Sunday , knackered after a long sleepless night coughing by head off. Up, and guess what , yes , back to Bookers cash and cash and carry then into the Mercat to see Sir Christopher and Claire.
News is that Lady Ailsa @ Miss talk a lot, has lost her voice due to the same cough and cold, and last night she drank enough "Linctus" to knock out a horse.
Had a look round to the NCP car park, two blokes wandering about checking parking permits, they even had a look at the one on RGB's side window which is more than the bloke did the night he stuck the FP ticket on the car. Place is an absolute tip,a bloody disgrace, and considering how much money they must take each day - a case of daylight robbery.
Made it home, and have managed to contact Ricky, he is not on a cruise , I had forgotton that he and the family were all off to Orlando, Florida, for a change. I spoke to him at Manchester Airport before he took off on his flight with "Virgin". Hope they have a good time, last time I was there I vowed never to get on one of these fun rides ever again - I was ill, thought I was dying, etc. So after that I was happy enough to go see Shamu the whale.
Nice morning so I fired up the steed of steel, popped some air in the tyres and went for a short spin - but believe it or not it started to snow briefly.
Chopped and changed, then picked up RGB and Jo Jo, headed to town via Costco where I had my new specs adjusted by the optician, now I can see out them.
William and Sandra are off to Teneriffe in the morning , so hopefully they will have a few days of sunshine.
Still no word from Carolleanne and Dennis, curious !!!
So tomorrow is another day.
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Welcome to NCP Morrison Street
We at NCP are currently doing our best to ensure that visitors to this City of Culture do not have a memorable time here. Unlike other car parks throughout the city which have enrolled into the secure Car Parks Scheme monitored by the local police we like to think that our clients will find themselves vulnerable at night, by failing to maintain the floodlights, and
giving only a token supervsion by staff - whose primary objective is to issue parking tickets.
giving only a token supervsion by staff - whose primary objective is to issue parking tickets.
We really have no interest in the security of vehicles, so in the event of a break in - please do not annoy our staff.
Our landscape artists have done their best to design the Welcome Board and the landscape to blend with the stunning architecture of this city, the rubbish laying around has been there since Victorian times, and we have imported old washing machines and pallets to compete with some of the exhibits in the Gallery of Modern Art in the nearby Telford Road.
To make the visitors to the adjacent Premier Inn feel at home it is our policy to leave as much discarded litter in the bushes opposite the hotel - why should we emulate the City Council by sending staff out to uplift this litter. For the nature lovers around, the rubbish attracts city foxes and an assortment of vermin - we would welcome anyone who wishes to set up a hide - provided they pay parking dues.
The surface of the car park park has intentionally been left in a natural state, rutted , potholes, etc, ideal for those who use the famous "Chelsea Tractors" ATV vehicles, however for the poor punter, it is a bit of a challenge driving through deep puddles, ruts, and rubbish. The changing weather conditions make for flooding in heavy rain , so ruined shoes and clothing are always something for us to chuckle about. This year was really good as very deep water made for some fun and games, with canoes and life jackets being the order of the day. Currently, the icy conditions have allowed our visitors to have a free skating sessions rather than use the purpose built ice rink in the Prince's Street Gardens, and we would certainly never consider putting salt down on the approaches as this is a drain on our financial resources - and would mean that our staff would have to work for living.
Unlike the City of Edinburgh Council who permit free parking on a Sunday , our policy is to send in two operatives early on a Sunday to issue tickets to those who have chanced their luck (tough).
Our operatives are instructed not to liaise with the public , this way we can issue penalty tickets, even to those who have already paid, this ensures that our customer services section can be as awkward as possible when dealing with stupid complaints. So far we have an excellent record in this field of non public relations.
In view of the existing economic climate ( so called credit crunch) we have raised the price of our fixed penalty tickets , our management and shareholders thought bthat a 100% increase was very realistic.
