Wed a.m. and it is hellish awful outside, rain battering off the roof, and that raw cold feeling.
Tuesday was a long day -with the morning spent sanding walls in the living room and ending up looking like I had turned grey all over - it took longer to clean up the mess. From there it was up and down ladders to get the ceiling emulsioned, just a hurry up job as I was going to work later.
Sparky Mark appeared hobbling due to having pulled a muscle in his back - so he was off for a massage to try and get straightend up.
Eventually got scrubbed up and headed for the Mercat where the staff were to be treated by my presence - have to say that, because I am not used to the bar layout or the new fangled tills so at the moment service is a bit slow!! And apart from that I was feeling my age and aching all over which was not conducive to speedy service.
Samantha having been on her feet all day had sore feet so she was off to put them in a bucket for a soak.
I managed to get the bottom bar sorted out on my own and later, while the football was on managed OK , assisted by the more agile Paddy who ran up and down the stairs for food service.
The football was exciting with a good result for Manchester United - just a pity the fans are going to have to travel to Moscow for the final.
Like Samantha by the time I finished my feet were also killing me so next time it will be practical, comfy footwear, and when I got home there was no problem sleeping.
On the road back last night, I was thinking that I had not heard from Big Simon for a week or so, must get back to the Sportsmans, given the chance- will have to see how today pans out and whether I end up on the road south tonight to Runcorn.
I see that my favourite (NOT) chancer, The Chancellor, doubtless aided by our beloved PM is about to shaft the motorist one again by changing the tax categories, a wee bit oc conniving he did through the back door.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Monday, 28 April 2008
Monday night - even more puggled
It has just taken ages to download these photos, anyway, now 8.45 p.m., again I have spent most of the day skimming walls, applying PVA bonding, etc, but we are getting there.
The decorator, Dougie arrived this morning to start and hang the paper - me having done all the leg work, however if we are to carry on at this rate we will still be doing doing this at x-mas.
Dougie brought with him the mega intelligent Cody - 10 year old Border Collie, who kept Ann on the go all day with his constant wanting to play - so she walked him several times untill they both fell asleep in the afternoon - just in time to give me and Dougie a bit peace. As you can see he is always ready and alert, but he does go a bit cross eyed when he touched his nose with his tongue - as do most folks.
My slippers are on their last legs, now held together with "Duck tape" and beginning to smell a bit after constant use. I always get the type with the hard soles so that I can wear them down the street when Ann hides my shoes!!
Was sent for the messages today so made the best of it by having a good blether to all and sundry, Sunbed Colin Smith and one of my former colleagues Eddie Anderson , now 74 yrs old - it was he who used to bring his alsation Dawn on the nightshift when I also took Goldie the labrador - that way no one would bother us when we were on patrol.
I had no problem getting petrol at the local BP garage, and they said they had been quiet - although Sommerfields were busier than usual - so they think that folks are shopping local rather than going to the big out of town Centres.
My trip to Runcorn has been postphoned for a couple of days, looks like a wed p.m. pick up, night run and return on Thursday - now just waiting on Fraser to give me a call.
No word from either the upside down folks or Edwardo in Argentina.
Tuesday , as Graham is away to Dundee for a Licensed trade doo I am getting christened with a backshift at The Mercat. - That's obviously after I have done some more work on these walls.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Sunday and still puggled
Well, as planned spent most of Saturday skimming the walls in the hall while Ann was out. We got ourselves ready for a taxi at 6.30 p.m. and weent of to the Race night at Bonnyrigg Lodge. There was a good turn out, around 100 and we eventually got the races under way at 8 p.m.
It was quite a slick operation this year and all races were run plus the big auction race by 10.30 p.m., and that was including the buffet. Avery well good night organised by big Ian Robertson - who was also celebrating his birthday , and at midnight it was his daughter's birthday.
I gave Sir Christopher money for the auction race, and we bought Horse No 2 which WON, so we split the winnings- this obviously made my night as I did not lose as much as expected. We had Ricky, Pamela, Mike Anderson, Sparky Mark, Grant ( photogenix) and wife Yvonne ( of serious bump on the head fame) , Sir Christopher, Ailsa (Miss Talk a lot), Ma Reid, Tam and Catherine at the table. Lots of folks from "Black Diamond" radio also there.
Graham appeared later on, on his way home, just in time to see me and Sir Chris win the last race. Disco finished at 1240 a.m. and we had a taxi waiting - £40 - yes, for the round trip, bloody daylight/ evening robbery, and not helped that the Roslin Glen is closed so the taxi has to go the long way round.
