Blog - a la jardin

What a difference the weather makes - lovely bright weekend, rare and warm for a change. But what I do not understand is why hundreds ( thousands) of folks head for the beach, jam up the roads, pay a fortune to get ripped off by the beach vendors when all you need to do is lie out in peace at your back door or your nearest green space.

BUT at 4 a.m I was wide awake once again , resisted the temptation to get up so dozed off till 5.30 a.m. before heading off to the Mercat.

Sunday , the sabbath, day of rest, and where are the "Wee Frees" - certainly not in West Maitland Street where out wonderful tram workers decided to do a bit of overtime and get everyone up early - I now honestly believe that they are doing this to annoy us as there have been so many complaints.

BUT - despite this we had groups in from Belguim, Austria, Ireland, and then at lunchtime the following young ladies arrived on their hen party, from Huddersfield up in Edinburgh for Sarah's doo - Sarah; Keeley; Cally; Rachel; Jenny; Sarah(2); Lisa; Sally; Jodie; Rebecca; Michelle; Emma; Nicola; Alison; Elinor; Caroline and Helen, who enjoyed their dinner before heading off to get the train back south.

Eventually got home at 4 p.m. so I had wee bit of a snooze out here in the sun - bit of a change from potting and planting.

Mrs. B. found my missing glasses, which had been put "in a safe place" which happens all the time, we are still trying to find things which she puty"in a safe place" years ago !!!!

Missed Jonathon's birthday by a week, our Jamie had said that it was the 30th when it was really the 24th - so a belated 33rd to the boy.

Sparky appeared once again, so we had a nice evening out in the gvarden where I am writing this epistle.

Young Andy Murray doing well in Paris for the French open, now into the final eight - I see that his mother is trying to get planning permission to extend her tennis academy in Bridge of Allan , which is doing wonders for local talent.

So much for the end result of Britain's Got Talent, Susan Boyle was outvoted by the dance group, Diversity who were excellent - however she will do well irrespecive of the result.

Not heard from the Pole Dancer, Archie and Tracy for a while, or their outlaws, Alan and Carol.

Sun going down , birds are fair warbling, but the midges are coming out so it might mean time to head indoors.

Saturday - sunny and fine

Between the main show and the results of Britain's Got Talent - and getting the usual hastle from Mrs B.

Had a bad start to the day , wheeling out the motorbike and trapped my leg - big massive bump appeared within minutes - a trifle sore to say the least, but sixteen hours later it is looking more reasonable.
Into town , and our tram workers were out disturbing our peace once again , and no doubt for their overtime.
Jamie and young Chris in the kitchen were kept busy from 9.a .m. till 11.30 a.m. with the rugby crowds who were heading for Murrayfield for the Emirates Sevens, which were very good - we having the games on the TV.
Popped along to the bank and did a Sir Christopher and/ RGB , by skiving off, not to MacDonalds, but into Fraser's where I managed a cup of Aveda tea, a head and shoulder massage - a quickie !! but with a dose of peppermint and chamomile oil it did waken me up.

Weather today was superb, so no complaints, street was quiet in the town with folks heading for the beach or into their back gardens - and on the way home all the green areas, parks were full of folks lying sunbathing.

Despite the fact the we were busy with the football and rugby, Scottish FA cup and English Cup final, Rangers eventually beat Falkirk with a lacklustre performance and Chelsea did the English thing - but the British Lions struggled a bit against South Africa and despite a comeback managed to lose !!

Penicuik was mega busy with the Hunter and Lass celebrations in the Public park, seemed to be a really good turnout , especially with the goood weather. Makes a change from some of the terrible days we have had in the past.
Sparky Mark has reappeared after his week up north doing the Rob Roy Walk, staying at Aberfoyle, Pitlochry and Callander - not sure if Kenny Jack had the pleasure of their company in Pitlochry where they spied the Polis whilst all kilted up doing an assessment of the local pubs.

Home and into the garden, ran out of compost so I had to pop down to Pentland Plants, at Nivensknowe - where i bumped into the Boss lady, Caroline Spray, who now features regularly on TV gardening shows. when i first met her, she was a Special Constable with the Lothian and Borders Police , based at Loanhead, but due to business commitments she had to give it up.

Long Friday

Friday night, knackered, having fallen asleep in the sun. Long , long day, awake at 4 a.m. - wide awake, restless - so up eventually at 5 a.m. then off to the Mercat .

Totally incredible , the morning chorus with all the drills and the noise from the Tramworks , just out of order , at one point you could not hold a conversation - is it revenge for the adverse comments we have been making ? Despite this we were steady a.m. and I took the bus along for the roast beef- but got involved in the crowds heading for Ingliston to the flower show.

After lunch headed home sharp, planned on a swim but pool was busy , so with sun up and hitting 22 C it was out into the garden and more plants into pots.

Sparky called in , now in Killin after his five day hike, off to socialise with some young ladies this evening and back to "auld reekie" in the afternoon.
Mrs. B.'s pals arrived so we had a nice sunny dinner, but I did pop over to see how the birds were doing in the bird box under the CCTV , six eggs and doing fine - so an extra "nip" forced over the lips by Mike and family.

Britains Got Talent was total rubbish tonight, so I missed nothing by dozing off - but now in need of a real sleep.

Hear now taht Brian Sibson the Butcher has just fallen foul,of the credit crunch and shut down - yet another butchere who has suffered from the High Street wars.

Sorry that there was nothing exciting to report.

Birthdays - bedding and bodies

Double birthday on Wednesday , Mrs. B's boss , Andy and Pamela, wife of Pirate@ Pilot of the Road - well done. And we actually bumped onto Pamela at T K Max , Straiton , during the afternoon - where she was being swept along , caught up with a crowd of pensioners who were out on a bus trip from somewhere through the West of Scotland - sign of the times, bus trips to Retail Parks.

Made it to SAC where yet another couple of tenants seem to think that the site is there so that they can abandon their wrecked or non MOT'd motors, think again chaps.

Despite the day not being too bright managed a lot of tidying and bedding out in the garden - every time I get rid of one box of plants another appears - but it makes a change from nothing over the past couple of years.

Stayed out into the evening and listened to the Manchester United - Barcelona game on the radio with the odd glimpse of the action through the window - but apart from the first ten minutes or so, it looks, or sounded as though Barcelona were in charge , and obviously with a two goal win , they did well. Hard to believe that thirty thousand fans made their way to Rome and got packed into the Olympic Stadium. At least Mr. Lowe will be happy.