Missing you already !!! Not.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
Now on the Backshift
So, after a restless night sleeping in the chair, it was up and off to the town. Bloody freezing again , but fortunately no wind to increase the wind chill factor. On the way stopped and tried for this shot of the breaking dawn , however the marks on the lend are a bit more noticeable than before.
Nearly at the Cash and Carry and I realised I had left my wallet behind, however the girls knew me so I got a day pass, loaded up and then off to the Pub, which was busy early on due to the football kicking off at 12.30 . Mixed crowd of supporters in, no bother at all, and even the Police had a quick look in a couple of times.
Even Lawrence commented on my early writings as I had beaten him out of bed - and he said that Raasay and the Wee Frees were answers to his crossword last week.
Town Centre was in a state of serious disruption with a demonstration against the Palestine / Israel situation. personally I feel that they would not be so keen to demonstrate over there if we gave them the chance of a free one way air ticket.
Obviously I do not agree with the fact that there is a war going on , but there needs to be a truce and a willingness from both sides to look for a settlement.
Quite the opposite from Tyncastle where the Hearts and Hibs managed a 0 - 0 draw, the half time penalty kick competition between the golden oldies caused greater excitement than the actual match.
Headed home via Straiton, where traffic chaos ensued - who said anything about the Credit Crunch, every shop was busy, the car parks were full and there were queues backing up the by-pass. Mrs. B. gave up on her shops, while I went to Costco which was choc o block with all the check outs busy.
So home wards, still coughing fit to burst for a couple of hot toddies with honey.
Watching this programme "Your Country Needs You" with Sir Andrew Loyd Webber and Graham Norton trying to pick the singers and song for the Eurovision Song Contest, a bit more professional approach by the UK this year.
Have been trying to get a hold of Ricky and Pamela to say "bon voyage" as they are off once again on their January cruise, no joy so far, anyway we hope they enjoy themselves.
Just remembered that David @ Random was telling us he had his Pay Pall account hacked during the past couple of weeks, bank and Pay Pal are investigating the theft, another lesson for the learning.
Felt really sorry with the news about the death of John Travolta's son , 16 years old, no one deserves such tragedy in their lives.
Bringing back memories
Got fed up lying in bed coughing and keeping Mrs. B. awake so i have got up and am sitting in the chair, but it is not really helping . I am out in the conservatory where it is a bit colder and have wrapped up - with hat and coat on . I just got up and caught a sight of myself in the reflection on the glass - "my god" it reminded me of my father, but worse, I am wearing a woollen hat and it was all pointy on the top making me ook like a martian or one of the extras in the old Flash Gordon movies (black and white of course), so not many of the younger readers will remember those of couse - perhaps Lawrence and he will let me know in the morning.
I was thinking back to New Year in the very early 60's when I used to head north with my father and his boss to Raasay. We would leave Edinburgh at tea time in the landrover, canvas back, and me all wrapped up in sleeping bags and blankets to keep warm, then by way of Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Fort William, make it to Kyle of Lochalsh in time to catch the breakfast ferry ( an old minesweeper) over the the island of Raasay which sits between the mainland and Skye.
We were up there one New year when the 1st fell on a Sunday, and were up on the hill at midnight , NOT A SOUND , no movement, nothing - all day Sunday we saw the locals heading to and from the Church ( Wee Free's) for both the morning and evening service. That night , again out on the hill, crystal clear night, bright starlit night where you could see and hear for miles, midnight and all hell broke loose !!! By the time we got back to the village everyone was out partying, stotting up and down and so it went on for a couple of days.
Made a change from later years when I would come home from Durham, go out and about in the Currie area, get hammered, sick , etc., and then be made to get up and eat my lunch - changing colour with every bite. My mother was kind of strict with me !!!! not that it appears to have done me any good.
