In all aspects things did not get much better.
Terribe tragedy with Phil O'Donnell the Motherwell player, aged 35 dying during the game on Saturday.
Now Monday p.m., on Sunday Ann slept while I did the cash and carry again and went to the Sportsmans till mid afternoon. Then home and had another quiet night with her dozing and not right. Tried to get an early night but was wakened by the phone a couple of times.
Terrible night - restless and up and down every hour - bloddy shattered this morning.
Today, up sharp, took Graham into town to the Mercat, headed to cash and carry, bank, then the pub where I met Robbie and Karen. Robbie has had the 36 hour bug, and now his mate, arrived from Oz has the same.
Did odds and ends but as I am out there tonight headed home to get a rest, but Ann still in bed with bad headaches and refusing to speak to the doctor.
Anyway, about to tidy up, get fed and then off to get involved in the Hogmanay festivities.
All the best.
Monday, 31 December 2007
Sunday, 30 December 2007
It can only get better - i hope
Some thoughts on Saturday, bloddy hell, no, no, and why me !!
Up early and away to the cash and carry with Ann to get stuff for both pubs, dropped a load off at the mercat, then Ann in Edinburgh at the shops and I went to Musselburgh.
Arriver, and only the cleaner, Chick, in, at 10.35 a.m. Next thing in they came, the punters for the races, but at the same time Michelle. We got hammered for an hour and a half till the majority left for the track, but by them help ( Princess) had arrived.
I went back to town to retrieve Ann and then out to Costco for more stuff.
Home - time to calm down, but no - went upstairs and found Ann ill, having nearly passed out due to taking too hot a bath, then she was sick, so my evening was spent checking on her recovery (and looking for the insurance policies) , not rue. Anyway she is slowly recovering, but is still not right yet.
1.10 a.m. Elaine called from the Pub - they had been busy and she was struggling to get the place sorted as Samantha had also taken ill.
Now - i need a quieter day.
Up early and away to the cash and carry with Ann to get stuff for both pubs, dropped a load off at the mercat, then Ann in Edinburgh at the shops and I went to Musselburgh.
Arriver, and only the cleaner, Chick, in, at 10.35 a.m. Next thing in they came, the punters for the races, but at the same time Michelle. We got hammered for an hour and a half till the majority left for the track, but by them help ( Princess) had arrived.
I went back to town to retrieve Ann and then out to Costco for more stuff.
Home - time to calm down, but no - went upstairs and found Ann ill, having nearly passed out due to taking too hot a bath, then she was sick, so my evening was spent checking on her recovery (and looking for the insurance policies) , not rue. Anyway she is slowly recovering, but is still not right yet.
1.10 a.m. Elaine called from the Pub - they had been busy and she was struggling to get the place sorted as Samantha had also taken ill.
Now - i need a quieter day.
Friday, 28 December 2007
Is it bluey recincarnated?
Having mentioned the bird on several occasions I managed to get it to pose for me this morning. It is very tame and comes down each day to feed outside the door of the pub, possibly watching for Chick to make sure he is working or to see if he is going to invite it in for a drink. Anyway, we have a bag of bird food so we try to feed it in such a way that the seagulls do not come over and annoy us or it.
Pub was fairly busy on Thurday night, but Michelle had to leave early to look after her totty wee one who was playing up, and his sister was having nightmares after someone told her ghost sories.
Went out to Musselburgh this morning to sort out banking, wages, etc. but had to scoot up the road sharp to get to the Penicuik bank before closing. This meant that I was able to watch the Sinbad movie followed by James Bond in Octopussy.
Missed Robbie who had abandoned his father to the terrors of visiting Edinburgh alone, but I am sure he will have managed ( he is a bit like Crockodile Dundee) I think they were off to see Edinburgh rugby this evening, and then have Musselburgh races on Saturday.
So far I have now coughed for three weeks and am getting a trifle p*****d off with the whole thing, as is my wife. We had a call from her friend Carol tonight who sounds worse than me - so where does that put me.
Tomorrow is another day, cash and carry, pub, work, etc. so what's new, I mean we have never mentioned the fact that yesterday there was an assination in Pakistan which has mass ive implications for the world, we have floods, earthquakes, a man caught up a chimney in Australia trying to break into a house, and two poor folks drowned in a cave inYorkshire where I did all my caving years ago.
Every last drop
This was Robbie attempting to finish off our bottle of sambuca at the x-mas dinner. Whilst others were content with a glass , the bold Antipodean decided that this was an acceptable part of his national culture - fortunately the ladies in the company were not photographed followingb his example, ( but being truthful most, in fact everyone did).
Lovely stuff, the black stuff, which reminded me of my trip to London several months ago when five of us sat in my brother in laws new local pub, and had five rounds of shots on the trop, much to the mesmeriation of the locals.
In this instance, at x-mas we took the event a stage further by mixing it with Stiffy,s cola cube, which as a tastful mixture was worse than that carvonia cough medicine, but a bit more effective, also made you fall down after several attempts.