At least Andy Murray is managing to make progress in the French Open tennis - hopefully he will make the last sixteen and go on to better things - unlike the poor wee English lass who was well and truly thumped at the weekend 6-0; 6 - 1. BUT at least she lives to fight another day .
Unlike the old lady who died in London and the daughter has kept her in a freezer for the past twenty years !!! I wonder if it was the same freezer , if so a remarkable feat of electrical engineering - hopefully there were no power cuts, imagine trying to claim on the house insurance for a "defrosted mummy". BUT - was she still claiming her pension of a carer's allowance all that time ?

No word from Sparky Mark who is "lost" in the Highlands somewhere along with his friends - peace reigneth - till the weekend.

Looks like I am getting a couple of trips to London in July provided my people there can get "delegates" for a course which I am to run for them - bit different to what I have been doing , but all the information was there in the old files - just needs sorting out again.

So it is back into the garden , bit of painting , perhaps a swim and then a massage this afternoon to set me up for the weekend back in The Mercat, more rugby with the Emirates Sevens on at Murrayfield both Saturday and Sunday.

The French wine tasting night.

Just ever so delicate this morning - and with it being a bit miserable (drizzly) outside I am taking the chance to do some paperwork before heading down to the Surgery to see my Doctor - just routine - no Swine Flu, etc.

It turned out to be another late night last night after a brilliant wine tasting - and with a difference.

There was a small group present, as many of the regulars appear to have forgotten the date or were tied up elsewhere - however - it was fantastic. The new faces were "gobsmacked", thinking that they were going to be standing at the bar, sipping wines and spitting them into a bucket, as per the stereotype tasting . But no - we were all seated, had nine good wines, some being very very good. Three whites to start with , a Rose, then three reds and finished off with two Reserve wines - one white and the other red.
Our chefs , last night being the turn of Andy and Lauren, produced food to go with the wines, so the menu was:-

Lobster bisque
*************
Mussels in white wine sauce
************************
Saucisson on chutney
********************
Cold meat platter
******************
Selection of French cheeses, grapes, etc.
*********************************

Just tremendous.
A really good evening was had by all, and so at around 12 mn, most had headed home to bed, probably to end up feeling a bit like me this morning.
The bar was busy most of the evening and we actually had a group of four who left at 1.10 a.m. on our closing.

A quiet day off or what

Typing this on the bus!! sad is'nt it?

Long lie, even although I did wake up early, bit pottering around the house, had a swim and then set about popping in all the bedding plants Mrs. B. had bought for me - so the front of the house is looking better than it has been for a few years. Despite the promise of good weather, we are still waiting and hoping.

Had a trip to the shops ,and despite the fact that there are umpteen premises lying empty in the town centre they are now building a new take away – possibly a MacDonalds in the main car park at the Town Centre – so we have less parking, our trees are being chopped down, etc.so much for the carbon footprint.

This is Penicuik’s Hunter and Lass week so the town is decked out with bunting, and the “shows” are once again taking up residence in the public park – so for the next few days we will have noise and the usual gangs of youths congregating.

In the meantime the Hunter and Lass celebrations will continue, a big ball on Friday night and then the Ride Out to Penicuik House and up into the Pentland Hills on Saaturday.

Many moons ago a young RGB had the honour of being the Hunter for a year and representing Peniuik at all the different ride outs and similar events throughout the East of Scotland and the Borders. He even made it as far as Annan and Dumfries – a great year.

Talking of RGB , he has featured in the Edinburgh Evening News tonight after they got wind of his “Fill a Hole” posters. A good article, but the Tram folks claim it was members of the public who complained and asked them to tell him to take the posters down !! or vandals who destroyed them.

We had a great write up about the Bar in one of the weekend supplements, someone had been in for dinner and really praised the food and the premises - nice, the staff were pleased.

Just before I left to get the bus I heard a comment on the TV , apparently Lilly Allan ( of all people) was saying that she thinks our Susan Boyle from Blackburn is overrated and that her voice is not what it is cracked out to be – cheeky madam, so far, she is miles better than anyone else on "Britain's got Talent".


Having been married for 39 years, (for better or for worse) as the minister said, I find these showbiz types rather amusing, they fall in and out of “love” at the drop of a hat, have quickie weddings, divorces , and some are literally tossing a coin to decide who to get “married” to, Jordan, Madonna, Britney Speirs and Beyonce all being recent examples.

Now in the town and we are running he gauntlet of the dreaded cyclists who appear to be a law unto themselves, sailing through red lights, wrong way up one way streets, short cuts over pavements, no lights at night, and then have the cheek to blame the motorise if they get into difficulties AND the Police seem to totally ignore their antics - maybe not enough points for doing them – might be time to let the traffic wardens loose on them – now that would be controversial !!


Being controversial, Ranger's having won the SPL, I see that Gordon Strachan has resigned his post as Celtic Manager, did he jump or was he pushed - talking of which, I spotted the item about the man in China who was threatening suicide and causing all sorts of traffic chaos, so a passer by pushed him off the bridge claiming he was being selfish !!! as it turned out the man did not die but was badly injured - nice to see someone with a positive attitude, we have a bridge somewhere around here where there are regular attempts, but when the services arrive they usually tell the person to jump - as the water is only knee deep.

Now in The Mercat - and the wine tasting about to commence.

Scrambled thoughts of the day - plus

Monday night - kind of wabbit following a very long weekend, so much so that I nearly fell asleep on the bus home then did so after my dinner.

Of dinner - we get our steaks for the pub from Gilmour's the Butcher, and had some bought in for the house, and the two we had tonight were just superb, mouth watering - excellent.

RGB and Jo Jo made it home in one piece last night, long journey and not impressed with British Airways - went out with Quantas who were excellent, but on the way back , hasstle with BA staff and then a five hour wait at T5 London Heathrow - but nice to see them back.

Today we had a visit from Jamie Lloyd and his lady friend, so instead of heading home early I stayed and had a drink and a chat, he is doing well, teaching in Newcastle - it is her birthday tomorrow but hopefully they are going to come along for the French wine tasting Tuesday night.

Busy in the bar and one of the people recognised me , David Ostler, an ex L & B police officer who retired a few months after me - sadly I did not recognise him as he had changed so much over the years, but it was good to see him.

Watching "Britains Got Talent" for the second night, some of the acts are total rubbish (crap) and how Piers Morgan can possibly consider them to be entertaining is unbelievable - his assessment of the acts maks one wonder !!!

On the other hand, I still have to compliment Jenson Button for another F1 win at Monaco, he is just unbelievable, and is making Louis Hamilton look second rate this year.

From the Tracker I see that Dennis and Carol Ann are back in Dublin, hopefully having had a good holiday and that the dogs have not mised them too much.

Mrs B and RGB giving me grief - had enough - bed.

Heiniken Cup Final Fun

Long , long shift on Saturday due to the Heiniken Cup Final, all hands on deck !!

