heights, whilst on the opposite side of the hill folks were strolling up with pushchairs, shopping trollies, etc.

Several years ago a German couple arrived in Edinburgh where they were married and two days later he took his bride up onto the crags ( to the left of Athur's Seat) and flung her off and then proceeded to claim on the life insurance. He was subsequently found guilty of her murder.

Tarten Terrors

This has to be a sight which brings fear into the hearts of any red blooded male. These two ( THE KARENS) have been reponsible for drinking many a bar dry, here in Musselburgh and also in Benidorm where they sojourn on a regular basis, so much so that there is a "tarten alert" declared as they get off the Wright Brothers flight onto the beach. It is just my luck that they both work in the Sportsmans where I am able to offer counselling and help during their more lucid moments.

The beasties

This wee fellow was found sleeping it off after Robbie's doo on Sunday night. Not sure where he is from but he said that his friend was a big hairy (arsed) monster who lived in Loch Ness, he ate loads of haggis, just like Robbie, and also liked head lice which he had eaten from the cap which he was about to fall asleep on.

Robbie, MM of 151

Well, 1st time for everything so here are the photos of the end result of a meeting of the "Secret Society" where Robbie was made a Master Mason of Lodge 151 Edinburgh Defensive Band. I do not have all the details to hand but this lodge was set up by members of the defence force who were to protect the City of Edinburgh from attack by pirates, ie John Paul Jones. the wee man in uniform wears the original uniform worn at the time and has represented the Lodge all over Europe at various events.

Robbie was presented with his M.M.'s apron which his father had left for him whilst over in December and a very nice letter from "dad" was read out at the end of the meeting.

Obviously Rob is now about to leave Scotland so we will hope that he can continue with his masonic career on his return to Australia.

Graham sends his regards but was unable to be present as he had another committment elsewhere in south west Scotland representing the Licensed trade Association.

5 Minutes worth

Running late today and about to head into 151 to see upside down Robbie get his 3rd Degree, just in tiime before he heads back to Oz land.

marvellous morning / and day here in Penicuik ( weathersie) however it was a pea souper in Musselburgh and freezing cold.
Went down early to get lots of chores done, and hoped for some peace and tranquility, but not to be, Chick decided that the orange juice was not strong enougn and was nipping ,nip, nip, away along the street for the odd double while at the bookies , end result - rubbish. But to make matters worse, Cod - who we have not seen for a while appeared with Big George , no building today because of the frost , and they had been drinking since 8 a.m. at various ports of call , so Me , what did I do to deserve it, had to put up with Cod's ravings. He just would not agree to go and get on the bus and let me see the rest of the day through without medication.

Jess, Brian , Ian, Brian, Tam, Cookie, etc, were all in and complimenting the Sunday party for Rob who had a wee treat today as he had to scoot up to Penicuik with Caitlin to see Ann who has had a good day today.
Transpires that both Ann and Lilian have fallen out with Derrik Mills, the chauvenist pig person, who has not e mailed them as promised and has them sitting like the Miss Havershams.

All being well he will be present this evening so I can pass on their non regards

Robs doo part 4

Lots of photos on this one because I am chatting on the phone to an old friend, David Mackay, up in Evanton, near Dingwall, who I have not seen for ages since he left Penicuik to move north to the Black Isle, which is a wonderful part of the UK. David introduced me to the most wonderful Lodge in Edinburgh , No 44, which I have to say I do not visit often enough.

BUT - to continue with Part 4, the night wore on,with myself, Samantha and Tommy (Sam on the bar trying our best to cope with the demands of our clients who were having a superb time, food, music, ambience, etc.

HOWEVER about 11.20 p.m. someof the strays appeared form next door and there was a change in the atmosphere so I just shut the bar, before anything was allowed to develope.

The atmosphere remained convivial and eventaually everyone left, with their farewells to Robbie and Caitlin by about 12.10 a.m.

Around 12.40 a.m. a police Officer called and informed me that there had been a serious assualt in the High Street near to the pub wishing to know if we had any knowledge, but thankfully it appears that our clients were not involved as either the victim or the assailants.

So - in short, a good day was had by all, memorable for Robbie and Caitlin who recieved many gifts from their friends who have appreciated their friendship over the past eighteen months and who will take home fond memories of Musselburgh.

See what happens next

Part 3 Robbies Doo

This should have been a longer episode, however Graham has just appeared and wants to use the machine, so remember to read Parts 1 and 2, and then look for Part 4.

The mature gents were Ian and Jim( folk singer) who gave a great rendition later on.

By the way, the little chubby person with the Scottish attitude is Jess @ Murphy, renound for tolerance ( not) to anyone who is not Scottish or a Hibs supporter. He, however, later failed the attitude/ behaviour test by flinging a can across the bar at Rob who by this stage was winding him up.

The likely lads, Neil . Ian and Paul were, at this stage of the evening surprisingly sober and for Hearts and Hibs fans sociable with each other.

Sunday Part 2. Robbies surprise

So, to continue, provided you have read Part 1.

Robbie is gobsmacked by the assembled crowd who gave him a resounding welcome and many were up and handing over farwell gifts.

Our young piper, cousin of Princess Kerrin was excellent and played several tunes much to the delight of everyone, but had to leave as a) she was a bit young to be in the pub, and b) it was past her bedtime !!