I hear that there was a good going barny in the Sportsmans last night with Gary, Paul Q, and even Kristen getting involved when three guys came in looking for Gary, so obviously the police had to be involved. AND have just spoken to the two Karens and Elaine tonioght and there was another barney this afternoon because someone put a Hibs song on the juke box when Celtibc weere playing - so half a dozen had a bit of a roll around - Police will not be amused at getting called twice in twenty our hours.
Up early and back to the walls again, this time with a sander so there was stoor everywhere, I was white / grey, just covered from head to toe, but eventually got the hall sanded down and after cleaning up emulsioned the ceilings.
Graham was in at The Mercat which was very busy with the Rangers V Celtic game and then the English Premier matches, I had to make do with listening to the radio.
Had my dinner, steak and a bottle of red wine so as usual - and also because I was knackered I had a wee snooze - anyway now up and about and probably intime to go to bed before I start all over again in the morning.
It was quite a slick operation this year and all races were run plus the big auction race by 10.30 p.m., and that was including the buffet. Avery well good night organised by big Ian Robertson - who was also celebrating his birthday , and at midnight it was his daughter's birthday.
I gave Sir Christopher money for the auction race, and we bought Horse No 2 which WON, so we split the winnings- this obviously made my night as I did not lose as much as expected. We had Ricky, Pamela, Mike Anderson, Sparky Mark, Grant ( photogenix) and wife Yvonne ( of serious bump on the head fame) , Sir Christopher, Ailsa (Miss Talk a lot), Ma Reid, Tam and Catherine at the table. Lots of folks from "Black Diamond" radio also there.
Graham appeared later on, on his way home, just in time to see me and Sir Chris win the last race. Disco finished at 1240 a.m. and we had a taxi waiting - £40 - yes, for the round trip, bloody daylight/ evening robbery, and not helped that the Roslin Glen is closed so the taxi has to go the long way round.
I hear that there was a good going barny in the Sportsmans last night with Gary, Paul Q, and even Kristen getting involved when three guys came in looking for Gary, so obviously the police had to be involved. AND have just spoken to the two Karens and Elaine tonioght and there was another barney this afternoon because someone put a Hibs song on the juke box when Celtibc weere playing - so half a dozen had a bit of a roll around - Police will not be amused at getting called twice in twenty our hours.
Up early and back to the walls again, this time with a sander so there was stoor everywhere, I was white / grey, just covered from head to toe, but eventually got the hall sanded down and after cleaning up emulsioned the ceilings.
Graham was in at The Mercat which was very busy with the Rangers V Celtic game and then the English Premier matches, I had to make do with listening to the radio.
Had my dinner, steak and a bottle of red wine so as usual - and also because I was knackered I had a wee snooze - anyway now up and about and probably intime to go to bed before I start all over again in the morning.
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Horrible morning
This could have been another douvet day - shocking outside, pouring with rain and blowing a gale, but need to get on . I have bought some tubs of stuff to skim the walls - so this will be an adventure.
Friday - spent the morning working in the hall - then off to Homebase, cash and carry and into The Mercat. Ended up washing down walls and scrubbing in there to pass time before I changed and went to my meeting at Rifle Chapter. that turned out to be a bit of a disaster and embarrassment for their members due to someone not doing their job - we felt kind of sorry for them. Dinner was haggis neeps and tatties, but the haggis was from an Aberdeen butchers and I did not like it very much.
There were five Norwegian Masons present, very smart in their evening suits and smart regalia, doing a five day tour. One of them had had his case and regalia stolen from the bar area of the Mount Royal Hotel on Thursday night - not much use to anyone other than the owner.
Andy McKeen was given Honorary Membership, well done - lan Black was to recieve it as well but he has still not recovered from his last fall.
Spoke to Kristen who has been busy painting in the Sportsmans, thanks to Sami Caine, just a pity that Big George and Lenny are still coming the Tattie, however, time is on my side!!!! Some folks do not have much time for chancers and T leaves.
Getting ready for Prague, we have nice new shirts to put on a corporate image, and three trips arranged to breweries !!!
Back to my walls - and out to the Race night at the Lodge tonight.
Friday - spent the morning working in the hall - then off to Homebase, cash and carry and into The Mercat. Ended up washing down walls and scrubbing in there to pass time before I changed and went to my meeting at Rifle Chapter. that turned out to be a bit of a disaster and embarrassment for their members due to someone not doing their job - we felt kind of sorry for them. Dinner was haggis neeps and tatties, but the haggis was from an Aberdeen butchers and I did not like it very much.
There were five Norwegian Masons present, very smart in their evening suits and smart regalia, doing a five day tour. One of them had had his case and regalia stolen from the bar area of the Mount Royal Hotel on Thursday night - not much use to anyone other than the owner.
Andy McKeen was given Honorary Membership, well done - lan Black was to recieve it as well but he has still not recovered from his last fall.