Busy throughout the day with groups in from all over Europe. very good humored, we had boys in from Barcelona, a team with Chines, Mexicans, Argentinians, French - groups from France, Ireland, Wales, and obviously England. Two finalists being Leicester and Leinster ( ultimate winners). As you can see we had a bit of a contrast with our own staff in Heiniken colours and the supporters in their own ones, looking good.

Game was due to start at 5 p.m. so the fans had a good Day out in the City, monitored by the Police who were taking a strong stance about them drinking in the street - on Friday they cleared the Grassmarket of hundreds of supporters soaking up the beer in the sun.

We had our hands full with a full house, and a similar problem with fans out on the street, but exacerbated by the fencing erected by the tram workers which restricted the pavements, etc. The worst was still to come, after the game, when the crowds took over the road completely.

It took nearly three hours for the crowds from the Stadium to stop heading back along along to the town centre -

12 .m.n. before things calmed down and I headed home, but only for s short nap as it was back again and into the throes once gain - with our visitors returning for food, drink, and to watch the TV , Rangers won the Scottish Premier league by beating Dundee 3 - 0, while Hearts managed to hold Celtic to a 0 - 0 draw to get themselves into Europe again.

More chaos in the street as the tram workers have closed off more streets, we have to carry in our supplies further and further.

Not sure what was going on today but Police and Ambulance very busy in a bulders supply merchants yard at Slatford under the aquaduct - and at Gorgie, a fire in a block of flats had the roads closed and ven more diversions.

Curious to know how a friend, John Ackroyd is doing, last spoken to working with the BBC in London, and Mrs. B. just remembering about Michael Ogilvie who is now working as a Policeman in Canberra, Australia.

Friday, funeral and visitors

Yet another six a.m. rise, glorious morning and a nice run into the town to get up and running. big couple of days ahead!!!

Bit of a problem in the kitchen when the white hand gang struck at Jeff's botty - who is the culprit ?

Busy during the morning , then headed off to the crematorium for the funeral, It was a lovely service and send off for Oswald McPherson Nimmo, aged 99 years , but I think Chris and the family are planning a birthday party on 9th December to celebrate his 100th. There was a good turn out and many carried on to the small reception afterwards to pay their respects to Elizabeth, Roy, Chris, Jill and Kathryn.

Back to the Mercat, where, once the bloody Tramworkers had cleared off began to pick up with the visitors for the Heiniken Cup Final tomorrow. Leicester v Leimster, full house with 67000 plus at Murrayfield

I spoke to one group who had booked flights with Ryanair the day and destination of the final was declared, they got a cheap flight for about 12 Euro, but Ryanair then cancelled the flight and put on a new one at 210 Euros, yet another example of Corporate theiving, so instead of a short flight they had a long trip vis belfat, Hollyhead, Liverpool and train to Edinburgh. BUT they had steaks and thought they were superb.

The table I photographed were all local from Edinburgh and Dunbar - happy as Larry.

Not heard much from Archie the Pole dancer or Tracy recently, so hopefully, they , plus Alan, Carol and Sarah are doing OK.

Mrs B had done the Bookers run for us and had met young Carrie and at the same time her partner had arrived with the wee one, who is lovely, so all the fund raising is for a good cause.

RGB and Jo Jo now in Shanghai heading home.

Another long day at the Inn

Getting used to these early rises - but unfortunately Sam the Joiner decided to have a bath and fell asleep before he came to work - so we ended up hours behind schedule and had to call a halt to the upgrade till after the weekend.

Chief Cheffette ( Claire) in the kitchen made me my breakfast, fancy little presentation of of a scrambled egg - nice, but Jamie was not happy that she had done such a good job.

In the meantime, the City Council have reported a £92 million deficit in the budget, but so far they have spent £350 million on the Tramworks project - and managed to cost the local community probably twice as much so far. For us, the nightmare continues, the tramworkers started outside us today again, and with avengance - our staff and customers could not hear themselves - so how these folk cannot believe we are losing money is unbelievable. So not only do we have thieving chancers as MP's running the country but we also have inept local councillors ( work experience M P.s) ruining the local economy, and not interested in how we are coping - or not. This ongoing saga with our MP's should guarantee a big flush of the chancers at the next election. We have been told that they will be there for at least another two months, so that will be about ten months of pain for us.

Had runs to B & Q, Ikea and back to Beatson's again before getting home and fed ( pork chops).

Took a run down to Thornton Farm, Rosewell, where I met up with Bill Johnston , Chairman of the Riding for The Disabled, and presented him with a cheque for £750 from The Laird o Cockpen RA No 500, however we will need to meet up with the group when they are in action and get an official photo.

Thornton Farm is also adjacent to a massive Scottish Coal open cast project which has been going on for about fourteen years in the area, they have moved across miles of farm land stripping off the top soil and then taking out the coal seams below. When I first came to life and work in this area there were about eight small drift mines operating in this part of the county, hard work, but now they just rip it open from above - not unusual for the big machines to drop into old workings below ground, which did happen at the old Blinkbonny Mine workings.

Big build up starting tonight for the Heiniken Cup Final at Murrayfield stadium, town filling up, and all the hotels are full and charging premium rates - hopefully we will be busy, probably need to get the rugby supporters to go sort out the tram workers.

Sparky Mark has arrived , he is off on his wanderings this weekend, another hike through the highlands with a group of friends, short daily hikes and events planned in the afternoons for them.

Just thought I would add the floral picture to add a bit colour to the blog.

Long long thursday

Had a bit of a long day !! made it to the Mercat for 6 a.m. and got on with some painting before Sam the joiner arrived.

Made headway with the work, popped down to Scott Cappolas and B & Q for bits and pieces, sam the Joiner is good but really messy, needs a cleaner to follow him about. Phonde was faulty, which did not help, but at least the drain was running free again.

Along the street, the newsagents had been broken into for the second night running, yesterday they broke the window, got cut and apparantly Police caught two culp[rtits who stle nowt - but last night place was done again , ADT had not come to reset the alarm panel so in they came , emptid the safe, out the back door, took our ladders and a baton to get over a wall and hedge and off via Palmerston Place. In the good old days we used to say , statistics for a normal break in were 25 / 1 , but once broken into were reduced to 6 / 1 , point taken !!!

Tramworks folks have been battering on with the job in Manor Place, but we got a letter saying that Palmerson Place was being shut off and our working were going to take another six weeks or so !!! bloody disgrace. So we will have a new set of Diversions to confuse even more folks.

RGB on his way from Sydney to Shanghai now, for a stopover before coming home.

We are like two old crocks in the house, me with sore back and legs, and Mrs B. with a badly poisoned knee which is giving her gyp!! very sore to walk on, so the sooner the poison gets out the better.