I think it was the first year I was working in Durham , 1963/64 I stayed with my Uncle Bill in Chester le Street for the New Year break from the training school, I was invited out by his sister and family to a party in the miners club in Sacriston. It was one of those places where when you got up and sang you were given a free pint , then the more you had to drink the more you wanted to sing !! I stayed out all night with them and when I got back in the morning got all hell from him , so I never went back to stay with them again and had to make other arrangements for my weekends off in the future.
Still coughing but now need to try and rest.
I was thinking back to New Year in the very early 60's when I used to head north with my father and his boss to Raasay. We would leave Edinburgh at tea time in the landrover, canvas back, and me all wrapped up in sleeping bags and blankets to keep warm, then by way of Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Fort William, make it to Kyle of Lochalsh in time to catch the breakfast ferry ( an old minesweeper) over the the island of Raasay which sits between the mainland and Skye.
We were up there one New year when the 1st fell on a Sunday, and were up on the hill at midnight , NOT A SOUND , no movement, nothing - all day Sunday we saw the locals heading to and from the Church ( Wee Free's) for both the morning and evening service. That night , again out on the hill, crystal clear night, bright starlit night where you could see and hear for miles, midnight and all hell broke loose !!! By the time we got back to the village everyone was out partying, stotting up and down and so it went on for a couple of days.
Made a change from later years when I would come home from Durham, go out and about in the Currie area, get hammered, sick , etc., and then be made to get up and eat my lunch - changing colour with every bite. My mother was kind of strict with me !!!! not that it appears to have done me any good.
I think it was the first year I was working in Durham , 1963/64 I stayed with my Uncle Bill in Chester le Street for the New Year break from the training school, I was invited out by his sister and family to a party in the miners club in Sacriston. It was one of those places where when you got up and sang you were given a free pint , then the more you had to drink the more you wanted to sing !! I stayed out all night with them and when I got back in the morning got all hell from him , so I never went back to stay with them again and had to make other arrangements for my weekends off in the future.
Still coughing but now need to try and rest.
Friday, 2 January 2009
Australian Flu so they say
Coughing fit to burst , and have done so since 20th December, now they are blaming the Land of Oz for this outbreak, so add this to bird flu !! what next.
Up sharp again this morning , off to town , but cash and carry was closed, so I ended up waiting for Asda to open to get the supplied needed to make up for busy day yesterday. Our kitchen staff need a medal for the work they put in yesterday. Asda was late in opening and there must have been about sixty plus cars in and away before the doors opened - these holidays just interfere with business. One lady was sleeping in her car, looked very ill - but when I knocked the window she was Ok.
Pub was busy again and I met Scott and his young wife (see previous photos) in Morrison Street heading to the airport , they had been out to Rosslyn Chapel, but it was closed - so now they are making for London , Templars Court and then Paris. Later our other group from Pittsburgh USA arrived for their breakfast before heading off to York, The Viking Centre, Shambles, and York Minster, before heading back to the States.
Made it home, knackerd, and had a couple of hours kip, felt much better, and even more so after another bit steak and a couple of red wines.
Managed to sit and watch "Dancing with Wolves" right through for the very first time, excellent movie, just portrayed the white man and the army for what they were at the time - just as savage as the red Indian.
Daft Archie the Pole dancer was sending wind up text messages - so we will have to sort him out.
Excellent programme on the radio today about John Lennon , Paul MaCartney and Donavon, in the days when they went to India to learn meditation, but also about the Lennon's car crash up in Tongue, Wester Ross, and his subsequent arguments with the minister who visited him in the local village hospital, about his beliefs. John Lennon had been unable to get the hang of driving on single track roads, the use of passing places and when he met a German tourist head on he took to the ditch !!
So three phone calls and three hours later I am sure burnt ears and a worn tongue for Mrs B.
Had enough tonight , but surprised that we have not heard from Carole Anne and Dennis who should be up in Mauchline at the moment.