So the night unfolded with Karaoke Ann lining up singers ( or would be singers) to entertain or mortify the folks according to their ability. Me , I have no room to talk as I left my bar to give an absolutely devastating rendition of " Little old wine drinker me", for which I received a standing ovation from those who had remained in the bar. Robbie managed to get the same response but I am sure they were just being kind to him as he was going away !!

The bar was decorated with Scottish flags, food was plentiful, and I had no shortage of posers looking to have their photos taken - I am not sure if Jackie MacNamara was giving Robbie a present or getting one from him for agreeing to have his picture taken.

It is a bit like the Robbie Burns story of Tam o Shanter, as the night went on the music skirrled, the singers sang, the dancers danced ( Lennie and Gary!!) and the drunks got drunker, etc.

See part 3 for more.

Part 1 of Sunday

A bigger day ahead of me than I had expected. which started with a quick run to Bookers to get some emmergency stocks for the pub, then into the Mercat to collect trays of sandwiches and eventually having fought my way through terribel traffic in the City down to Musselburgh.

Our day had been planned by our team of scheming bar staff as a surprise for Robbie, having taken Caitlin into thier confidence for some of the events.

My first shock was to find him in the Sportsmans when he was supposed to be waiting along in the Coach and Horses, but that turned out to be no problem and we made our way along the street to meet the girls, and Derrick. ( Now 2 p.m.)
One drink later we were driven along to the Woodside Hotel where we had a lovely dinner in their rather posh little dining room along with several drinks. There were a few of our regulars there and even unknown to me they were to meet up with us later.

Our theme for the day was Scotland and scottish so I had my trews on and the girls appeared to have wrapped tarten scarves round their bums !! or were they just mini - kilts?

Our meal was a real bargain as Davy the bookie had given us a bonus card which allowed us 25% off the full price, so there were no grumbles and full tums.

From the Woodside we went to the Wiremills Club, where the barstaff offered to pop a bottle of wine (push the cork into the bottle as they had no corkscrew), but we declined and made do with conventional drinks. Several photos later , namely the above, we headed off in the dark as it was now 6.40 p.m. and en route met up with a large squad of police in the vennel opposite the Sportsmans who were looking for a youth who had attacked and robbed an elderly lady of her bag. However, as we left the vennel Robbie, who thought we were going to The Stand and The Burgh, noted that the lights were all out at the Sportsmans and the door was closed immediately assumed that the Police had raided the pub and closed it for some reason, panicked and headed over to see what had happened.

The front door was half shut, no sign of life and as he entered there was a massive cheer from the large crowd who were sitting in the darkness and then a piper started playing to welcome his arrival. MUCH TO HIS SURPRISE.

See Part 2 for more.

Watch this Space ? advert / trailer

Lap top back on line again with lots of patience and it was never nealry flung out , not by me anyway. But Ann is not so patient at the moment.

Anyway, been a busy weekend with the farewell doo at the Sportsmans for the Upside down people - lots of photos and some tales to tell -= but that will be later once i get all my chores done today.

Andrea has been in touch having seen her paintings on the blog. She is doing well, teaching in Milwaukee in a very rough area.

Right, lots to do today - so wait and see.

Technical problems

Having major problems with the lap top and had written a long story with pictures this morning before i went out, however the lap top crashed and i lost everything. I am now unable to get logged on to AOL with it. Bit of homework and patience needed.

Had a long night, reasonably busy in pub, met some folks I had not seen for ages, got in at 2 a.m. then met the neighbours so had a drink therer till 4 a.m. !!

Up and into the Mercat this morning with Ann, but by the time we got back she was right out of sorts - just too much.

Anyway, for the moment this is my lot.

Artistic Andrea

Despite the fact that Andrea is now back doing her teaching practice in Milwaukee her memory will remain with us in the form of the two oil paintings she did which now hang in the Mercat. She edenies that the naked barmaid is herself!! but they are very good and have pride of place in the Bistro Bar downstairs.

Had a run into the town this morning for a "couple of items" needed for the kitchen - bloddy well" the car was full by the time we were finished. Good job we had Clair andChris on hand to help unload things back at the pub - very difficult trying top get parked there as it is a free for all despite the presence of the Yellow Perils. Anyway Ann enjoyed getting out for the run but had to have a wee rest when she got back.

Lovely afternoon so I was out in the garden again for a bit more leaf and weed gathering, so now I am about to head off to Bonnyrigg for a meeting before taking up my rightfull place in the doorway of the pub later on - lucky me.

Robbie and Caitlin are away to Kelso for a couple of days with Hannah, which should be nice.

two new pics

Delving into the past I found a nice picture of the two upside down people who were BBQ'ing in Edinburgh during the summer, however the other photo was taken yesterday, 12th Feb., out at Newbigging by Rosewell at the small fish farm - just so hard to believe that this is on the outscirts of the city, and just half a mile away looking through the photo is a massive open cast coal mine. For the previous two days this area was thick with mist.

Vistaprint - buy your printing over the web and get shafted. This company gey your e mail and banking details, and sell products at £9.95p, but they continue to bill you after the deal is done. Pages of entries on the net, and many people who have ended up being billed for months without realising it.