Grant called to say he had been abused by a Chinaman who had stuck needles in him and given him a sever cupping - he had so many bruises his physio would not touch him !!

Massive rugby weekend, Heiniken Cup finals, we will be decked out, extra fonts, and beer flowing in all directions.

In the meantime - we are coping with the funerals of Andy, the Chef's mother up in Aberdeen on Thursday, and Papa's funeral on Friday. Fortunately, everyone is helping out and doing their best to ease the pain, thanks.

early start for another long day.

Beat the sunrise again

One happy Daddy here, Craig with baby Fearn who he delivered on the livingroom carpet two weeks ago, assisted by wee Holly ( three years) who is was a bit shy last night.

Made it to the bowls, nice evening , no stress and fresh air with a few laughs - not quite as good as last week - came in second.

Been awake sine 3.50 a.m., but managed to lie still till 5 a.m. - Message from RGB who has been hugging coala bears, which Jo Jo has been trying to nick a wee Joey to bring home !! Doing fine and have met up with Robbie's dad in Sydney - no doubt a few wee stubbies will have been swallowed.

Pleased to see that The Speaker of the House of Commons has got his "come uppers" , he is not the only one who needs to resign - time a few of them were stuck in the Dock where they belong - thats how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Talking of which , Poor young lad, Alfie Patten , after DNA tests he is no longer the celebrity he thought he was - not the father of the baby his so called sixteen year old girlfriend is having, This 12 year old with have nothing to brag about at school any more, so he had better sit down , shut up and keep it in his pants a bit longer !!

Finally , I asked Carol Ann and Dennis for a photo of a big blonde in Morocco, they sent me a picture of Carole Ann on a Camel - getting the hump!! Not amused at all - but Dennis was looking well on his fine mount.

Off to work once again.

It never rains but it pours.

A few words on the days events before I head off for my weekly exercise on the bowling green - provided I can stay awake long enough !!

Andy the Chef in not really worried about the swine flu, nor was he about to perform some ritual on Jamie, but was in the midst of a deep clean of one of the ovens when I spotted him.

But it was another early start again with sam the Joiner in to do work on the bar, while I pottered with a paint brush and waited tom help him. having reported a problem with the drains the men from Scottish Water arrived in their big tanker, and despite what I have said about the tram people, they managed to clear a big enough area and get the barriers open to let the tanker in. Looks like the main drain under the road was blocked and the very determined, doggard water men , stuck to the task and eventually got things moving again - not just full marks for them 150% for effort, thanks very much.

Returnbing to the relative peace of the bar, where our corner area has disappeared to be recovered I stopped for a chat with one of the customers, a lady whohas an office further along the street. She was fully demented with the tramworks especially as they have started to fill up andf tar over the road outside her office - and about time to.

No papers for the cutomers as someone tried to break into the paper shop, cut themselves in the attempt, and did not get through the door - but as they were waiting for the Police to come and do their CSI thing - the shop was kept closed.

Chris was in with his sister Jill, and we learned that the funeral of Pap will be at 1.15 p.m. on Friday at Warriston.

Need to go meantime.

Farewell Papa

Really sad news today, Chris Reid had to go to hospital where his Grandfather was seriously ill, and as the day progressed his condition worsened till at 4.40 p.m. he passed away peacefully in his sleep, aged 99 years. He was a real gentleman who will be sadly missed by all. R I P. Oswald Nimmo, or Papa as he was known by the family, was a carpenter by trade and successfully had his own business in Galashiels where he settled. He was an accomplished pianist and was a church organist for many a year. Papa eventually moved in to the Reid family home in the 1985 and lived a very fit and active life... lifting 3x2 paving slabs in his early nineties at home in Fairmilehead! A shining example to us all.

Good result for Rangers.

Fell asleep last night so I missed the end of Eurovision , but maybe that was what put me to sleep!! But at least we did not come last this year, 5th - but the Norwegian entry led from the start to win the competition. Well done Sir Andrew and Jade, better luck next year.

Into work this morning and our Irish friends arrived for breakfast, along with quite a few others, and with a couple of new starts to train it was quite eventful . One of our lads got it a bit wrong, he was told to fill up the tea urn and to use the ice bucket - so when he was seen filling up the urn with ice cubes and not cold water !!!!

Very nice couple in from Florida, the gent obviously has an interest in things masonic, as the was asking all about the Freemasons Hall, George St., Rosslyn Chapel, and the Knights Templars - also about St Mary's Episcopalian Cathedral in Palmerston Place, built in 1873 and named after Mary Walker, who along with her sister donated their entire fortune to have it built.
It was the same architect who designed St Pancreas Station, London, amongst several other well known building. A couple of our customers are stonemasons working there so sometime, on a nice day I am going along with the camera and climbing up to the top of the spires for some photos.

Had to head off to Bonnyrigg for a committee meeting of RA 500, as we had to consider office bearers for next season, so we managed that task, which means that I give up the Chair and Dougie Neil will take over from me, a bit of young blood, which is what the organisation needs - so with Sparky and Tam also doing their bit - a young team shaping up.
Our Treasurer parted with a cheque for £750 which we will be donating to the Riding for The Disabled, Thornton Farm, Rosewell, a good cause, I will need to get a presentation arranged.

While away at the meeting Hibs managed to hold Celtic to a 0 - 0 draw at Easter Road, which puts Rangers back in the driving seat for the SPL - lots of tension for next week.

Met up with Mrs B in The Mercat, and after a session investigating a chocked drain along with Sir Christopher, enough to put anyone off their dinner, we had dinner, which saved cooking when we got home, and off course I was able to help see off some of the Sunday roast - with mustard of course.

Currently watching a rerun of last nights Britain's Got Talent, with some raw talent who put the Eurovision acts to shame.

Early bed again

Sat - Rangers - Man U. and Eurovision

So, 4 a.m. wide awake, up at 5 a.m. and off to the Mercat. Got set up and then started painting once again - trying to catch up again.
Trying to concentrate at the moment on the Eurovision song contest - riveting stuff - but Sparky Mark and Mrs. B are currently ranting and raving about the thieving M.P.'s in our Parliament / Government - we elect these people - and \I have always said that no one goes into politics for the benefit of anyone other than themselves, be it power, recognition, or as we have found out - just money. They are apologising for misinterpreting the rules - the public get locked up as "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" - but it is surely worse for the M P,s as they write the rules to suit themselves. How many good , decent , folks have fallen fowl of the law for a lot less than these so called pillars of our society - we have pensioners struggling daily - but they can claim for bath plugs ; chocolates; food; cleaning swimming pools; tennis courts; mortgages, etc. mockery, a farce.

However, the photos are taken of the playing field opposite the house - last week we had the Penicuik 10 K race, pouring rain, the runners did well, good on them.