Up sharp again this morning , off to town , but cash and carry was closed, so I ended up waiting for Asda to open to get the supplied needed to make up for busy day yesterday. Our kitchen staff need a medal for the work they put in yesterday. Asda was late in opening and there must have been about sixty plus cars in and away before the doors opened - these holidays just interfere with business. One lady was sleeping in her car, looked very ill - but when I knocked the window she was Ok.
Pub was busy again and I met Scott and his young wife (see previous photos) in Morrison Street heading to the airport , they had been out to Rosslyn Chapel, but it was closed - so now they are making for London , Templars Court and then Paris. Later our other group from Pittsburgh USA arrived for their breakfast before heading off to York, The Viking Centre, Shambles, and York Minster, before heading back to the States.
Made it home, knackerd, and had a couple of hours kip, felt much better, and even more so after another bit steak and a couple of red wines.
Managed to sit and watch "Dancing with Wolves" right through for the very first time, excellent movie, just portrayed the white man and the army for what they were at the time - just as savage as the red Indian.
Daft Archie the Pole dancer was sending wind up text messages - so we will have to sort him out.
Excellent programme on the radio today about John Lennon , Paul MaCartney and Donavon, in the days when they went to India to learn meditation, but also about the Lennon's car crash up in Tongue, Wester Ross, and his subsequent arguments with the minister who visited him in the local village hospital, about his beliefs. John Lennon had been unable to get the hang of driving on single track roads, the use of passing places and when he met a German tourist head on he took to the ditch !!
So three phone calls and three hours later I am sure burnt ears and a worn tongue for Mrs B.
Had enough tonight , but surprised that we have not heard from Carole Anne and Dennis who should be up in Mauchline at the moment.
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Trying to catch up
Feet up, had a short snooze, which was much needed after a few hours out in the cold.
Today was very , very, busy with loads of visitors and regulars in for their breakfast which we extended till 2 p.m., all were pleased with their trip to Edinburgh and the buzz of the activities last night. Spoke to one of the Council road sweepers who was saying that the centre of the town was like a rubbish tip with the debris from the party goers.
At the moment sitting, having had a magnificent steak about two hours ago, now with a plate of pate, assorted (smelly) cheese and a bottle of Claret compliments of Sir Christopher and Miss Talk a lot for x-mas , damm fine splendid.
So what else has happened, couple of days ago I had another session with the wonderous Cruella, my lower back is getting better but she has found more knots than the "Cat O' Nine Tails" in my shoulders and also the neck - cannot say too much or she will be mega hard next visit.
Sandra and William were on the phone, sobering up from last night and now packing their bags for the off on Sunday seeking the sun, lucky B'ssss then we are off again in February to Thailand. Hopefully Donna, paul and family will cope without their wayward parents.
Had my regulars, Lawrence and Ian ( the Major) in this morning, Lawrence still doing his nut about the weather men's inabillity to get the forecasts correct. Ian arrived for the first time in ages in his car , parked on car on the red lines in the bus stop, nice chap, superb pianist - and a font of knowledge.
Sorry I missed out on Archie ' Pole dancer and wee Sarah l;ast night , they had been in but when they passed later in the car I was a bit slow in recognising them. But to Tracy, the babies, Alan, Carol, Old Archie and Mary - all the best.
Not heard anything from The Sportsman's Bar, no doubt they all had a good night, but all the best for 2009 to the troops.
Graham had a call to Robbie @ upside down boy, this morning where the land of Oz was well into party time.
Have just sat and watched "Shrek 2", very funny, and so much like our Jamie, so,so true, funniest comparable bit was when he drank the magic potion and then "farted" - nearly ended myself.
Gordon and Sandra appeared at the bar at 2.40 a.m., having been at the Masonic Club for the New Year social, ever so under the weather, but had a drink with Mrs. B. then I gave them a run home.
This current flu / cold virus is taking no prisoners, everyone and their Auntie is suffering from it, collapsing left right and centre, wee Lillian, our staff, Grant @ Photogenix
Anyway, had enough for today, RGB and HM have just arrived home - baa's burst. cheers.