Spoke to Kristen who has been busy painting in the Sportsmans, thanks to Sami Caine, just a pity that Big George and Lenny are still coming the Tattie, however, time is on my side!!!! Some folks do not have much time for chancers and T leaves.
Getting ready for Prague, we have nice new shirts to put on a corporate image, and three trips arranged to breweries !!!
Back to my walls - and out to the Race night at the Lodge tonight.
Friday, 25 April 2008
What happened to Thursday?
Friday a.m. - just a wee bit tired !!
Regards to William/ Sandra - Andrea, Tam and Joanne and Wee Michelle ( well done with the driving theory).
Thursday night Graham sent a message to say i was on a training course for the pub yesterday morning - first I knew . So I cancelled my own stuff and headed in there on the bike to get through the early traffic. Turned out I should have had a work book and been studying for the past couple of weeks - but what the hell. Anyway , to cut a long story short, listened to the lectures read the book work before, during and at tea breaks and then sat the exam, using the pot luck / guesswork process , which is obviously not best practice, so now I have to wait and see.
Had to head home, get changed and was back at Loanhead by 5 p.m. to await a coach to go to Port Glasgow. In the process I met Joe Pia who owns the chip shop in Loanhead and who I have known for over 40 years, so we had a bit natter, he still uses our phrase " Ah !! Stuartie - Bastardo carribinierrie!! from my days in the Polis.
Bus came, full of Masons from Dunbar, North Berwick, Prestonpans, Dalkeith, etc. and we headed west on the M8 getting caught up in the traffic going to Ibrox for the Rangers game so the driver took a massive detour via East Kilbride and Paisley to miss Glasgow and we eventually got there at 8 p.m. Had a good meeting of the RA , nice dinner afterwards with one or two small drinks and left again at 12.30 a.m. with me getting dropped off at Loanhead at 1.50 a.m. in time to get a Nighthawk bus home -
Needed a bit of a long lie, now got some - more decorating- to do, then to cash and carry and then back out for yet another meeting tonight. Not sure what will happen if this proposed petrol strike goes ahead, as I have to get another Runcorn run organised for next week.
Regards to William/ Sandra - Andrea, Tam and Joanne and Wee Michelle ( well done with the driving theory).
Thursday night Graham sent a message to say i was on a training course for the pub yesterday morning - first I knew . So I cancelled my own stuff and headed in there on the bike to get through the early traffic. Turned out I should have had a work book and been studying for the past couple of weeks - but what the hell. Anyway , to cut a long story short, listened to the lectures read the book work before, during and at tea breaks and then sat the exam, using the pot luck / guesswork process , which is obviously not best practice, so now I have to wait and see.
Had to head home, get changed and was back at Loanhead by 5 p.m. to await a coach to go to Port Glasgow. In the process I met Joe Pia who owns the chip shop in Loanhead and who I have known for over 40 years, so we had a bit natter, he still uses our phrase " Ah !! Stuartie - Bastardo carribinierrie!! from my days in the Polis.
Bus came, full of Masons from Dunbar, North Berwick, Prestonpans, Dalkeith, etc. and we headed west on the M8 getting caught up in the traffic going to Ibrox for the Rangers game so the driver took a massive detour via East Kilbride and Paisley to miss Glasgow and we eventually got there at 8 p.m. Had a good meeting of the RA , nice dinner afterwards with one or two small drinks and left again at 12.30 a.m. with me getting dropped off at Loanhead at 1.50 a.m. in time to get a Nighthawk bus home -
Needed a bit of a long lie, now got some - more decorating- to do, then to cash and carry and then back out for yet another meeting tonight. Not sure what will happen if this proposed petrol strike goes ahead, as I have to get another Runcorn run organised for next week.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
What a hectic life.
The answer to this mornings Q. was - Decorating, but very slowly as I was rather delicate till late afternoon.
This short tale is in lieu of Thursday as it now looks as though i am going to be busy all day.
I was told this afternoon that I have to attend a training course in Edinburgh on Thursday - all day - which has scuppered my other prearranged appointments. Anyway looks like needs must. Then i need to get home at the toot - changed and back to Loanhead for 5.15 p.m. to join up with a crowd heading to Port Glasgow, Greenock for a RA meeting - so that will be another late night!!
Sparky arrived in this evening , said he brought me up the road at 1 a.m. this morning - just as we were about to drink his red wine after finishing off the whisky.
early to bed - early to rise, etc - just plain knackered.
This short tale is in lieu of Thursday as it now looks as though i am going to be busy all day.
I was told this afternoon that I have to attend a training course in Edinburgh on Thursday - all day - which has scuppered my other prearranged appointments. Anyway looks like needs must. Then i need to get home at the toot - changed and back to Loanhead for 5.15 p.m. to join up with a crowd heading to Port Glasgow, Greenock for a RA meeting - so that will be another late night!!
