Kept on the hop - plus Bert

Totally shocking night , terrible leg cramps, etc so I hardly slept, but that was last night.

Up early and rummaging on the computer for a task I was researching. Breakfast and then off on the road.
Popped in to see Arlene and Alan at the Bush , both working very hard, abandoned car on site - so the owner, like the Edinburgh City Council has failed to understand the meaning of URGENT.

Off to Costco, picked up stuff for the Mercat and then over to Bookers to stock up - met Michael the manager, ( my pseudo sportsman) but he was telling em that he had had a quick trip to Barbados for the recent cricket match - "Red Bull" has wings.

Managed to make it to the Mercat Bar before the lunch time rush, parked up and bumped into Paddy the digger diver ( of Sportmans Bar and Pauline fame) who had just cut through the gas supply to Starbucks cafe at Palmerston Place - good one Paddy.
Next stop Jessops to have a wee look to see if there was anything I "needed", then a wander along to the Standing Order where I was to meet Mrs. B.
BUT in the interim I met Ronnie and Bert ( Mr Hamilton ) @ Victor Meldrew, who was in his usual brilliant form. Bert will never win any prizes for tact and diplomacy, a spade is a big spade to Bert who is totally adept at putting his foot in it. When Mrs. B. arrived he managed to do just that , and in style , so we all acknowledge that Bert will never be able to make friends and influence people , and as the Leopard will never change its spots - nor will Bert.

Gordon @ Chuckle, and the Archie ' Pole dancer were in post, but we left and head for a look at the "Tram" a mock up of what will be used to convey the citizens of this fine city from one shopping centre to the next. But unfortunately the staff , like the Tramworks labourers were also on part time and it was shut !! Set in the centre of the city, with thousands of people passing daily, and it only opens part time - speaks volumes !!¬ Just as chaotic as the rest of the project. Had taken some photos but the camera was on the wrong setting so they were out of focus - sorry

Off once again , through Jenners and into Fraser's Store to see Gillian ( one of the smelly girls), who had word about Tara's new baby. Even Megan on the Clarin's stand was in fine fettle, despite the fact she had eaten so much the escalator went down much quicker than usual.

Made it in one piece to The Mercat where I had the most superb sirloin steak, well done Jamie - I will never ever become a vegetarian.

While we were on holiday one of our customers, Gwyneth Higham @ Wigwam, died in her sleep. Gwyneth used to come in for her egg roll in the morning - she was a really charming lady, a solicitor, latterly with Proven and Co in Manor Place, Edinburgh, just round from the bar. She, in the past played cricket for England, played hockey and also wrote a sports column for the Daily Telegraph. We were really sorry to hear of her death and were unable to say our fond farewells, I think she enjoyed it when I wound her up.

Football - not heard the Real radio show tonight but it will be good with the news that Rangers have stripped Barry Fergusson of his captaincy and put him on the transfer market - so perhaps folks eventually saw through the "blue eyed boy" who was too big for his boots - bearing in mind that he was one of those who rebelled against Paul le Guen, now managing one of the top teams in Europe - hopefully some of these other over payed, under skilled, prima Donna idiots will take heed.

Sampling a light Glenfiddich this evening whilst watching the repercussions of last nights Eastenders and now "Dancing with the Stars" - at least the dancers are not a strain on the eyes.

Big day tomorrow - full day of masonic ritual with Alex Moonie's installation.