Up with the larks at 6.30 a.m., or whatever type of bird was twittering outside, got myself ready and caught the 101 McEwans bus into town. My ex scouter, the bearded Fergus at the helm, and with quiet roads we were in early and I had a nice stroll down Morrison Street, past the Edinburh International Conference Centre, arriving on time.
Was semi organised when young Paddy arrived, followed by Sarah, Isla, Sir Christopher and RGB, with Shrek and Andy in charge of the cooking later aided by Lauren. Claire arrived later and broke the news to me that the new menu will have a 16 oz T bone steak !! just wonderful, so I will have to put off becoming a vegitarian for a bit longer.
Plenty visitors in the City and with it being such a fine morning we soon had our tables filled with a variety of nationalities - South African , Chinese, Irish, USA, very interesting chatting to them. Laurence, our daily regular was in, as usual working on his crossword, but finds it hard to concentrate with all the things going around him, so he and I often carry out very long convesations, simply because I keep breaking off to serve someone, answer the phone, or whatever - but it keep us going.
Outside while talking to Jani from next door, I spoke to a very nice little old lady who passes daily on her wanderings, she is Irish and lives up in Dalry. We had a wee blether and she told me that she was originallly from Donegal, came over to Ayrshire when she was fouteeen to the "tattie picking", stayed there for a while and then went up to Ullapool to work in the fishery there. Bearing in mind that Ullapool was a very busy port some sixty years ago, and also a base for the Russian trawlers and whaling fleet. From thre she movedto Peterhead to work in the herring sheds, and eventually down to Leith, Edinburgh for the kipper sheds. her final work before retiring was at dobbies nurseries, dalkeith where she was planting out seedlings, etc - a very hard working wee soul - so next time she passes she will gether cuppa and another chat.
As I was going to the Squaremen , sparky mark arranged to meet me at the Standing Order but by the time he arrived Tam was en route to The Edinburgh Masonic Club, so we had a nice walk along Queen Street, York Place, and down Leith Walk, to meet up with Tam, giving him enough time to get in first and set up the drinks !!
A very good attendance at the meeting chaired by Andy McKeen and aided by the old yin, Jim McQueen, BEM, RN retired. Four candidates, one from my own Chapter 500, and all well kent faces, duly initiated in good humour.
Tam was meeting his good lady, Cathryn at the Melville Castle Hotel, Eskbank, with friends, so he took advantage of a lift with Andy, Jim, and Alex Moonie, while Sparky and I remained for a chat before heading up to the North Bridge for the bus. Took this shot of the City of Edinburgh Council headquarters, Waverly Court, built on the site of the old fruit market at Waverly Station, the whole area is steeped in history.
Eventually made it home, long way round on the 37 bus, where RGB , Jo Jo and Mrs B. were waiting, so after a very nice dinner, our evening turned out to be a good laugh, with Sparky falling asleep and getting the spare bed.
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