Today was very , very, busy with loads of visitors and regulars in for their breakfast which we extended till 2 p.m., all were pleased with their trip to Edinburgh and the buzz of the activities last night. Spoke to one of the Council road sweepers who was saying that the centre of the town was like a rubbish tip with the debris from the party goers.
At the moment sitting, having had a magnificent steak about two hours ago, now with a plate of pate, assorted (smelly) cheese and a bottle of Claret compliments of Sir Christopher and Miss Talk a lot for x-mas , damm fine splendid.
So what else has happened, couple of days ago I had another session with the wonderous Cruella, my lower back is getting better but she has found more knots than the "Cat O' Nine Tails" in my shoulders and also the neck - cannot say too much or she will be mega hard next visit.
Sandra and William were on the phone, sobering up from last night and now packing their bags for the off on Sunday seeking the sun, lucky B'ssss then we are off again in February to Thailand. Hopefully Donna, paul and family will cope without their wayward parents.
Had my regulars, Lawrence and Ian ( the Major) in this morning, Lawrence still doing his nut about the weather men's inabillity to get the forecasts correct. Ian arrived for the first time in ages in his car , parked on car on the red lines in the bus stop, nice chap, superb pianist - and a font of knowledge.
Sorry I missed out on Archie ' Pole dancer and wee Sarah l;ast night , they had been in but when they passed later in the car I was a bit slow in recognising them. But to Tracy, the babies, Alan, Carol, Old Archie and Mary - all the best.
Not heard anything from The Sportsman's Bar, no doubt they all had a good night, but all the best for 2009 to the troops.
Graham had a call to Robbie @ upside down boy, this morning where the land of Oz was well into party time.
Have just sat and watched "Shrek 2", very funny, and so much like our Jamie, so,so true, funniest comparable bit was when he drank the magic potion and then "farted" - nearly ended myself.
Gordon and Sandra appeared at the bar at 2.40 a.m., having been at the Masonic Club for the New Year social, ever so under the weather, but had a drink with Mrs. B. then I gave them a run home.
This current flu / cold virus is taking no prisoners, everyone and their Auntie is suffering from it, collapsing left right and centre, wee Lillian, our staff, Grant @ Photogenix
Anyway, had enough for today, RGB and HM have just arrived home - baa's burst. cheers.
Happy New Year - 2009
All the best for 2009 from all my readers, from me, Mrs B. RGB., and all at The Mercat Bar.
Let's put the memory of the old one behind us and get on with teh new.
Just up and getting ready for the town to open up, we arrived home after a busy night with the City's revellers, getting in around 4 a.m. after a pretty busy night. I did my bit by standing on the door, watching the thousands passing heading to the street party, then heading home again - many stopping for either a steak sandwich or stovies. When the fireworks went off for the party in Prince's Street I managed to get the picture , but being so far away we missed all the action and when the smoke rose it blanketed out our view, but those who went said it was marvellous.
My two nephews , Stephen Boyd ( with partner Sarah) and Jonathon Boyd were with us for the evening , that's the 1st I have seen Stephen for probably about fourteen years years.
Now running late , must go.
Let's put the memory of the old one behind us and get on with teh new.
Just up and getting ready for the town to open up, we arrived home after a busy night with the City's revellers, getting in around 4 a.m. after a pretty busy night. I did my bit by standing on the door, watching the thousands passing heading to the street party, then heading home again - many stopping for either a steak sandwich or stovies. When the fireworks went off for the party in Prince's Street I managed to get the picture , but being so far away we missed all the action and when the smoke rose it blanketed out our view, but those who went said it was marvellous.
My two nephews , Stephen Boyd ( with partner Sarah) and Jonathon Boyd were with us for the evening , that's the 1st I have seen Stephen for probably about fourteen years years.
Now running late , must go.
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