Sparky arrived in this evening , said he brought me up the road at 1 a.m. this morning - just as we were about to drink his red wine after finishing off the whisky.
early to bed - early to rise, etc - just plain knackered.
A wee bit hung over
It is just as well that iIdo not have to drive today or go to work - because I am certainly not in any fit state to do so.
Struggling a bit to remember what happened to Tuesday - anyway took off on the motor bike to go to the hospital where I saw my neurologist . Even he did not have my notes so we could not get round to a solution for my ongoing troubles. But he is writing to my GP and is going to have a wee chat to him on the phone and try and come up with a new course of action.
Went on to Leith and visited Andy KP's new shop, "Planet Poland" designed as a resource centre for local businesses who want to use Polish workers. Nice office, but unfortunately it seems that the locals have got the wrong idea already and are planning on doing the place over.
Next to Scott Cuppola's for lights, etc, the boy on the counter was impressed when I used the camera to show him what I needed - I took a photo on high magnification and then when I enlarged it, it was perfect for getting all the details. Up to The Mercat Bar where it was a case of "let there be light" - and the staff could see in all the previously dark corners.
Home to carry on with - yes - preparing walls once again.
Off to Bonnyrigg at 6.15 for my final RA meeting of 500 Laird o Cockpen, super turn out with 67 present, 29 being in the Provincial deputation, the team was first class , however I just froze, mind went blank and I think I was just terrible. Many were very kind and appreciated my ad libbing which was certainly a bit different to the ritual book. The only person who did not know any better was Drew McAlpine the candidate.
Maurice Wilson appeared which was nice of him, and he like the photo we had taken on Friday night at Roslynn 606.
Mrs B. did a wonderful job in the kitchen and all enjoyed their soup and sandwiches.
I was last out as I had to lock up , but in the waiting period managed to sample several glasses of the dreaded "John Barlycorn" hence the rather delicate state I am in at present - only consolation being that several others have to be in the same state !!
On the wider front , wee Michelle is causing havoc on the roads, and has managed to persuade her dad to let her drive his van- probably with sandbags tied on each corner.
Kirsten also had a long night on Monday, spending most of it till 5 a.m. painting in the Sportsmans.
Graham was off to his wine club meeting last night while Sir Christopher headed north to Perth. In the meantime one of the new chefs failed to turn up for work so Lady Claire was summoned from her game of pitch and putt to help feed the hungry hoards who had descended on The Mercat to watch the football.
So now I have two options - go back to bed - or continue decorating!! I wonder ------------
Struggling a bit to remember what happened to Tuesday - anyway took off on the motor bike to go to the hospital where I saw my neurologist . Even he did not have my notes so we could not get round to a solution for my ongoing troubles. But he is writing to my GP and is going to have a wee chat to him on the phone and try and come up with a new course of action.
Went on to Leith and visited Andy KP's new shop, "Planet Poland" designed as a resource centre for local businesses who want to use Polish workers. Nice office, but unfortunately it seems that the locals have got the wrong idea already and are planning on doing the place over.
Next to Scott Cuppola's for lights, etc, the boy on the counter was impressed when I used the camera to show him what I needed - I took a photo on high magnification and then when I enlarged it, it was perfect for getting all the details. Up to The Mercat Bar where it was a case of "let there be light" - and the staff could see in all the previously dark corners.
Home to carry on with - yes - preparing walls once again.
Off to Bonnyrigg at 6.15 for my final RA meeting of 500 Laird o Cockpen, super turn out with 67 present, 29 being in the Provincial deputation, the team was first class , however I just froze, mind went blank and I think I was just terrible. Many were very kind and appreciated my ad libbing which was certainly a bit different to the ritual book. The only person who did not know any better was Drew McAlpine the candidate.
Maurice Wilson appeared which was nice of him, and he like the photo we had taken on Friday night at Roslynn 606.
Mrs B. did a wonderful job in the kitchen and all enjoyed their soup and sandwiches.
I was last out as I had to lock up , but in the waiting period managed to sample several glasses of the dreaded "John Barlycorn" hence the rather delicate state I am in at present - only consolation being that several others have to be in the same state !!
On the wider front , wee Michelle is causing havoc on the roads, and has managed to persuade her dad to let her drive his van- probably with sandbags tied on each corner.
Kirsten also had a long night on Monday, spending most of it till 5 a.m. painting in the Sportsmans.
Graham was off to his wine club meeting last night while Sir Christopher headed north to Perth. In the meantime one of the new chefs failed to turn up for work so Lady Claire was summoned from her game of pitch and putt to help feed the hungry hoards who had descended on The Mercat to watch the football.
So now I have two options - go back to bed - or continue decorating!! I wonder ------------
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