This weekend we have the archers, they are very good, keen, out every night practicing and have some big competitions here.

Back to today, not just busy, HAMMERED, from breakfast time onwards - so much for being a quiet pub - we had every table full for breakfasts, Irish, who were saying how cheap Edinburgh is compared to Dublin; English from Nottingham who use the short flight from East Midlands Airport.

Come midday we had the Rangers - Aberdeen football match on one TV and Manchester United -Arsenal on the other - so Rangers managed a win , but with some controvesy, and Man U. have won the English Premier League - well done - three in a row ( sorry Mr Lowe).

Bar was full of Hearts supporters who were rejoicing later when they beat Dundee 3 - 0, gave them a good hiding.

Made a miscall on the phone and ended up speaking to RGB in Sydney, in a big beer cellar, and who arrived, but Curly Carly - anyway they were all enjoying themselves - pleased we were coping.

Sparky Mark was at King David of Ballentradoch today, Simon's first full meeting which went very well with three candidates - and a good attendance.

Now - needing to relax - red wine and the need for a snooze taking effect - who will win this enthralling musical experience ? Perhaps I do not want to know unless G. B.'s entry with Jade and Sir Andrew Loyde Webber does well.

No change for Sunday - up with the birds once again.

Wet, windy and very busy

Despite an early night, sleep was difficult with really bad dreams keeping me more or less awake - so after a particularly restless night it was probably a relief to get up early.
Terrible morning , looks like the seasons have changed again , rain , rain , and more expected for the next days.
Into the Bar, cleaners Jeff and Jimmy, doing their thing while I set up. Andy, Chef arrived, but unfortunately day shift slept in - normally not a problem , but we were busy, so Andy and I did what we do best - coped, took our time, and then Sir Christopher arrived with the cavalry. But it did not stop there , we were busy till lunch time then we got hammered - it was probably the busiest Friday lunch time ever - with every seat in the place occupied and even folks standing waiting for seats to be vacated !!

We had a mixed batch of clients in early, a Welsh stag group Three Clansman breakfasts), some young Italians who wiped their plates clean ( told they could not leave till they ate their breakfast)- three groups of Germans who had used the Easy Jet flight from Edinburgh to Munich, three even had soup at 11.30 a.m. just to upset Jamie who went apoplectic.
For lunch we even have have folks who phone in to make sure there is lentil soup available - so now some days we have two soups !!

We eventually quietened down about 3.30 p.m so I had a quick blether to Gordon ( Mr Peacock) and Sandra before heading off to Bookers cash and Carry , just in time before it closed.

Young Carrie was saying that she raised £6000 at her fundraiser last weekend which will keep her daughter at the Special School for another three terms, and also give her time to raise either more funding or get assistance from the council.

William and Sandra called, busy getting on with their new garage and patio although Sandra had a fall in the garden and managed to get a rare keeker and a split lip. THEN - and a compliment to the Metropolitan Police. Later in the evening they had gone to bed, but Stuart had called for a pizza and left the door ajar - but a passing Police Patrol saw it open and came calling, knocked the door and did a double take when they saw the state of Sandra's face !!! I doubt that that would have happened here.,

Have just heard that Curly Carly, ex Straiton and now in Sydney had made contact with RGB and Jo Jo and will meet up on Saturday for a drink, etc.

Happy 22nd birthday to both Andy Murray, our tennis star, and the new Miss Scotland, who not only share the same birthday, but the same place of residence, Dunblane - I wonder if they went to school together?

Another busy day ahead.

Short and sweet, long day

Usual early rise, 4.a.m., and on the way out had a lovely sunrise over East Lothian and the Bass Rock, although the photo does not do it justice.

Quick run to Glasgow and met with the bold Fraser, before having a very clear run south to Runcorn. For once Jill had been caught out and not seen the blog, but as there had been a big fire in an adjoining block the whole place was very busy.

Dick Turpin's sisters, Christine and Sue were in great form, so I headed off with my cuppa and bacon and egg buttie for another quick run up the M6. Passed a couple of Police cars and saw an unmarked Volvo with a capture !!

Weather was not too clever down south but for one Glasgow and Edinburgh had a lovely day.

Looks the Scottish Premier League is going right to the wire on Saturday, Rangers draw last night with Hibs, puts Celtic back in the lead with a 2 goal difference, all nail biting stuff for the fans.

Needing my bed - back into the Mercat, a.m.

The lost art of communication - but I am just as bad

4.a.m. once again , and no doubt tomorrow when I need to get up then I will sleep in. Mrs B also wide awake, butterflies in the head for both of us - the sooner this mess with Edinburgh City Council gets sorted , the better. But I did eventually doze off and recharge the batteries.

Up and away, very bright morning - even the recycling blokes were out sharp as I missed their weekly collection.

Dropped Mrs B off at her friends as the two were away to storm up the M9 to Stirling , have lunch and do some business there. Being near at hand I headed up to SAC at KB and had a wander and talk to some of the staff. Even spotted a monkey on the back of a lorry !!! Possibly a new form of reversing warning indicator.

On to the Mercat for a quick visit but met two nice couples from the USA in for lunch , being dressed in No 3 suit they said I was the best dressed waiter they had seen in Scotland. They were from San Francisco and North Carolina, the couple from North Carolina had moved rather be sitting on the San Andreas Fault when California slid into the sea.

Had a good meeting with the Head of HR at Edinburgh City Council, just shows what can be achieved by a face to face. The same applied when I went along and sought out the boss of the Tramworks, he was very helpful, had a long chat and sent out someone from Logistics to explain what was going on with a follow up to be had from Customer Services - things are bad enough, but not as bad as we though - no second phase here on the other side of the road, but we will have another couple of months of disruption.

In Market Street watched the beloved traffic wardens in action, car in front of me was 30 minutes over his time so he got ticketed, but the one three cars along was in the wrong place so he was lifted, up up and away - big bill for someone.

Home, garden again while the sun was shining and now heading off to the last of our official R.A. meetings for this part of the session, Esk 42 at Dalkeith and along with Sparky Mark, and Provincial of course.

Up sharp and off to Runcorn once again a.m. so another long day ahead.

Bodgers, bumps, babies and bowls

Very bright and equally frosty morning as I headed off early for the town.

We had some activity outside the bar when the boys from tarmac arrived to part fill one of the holes, I spoke to them and asked if they could give the Tram works blokes some training , as they had done more in an hour than the others in three months. At the same time we had twelve of the tram chappies peering into another hole along the road - might well be the Carillion football team having a huddle !!

Our neighbour, Jani, of Gali's Restaurant , was also quiet today, so he has now found the blog - he can keep up with our gossip.

Homewards and out into the fresh air to murder some more weeds - heard a sort of familiar bang - and discovered that one of our neighbours car, had free wheeled down the road without the handbrake on and bumped into another parked car - neat bit of parking but no damage.

