Need the feet up

Back to playing catch up again , seem to have missed out completely on the past couple of days.

Was in the Mercat most of the day on Friday, and at one stage lost the plot with the workmen outside who were sitting in their big lorry with the engine running and the sound was just reverberating around the Bar - however they reversed along the road and annoyed someone else. The railings are down at long last and the loading bay and bus stops opened up again - that has been since November. However, the teams will start all over again on the opposite side of the road, something our neighbours have been dreading.

Spoke to a couple of the bosses and they were saying that the biggest problem is still to come, much further down the line as no one knows yet what they are going to do about the massive air raid shelter under the Haymarket Junction, there are several rooms in it and about sixty yards of corridors all to possibly be filled in. I have been promoting the Christmas Lunches with them as there is no doubt that they will still be here when Santa calls again.

Bar was busy both days and hopefully we will benefit now that the pavement is open again - we have had multiple repeat visitors during the past couple of days, a good sign - from The USA; Italy; France; Norway, England and Ireland - one group of fifteen lads have been in three times in two days.

headed home yesterday afternoon and received a visit from the Denny family, Archie the pole dancer; the beloved Tracy, along with Miss Camryn and young Austin , who you can see is getting bigger by the day - a good natured little chap who loves his grub.

As it was a nice evening we had a wee BBQ in the garden , last used on Hogmanay 2007 !! at the Mercat- a a good evening was had by all including Sparky Mark and my next door neighbour who popped in for a half hour !!! and stayed the evening - good.

Was back in the Bar early again as we are now open from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. - long shift and as we are a venue for the Free Fringe the shows all started today at 4 p.m. - first couple had a good attendance.

I noted this morning that the main path up into the NCP car park at Morrison Street is getting worse, very overgrown, so I am sure there will be folks hiding in the grass there - for the sake of a "tenner" it could be tidied up.

Street was very busy due to the football, Hearts were playing Sunderland, so the Police called by to have a word about the casuals who were travelling with the supporters - there were even "bobbies" up from Durham with their English style helmets.

Busy downstairs this afternoon with a group of ladies in for a Birthday treat, they were doing well winding up young Liam - but did enjoy themselves.

Big day in Edinburgh tomorrow with the Festival Cavalcade taking place this year in Hollyrood Park due to the tramworks having closed off Princess Street - a disgrace - our window to the World - closed.

Heading off to London at 1 p.m. tomorrow and have arranged to meet up with Edu for a beer or two - looking forward to that.