Had a visit from Dougie Marshall, school friend of RGB who was doing some work for me - very good at bodywork and valet work - so while we were there Willie my neighbour arrived with his news. His son Craig had called in a state of panic during Eastenders last Friday saying that his wife Louise was having her baby in the house, and by the time help had arrived he had delivered the new baby girl himself - well done Craig, the medics even let him cut the umbilical cord to finish off the job. Now both Louise and the new baby, Fearn are doing well, a little sister for Holly.

Took myself off to the Penicuik Bowling Club , first game for me for the season , in the weekly Walkinshaw - it was good , we ended up with a draw - but it was very cold by the time we finished.

News from RGB , who is getting set to move on , leaving Robbie and Caitlin to head for Sydney next, Q. will he walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge ?

News from Musselburgh , Big Karen is on the mend after a double fracture and surgery to her ankle, and been out of circulation since New year, she was up in the Mercat last night causing her usual mayhem - called me today looking for yet another lost mobile phone !! and was telling me that Princess Kerrin has returned home as the job on the cruise ship was not as good as expected.

Different day planned for tomorrow

The brich get richer - the vicars get laid and MP's do us

Beautiful bright sunny morning , however I still had to scrape the ice from the windscreen.

Into town nice and early and spotted this piece of clamping, and yes, the van did have a valid N C P permit on the screen - the red car beind now has two parking tickets on it - probably stolen but these attendants do not call the Police. Several years ago I did an insurance investigation regarding a car stolen in Leith Walk, the owner found it a week later parked up about half a mile from where it was stolen and there were five parking tickets on it !!!

Had a busy day, painting in the Bar, while our new start, Kat the Kiwi, was holding the fort. She did well, we even had a few compliments about the place - which was nice.

At one pint I was really excited when I saw at least three of the workies in the hole outside the Bar, however, very short lived as they climbed out and walked off shaking their heads - and not only that they have the cheek to say they will be cutting off the water supplies to the area for two nights this week - so we will have to close early - no loos for the ladies.

Home, and with the sun shining managed to fill up a sulu bin with garden refuge, cut the grass, and get some fresh air.

Spoke to RGB who has just returned to Brisbane with the team, having been up to Port Douglas, very disappoined as the weather was so bad they were unabel to see the Great Barrier Reef - not sure where they went, but they did have a trip in a helicopter and also visited a crocodile reserve. Not sure what their next move is - but both lads are blaming each other for being led astray.

Sparky Mark reached the seriously old age of thirty five today, so I popped up to wish him well and take in a few "tinnies" which were much appreciated. Even her had cut the grass and started to tidy up the garden , he had even managed to wash his dishes !! which is really unusual for him .

Local paper has run a story about a "happy hooker @ prostitute" operating from a flat only about twenty five yards from the front door of the Church of Scotland General Assembly building on the Mound. She has timed it right for the General Assemply - so now we have church ministers with Hookers , Government Ministers writing the laws so so they can fleece the electorate ( w paid to have a burst pipe under one M P,s tennis court fixed !!), and bankers, getting themselves set up for life with watertight contracts so even if they are useless , they do not lose out.

Sunday - new faces - and a clock on the move

Bright morning for a change, in early once more and rattling on with my chores. Katie in first, happy wee soul as her boyfriend has returned to Edinburgh.

Got a fright when the ugliest Chef in the kitchen, Jamie @Shrek appeared sporting his hat and coprks, doing an impression of Robbie the upside down man.

Things brightened up when our three new starts appeared for their session with Sir Christopher - another Oz, a Kiwi and a local lass, all very nice and raring to go.

Took myself off on a wander to get odds and ends up at Maplins, Dalry, and on the way had a look at the work being done to remove the local landmark, Haymarket Clock and War Memorial which is being moved because of the tram works.

At the same time spotted the remains of a Carera bicycle chained to a rail. Really strange, the number of bicycles which are chained up around the area - and over a period of time no one comes to move them, and bits disappear - saddles, wheels, etc. I wonder if the owners report them stolen and claim the insurance money!!! Some of them are obviously expensive - it just does not make sense.



On the way back took another picture of the Mercat Bar hidden amongst the roadworks which are just going on and on - and they have not even started the other side yet!!!

Of national interest is the revelations regarding the expenses being claimed by our wonderful Prime Minister, his cabinet colleagues and the majority of the M.P.s'. Tremendous hue and cry by the M.P.'s who do not want these exposed. Bloody wonderful when you can change the rules to suit yourself, lesser mortals would be charged with fraud, suspended, and subject to an investigation - but if you are an MP you just change the rules and then say you are operating within the guidelines. Next step is to charge as much as you can and bleed the electorate dry !! I have always said that no politician is in the business for the good of anyone other than themselves.

In the meantime, RGB, Jo Jo, Robbie and Caitlin are in Port Douglas, Queensland at the Rydges Sabaya Hotel, no doubt out in the water frightening the sharks, etc, on the other hand, our neighbour Ashley Anderson is on an oil rig off the east coast of Africa - doing very well for an astro physicist and globetrotter - good on you girl.

Spanish Grand Prix, yet another win for Jenson Button and his Brawn Team in Barcelona, just what is it that gives them the edge this year when Lewis Hamilton did the same to everyone last year.

Watcing Martin Clunes visting Britain's Islands, particulary Islay, but he was doing some scuba diving around the hundreds of wecks in the area. Reminded me of a dive I tried to take in Jamaica, I was starting to feel ill on the way out to the reef, did a back flip from the boat and the was sick as a pig in my mask - next , sitting in the boat trying to recover I threw up over the side of the boat, right over the top of a poor lady who was surfacing - just a wee bit embarrasing.

Sparky Mark has arrived, been up to Portmore Loch where he said the hillside and scenery was really nice tonight - no fishing but had a walk - however he did manage to et himself well and truly electrically shocked on Friday - just keeps the heart beating and reminds him how vulnerable he and his clients are.

Hotch potch of thoughts

Collapsed in bed last night , no doubt in catatonic shock having had to put up with Mrs B and the "Irish2 one - this probably accounted for the nightmares and sleepless nigh- with an early rise at 5.30 a.m..

Took the bike out to town, nice when I left, but - yes - rain again, much needed in California but not as bad as the rain which have caused the massive flooding in northern Brazil.

Lovely group of young ladies in this morning for breakfast, Adele and her friends from Surrey up in Edinburgh for a hen weekend, getting married in four weeks time. they were really nice, appreciated the "team" photo, and will be back in the morning for another breakfast.

Our meat supplies are being delayed as our butcher (steaks) has been inundated with business following the destruction of Campbell's fine meats factory at Broxburn, which according to tonight's paper will be razed to the ground due to the damage.

Remarkable achievement by Major Phil Packer who has just finished the London Marathon, after two weeks - however, he was on crutches having lost both legs in action. He did just brilliantly, two miles a day, and was greeted at the finishing line by Steve Redgrave - I saw the lead up to this, and for someone in a wheel chair, told he would not walk again - fantastic.

Today - Glasgow Rangers FC had a hard game against Celtic- but won 1 - 0 , this puts them two points in the lead at the Premier League - BUT - it could still go to the wire on the last game - three to go - could end up with the SFA helicopter waiting for the destination of the cup.

News - HOT OFF THE PRESS, young RGB, hit it lucky in OZ , having met a so called Upside Down Property Speculator, he spent the night locked in negotiations, and eventually came up trumps as the owner of several properties !! However, despite Graham being happy, Robbie was not amused at getting hammered at Monopoly.

They then headed off to town to celebrate and apparently were flung out of a couple of Brisbane's nightspots. He has been warned that if they get locked up, Jo and Caitlin will really enjoy the rest of the holiday together.

Great excitement in Princess Street, someone set fire to a port a loo used by the Tram works workers, perhaps a very hot curry during one of the many meal breaks.

Not sure what Mrs B was up to, but found this collage of photos on the camera, might need to expand the photo to see the content.

Penicuik now suffering from another loss of business, met my mad friend Rosie from Prince's Trust days who lost her job today at the wee French restaurant in John Street, seems that the owner of the premises wanted to double the rent and make the folks take on board a ten year lease. So now the owner has yet another empty shop unit - which in this current economic climate shows super business acumen - NOT !! ass hole.

Was getting worried about RGB's motor, however Douglas M. has not sold it !! he has manged to sort the damage after the recent accident, get the spare parts needed and when we swop over will clean up my car..

Not everyone appreciates

There might well be forest fires in California, but one thing is certain , nothing here will burn with the rain we have been having - our forecasters might have been wrong yesterday - and let us have a wee bit sun , but it is winter all over again today . So much for the sight of the lovely apple blossom in bloom, all gone, washed and blown away.

Busy morning in the Bar, and then I found out that the workmen were not happy about our advertising sign on their fence - and had been in saying that they found it insulting !!! Later on I bumped into two of the "bosses" out for a stroll, and no doubt well paid - asked when they would be finished - no idea, but had the cheek to say that the job was well on schedule, and that someday when the trams were running - if ever !! we would all be reaping the benefits. I pointed out that no work, other than litter picking had taken place in the past couple of weeks - next excuse was that they were sanitising pipes. So when I asked about the two idle chappies along the works, they were apparently waiting for materials to be delivered - but for how long. Big article in the news tonight which was saying how far behind the project was, we are at 73% completion - "but you cannot rush the job"!!. My sign for the fence will say " We hope we are still open when the roadworks finish". They are now on twelve hour shifts, to try and catch up - Greggs is making a mint trying to keep up with their tea breaks.

Went for another swim today , once again pool was chukka block, I think next time I will take my pet " great White !!! might clear a space.

11th Midlothian Scout Group celebrates its Centenary next month , so I eventually managed to do my memoirs for them - but too late tonight.

Mrs B and Irish Christine putting the world to rights so I am off to bed, another early rise ahead.

The twins came calling.

Well it is back to work as normal, no wins with the lottery last night.

Ended up in the bar for most of the day and had a visit from Graeme and Allison Allan along with the new twins and their big sister. Purely coincidental that the "wash your hands" sign is in the background, however the baby was filling its nappy at the time of the photograph.

Been a long day, and to cap it all, Hibernian beat Hearts with a Penalty goal in the last Derby match of the season. Hearts were very strong favourites before the game, but certainly had a poor evening.

RGB and Jo Jo are now in Brisbane - we think, having had no news from either him or Robbie.

Needing a sleep.

Wednesday - hoping for a lottery win

Beautiful morning, so I headed off early on the motor bike ( my steed of steel), and managed to reach just about every set of traffic lights on green - however, sods law, this afternoon on my way back in the poring rain and strong south westerly winds I was stopped at every set of lights, plus the pedestrian phases, and at Greenbank there were queues everywhere - but at least with the bike I was able to by pass the traffic - and then to cap it all, on the final run home all the traffic was held up by a tractor and trailer from Boghall Farm, heading south at about 15 mph - damm.

There was a massive fire at Campbells Prime Meats, Broxburn, yesterday when a workman damaged and set fire to a pipe and burnt down the premises. NOT Sparky Mark on this occasion!!, However as one of the biggest meat suppliers in Scotland there is a major knock on effect as their customers cannot get supplies. Our butcher ( Graham Cherrie) was saying that he has been inundated with orders today, folk wanting hundreds of pies, etc. But at lunch time we had a table of twelve who had been booked elsewhere, however the other place had no supplies and were unable to cater for them.

It would appear that our local taxpayers are about to be well and truly shafted again, the City of Edinburgh Council is about to house one hundred immigrant families in the town , renting properties at a totally exhorbitant price - bleeding us dry.

Watching Border Enforcement on the TV , the UK staff in France are doing a super job trying to stop illegal immigants, my only point is that instead of sticking a probe into the back of the lorries which indicates human breathing , they should be filling the vehicles with cyanide gas or something similar, this might prove a deterrant in future.

My Tramworks folks were really busy today, NOT, there was a chappie wandering about the holes in the road picking up litter - perhaps he had read yesterdays suggestion about Bonnyrigg High Street. I asked one of the supervisors when it would be finished? perhaps next year !! It is nothing short of a joke, and they are now telling us that the works will continue in Princes Street right through the summer and the Edinburgh Festival.

Had some nice customers in the bar today, enjoyed myself being hospitable.

Might add more later

Wet, windy and quiet

Donna managed to survive her birthday party yesterday despite the "bubbly" and the children swinging from the lampshades - well done Peter Pan lady.

RGB and Jo Jo are enjoying Hong Kong in the heat, whilst we here think the "Day After Tomorrow " has arrived - dashed awful weather. RGB apparantly fell asleep on his feet at the race meeting on Sunday !!! Now we know why he suddenly goes quiet.

This morning I had another visit to the Hospital, this time to my neurologist - only been going there for the past twenty seven years, so I think they might get to the root of the problem soon!! Disturbing thing was that this clinic had 98 failedto attends this month , the other one had 276, so take the other clinics in the hospital, that is a lot of folks who just do not appear, and therfore hold back the ones who really need help.

Stoppedoffon the way home to see Dougie Sneddon at his burger van , me on the bike, it was like a McDonalds Drive Through - NOT - but it does keep Dougie on his toes. he was doing his boit at Defensive Band 151 tonight as Mark Master - very well done.

Popped home and then down to see Grant @ Photogenix, where I spied this van " Walkies" but as it was raining the dog was being taken for a run instead - maybe not.(Photo later) At the same time the Lasswade High School litter generating machine was in full swing - a crowd of school pupils out for lunch at Greggs and discarding litter left right and centre, a sight, sadly, to be seen in the vacinity of most schools around lunch time - we miss the Keep Britain Tidy people, who were excellent, but then lost their funding. it may have helped if the Council had sufficient litter bins in the area, alternatively we could get the Tramworks folks to dig a big trench , like the one outside the bar, and they could through all the rubbish in there - then all the workies would need to do would be to tar it over !!

Made it to the Leisure Centre for a swim but found the place full of children - Borders Region had an in- service training day for the schools - so my swim was cut short big time.
So Sparky took me to 151 whee I bumped into Morris Wilson , Provincial Grand Master who was looking well after recovering from a heart attack.

I left early to see how the team was doing at The Mercat, fine, no problems - fewer in than expected but with the Manchester United - Arsenal game on ITV it was only to be expected.

May Day holiday

9 p.m. Monday, and I had forgotten I should have been at a meeting of the I P A ( International Police Association) in the Police Club in York Place earlier tonight - although I have not been for a long time I do keep up my membership ( 43 years) and had really meant to be there. The I P A is a worldwide association of Police Officers, both serving and retired, we have hosted officers from overseas on occasions in the past.

The Mercat Bar was busy today in the morning with the stragglers from the rugby league tournament, but it was quieter over lunch time. Weather was awful, just like going back into winter again. Lawrence, one of our best customers and an avid blog reader had spotted the fact that I had mixed up names of our girls, just a sign of old age!!, but thought it was meant for security reasons, not so, but it has been fixed.

The NCP car park, Morrison street was busier than usual over the weekend, again with the tourists, but our worthy NCP attendants had a hey day, parking tickets all over the place. I spoke to one of the staff this afternoon about the flood lights being out for umpteen months, he said that they were not spending any money on the site as it might be developed in the future for the new hotel, etc !!! anyway, the development people have even closed their office so obviously nothing will be done for a while, especially in the current recession - so in the meantime we have drivers at possible risk while NCP continue to shaft the public.

No news from RGB and Jo Jo who are still in Hong Kong, so presumably no news is good news - but at least the upside down boy ( Robbie) has been in touch and is looking forward to seeing his buddy on Thursday.

I see that Gordon Brown is taking a real battering in the papers, allegedly bad tempered, taking strunts, moody, and scheming !! sound a bit familiar - so now the old saying " what goes round, comes round" is proving true. Just as he and his side kicks had it in for Tony Blair, others are out for his skin - but he obviously likes the power and glory so he is hanging in there , irrespective of the cost the the Country.

Captain Marvel and the Netjets team

So Saturday was indeed very busy, and interesting with all sorts of things happening - most of all plenty work with a full house - aided on this occasion by the lovely Alana, who being blond does often remind me of an Essex Girl.

I had a meeting of wills with Captain Marvel , Superman, Batman, Laurel and Hardy, and the super hero's along with Zoro - the boys were excellent in their costumes on this stag weekend. Just a bit miffed as I was not up to buying them a round of drinks.

The kitchen was kept open late as we were busy, so my Team from Netjets, Dennis, Clarke and Jennifer appeared once again, however, only Clarke had his steak, but they did have sweets later - BUT BUT , they were coming back Sunday night for the full works. Still no work for them so the Learjet was parked up at Turnhouse Airport ( Edinburgh). I did suggest that we might have a quick charter, but did not have enough credit on my card for the fuel to start the engines!!!

Sunday - run off our feet once again with the rugby team and others, not too amused with a group from Nottingham University who were apparently here on a charity fund raising event, however, they seemed to think that their needs were greater than ours. Chancers - or at least some of them.

Fortunately the majority of our clients were really very nice, here for the rugby league tournament at Murrayfield and the football on the TV - Rangers via Hearts final 2 - 1. So it looks like next week will be a good "Old Firm meeting.

I am not a boxing fan at the best of times, other than that I did think that Mohammed Ali was indeed the "Greatest" but events like this Ricky Haddon fight last night do not help, knocked down in Round one , and out cold in Round two - and has the nerve to accept a purse of £10 million for four minutes - not bad, he has as about as much nerve that these thieving bankers who brought us to our knees with the credit crunch.

On the family side - William has managed to knock down his garage in Egham, manually, as Sparky thought he had driven into it - typical of Dr Disaster to think that way.

And it is Donna's 21st again birthday tomorrow - so happy birthday to her, hopefully Ma and Pa will survive the day with the grand weans, without getting too inebriated - so happy birthday Donna.

Rugby league fever in Edinburgh

So much for going back to bed after my airport run , lots to do while Mrs. B. was at her bowling practice. Sun was supposed to shine but it was a bit overcast with the odd dribbles of rain - which eventually did clear up by the time I left to go back to Bookers and then The Mecat Bar. the pub has been busy as Edinburgh has a big crowd in for the Rugby League tournament on at Murrayfield Stadium. It is quite interesting as we have two different sets of supporters in at the moment, Irish lads watching the Heineken Cup match between Munster and Leinster, and of course the finals are here in Edinburgh in three weeks - they say they are watching real rugby compared to the rugby league lads upstairs !!! as long as the scrums remain out in the street.

Gone a bit quiet at the moment, but with a nice evening there will be a good crowd at the stadium who will empty back onto the streets after 9 p.m.

There was a big bit in the paper about the ongoing saga with the death of Baby P down south, where senior members of Social work dept of Harringay Council, and a couple of workers were dismissed. Little was said about the Doctor who would not treat the child when he was taken to the hospital with a broken back !!
Anyway , now appears that the "stepfather" also raped the sister two years ago when she was aged 2 years, and has been found guilty, having denied that charge as well. May the sick, rotten ba*****d rot in hell - hopefully some of the prison population will deal with him at some stage , although he is likely to be put in safe custody along with all the other sex offenders and pedophiles.
Many years ago we had a similar child rape on New years morning in Witchwood Crescent, Peebles, on that occasion it was a friend of the family, in for a drinking session with the couple, when the husband passed out this sicko threatened to kill the wife with an axe and then raped the two year old. he went to jail and believe it or not , on his release came back to live in the area. The little girl required regular surgery for years afterwards to constantly repair her injuries as she grew into womanhood.

Penicuik Rugby Club celebrated their 85th Anniversary last night with a big dinner in the Craigibield Hotel, Penicuik, last night with around 130 persons attending.

Now in The Mecat for the rest of the night and quick turn round in the morning -