Thursday, 27 December 2007
Boxing day onwards
Had a lovely dinner last night, having had a quiet day, Graham, Andrea and Sir Christopher Reid arrived, so we had lovely steaks washed down with copious draught's of "vino tinto.
To bed at a reasonable hour, and did not cough till 2.30 a.m when i had to get up and have a hot drink, etc, rest of the night was a washout, restless and stressed out.
Now at the Sportsman's, where I have been all day.
Obviously managed to get a new keyboard to replace Robbie's damp one.
Pub was fairly quiet so I went to Cash and Carry only to find on my return that the annual pub crawl crowd had arrived unannounced - Michelle R nearly had a fit when about 40 walked in , however Jackie Macnamara gallantly jumped into the breach. By the time I arrived they were just finishing their drinks and leaving to head for the next 16 pubs!!
Hopefully another quiet evening.
To bed at a reasonable hour, and did not cough till 2.30 a.m when i had to get up and have a hot drink, etc, rest of the night was a washout, restless and stressed out.
Now at the Sportsman's, where I have been all day.
Obviously managed to get a new keyboard to replace Robbie's damp one.
Pub was fairly quiet so I went to Cash and Carry only to find on my return that the annual pub crawl crowd had arrived unannounced - Michelle R nearly had a fit when about 40 walked in , however Jackie Macnamara gallantly jumped into the breach. By the time I arrived they were just finishing their drinks and leaving to head for the next 16 pubs!!
Hopefully another quiet evening.
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
Happy x-mas / Boxing day
Folks, there is just too much to do, so sorry I missed a x-mas day post, however if Robbie had not poured a bottle of beer over the keyboard at the Sportsmans there would have been a bit more news.
Graham ended up in the Western General Hospital on x-mas eve afternoon, where he had an abscess on his chest cut and drained - so I was busy scooting about with him and Ann before I headed to work at the Sportsmans. A nice wee crowd, with just the inkling of trouble but it did not come to much, I would think not with Simon and me on the door. We closed the bar at 12.30 a.m x-mas day so I was able to get off up the road and left karen, Karen and Kerrin to close up for me.
Up again to see if Santa had called, however, I was running out of time and could see no trace of a sledge or reindeer droppings!! Ann made a big breakfast (traditional) which we washed down with a wee drop bubbly, only minutes before Robbie, Caitlion, Phil and Debbie arrived to pick me up for work at Musselburgh.
Headed to the pub, whichj was all spick and span thanks to Chick and Paul who had come in to work (x-mas day) without being asked. Robbie and I got the place opened up and some of our regulars appeared.
We seem to have adopted a white pidgeon, whether it is a reincarnation of Bluey, i do not know. But it now lives on the window ledge above the pub, but comes down to the street to get fed.
Closed up at 3.30 p.m., haveing emptied the pub by putting on the Queens speech at high volume.
Headed to the Mercat where we met up with everyone else and sat down to a wonderful dinner prepared by jamie and Ann, however, feeling a bit unwell, as was Graham we had to leave at 7.45 p.m. and left everyone to be cheery - I think from the state of them this morning they were just a bit too cheery.
made it home where we found that Santa had been a calling - so opened up our presents, very nice ( socks, more socks, smelly stuff, books, CD's, wine, etc ) what more can a man want. However still feeling a bit off I went to bed at 9.10 p.m.
Today has been quiet, I had to take Graham into The Mercat, roads were quiet but there were a few in for breakfast - fortunately not too busy as the Jamie and Claire were just a bit delicate and operating at about 70% of normal speed ( that's me being kind) - so it is now time to rest before work again tomorrow.
Our Antipodean friends seem to be a bit quiet, but they were still hard at it at 1 a.m.
Cheers.
Graham ended up in the Western General Hospital on x-mas eve afternoon, where he had an abscess on his chest cut and drained - so I was busy scooting about with him and Ann before I headed to work at the Sportsmans. A nice wee crowd, with just the inkling of trouble but it did not come to much, I would think not with Simon and me on the door. We closed the bar at 12.30 a.m x-mas day so I was able to get off up the road and left karen, Karen and Kerrin to close up for me.
Up again to see if Santa had called, however, I was running out of time and could see no trace of a sledge or reindeer droppings!! Ann made a big breakfast (traditional) which we washed down with a wee drop bubbly, only minutes before Robbie, Caitlion, Phil and Debbie arrived to pick me up for work at Musselburgh.
Headed to the pub, whichj was all spick and span thanks to Chick and Paul who had come in to work (x-mas day) without being asked. Robbie and I got the place opened up and some of our regulars appeared.
We seem to have adopted a white pidgeon, whether it is a reincarnation of Bluey, i do not know. But it now lives on the window ledge above the pub, but comes down to the street to get fed.
Closed up at 3.30 p.m., haveing emptied the pub by putting on the Queens speech at high volume.
Headed to the Mercat where we met up with everyone else and sat down to a wonderful dinner prepared by jamie and Ann, however, feeling a bit unwell, as was Graham we had to leave at 7.45 p.m. and left everyone to be cheery - I think from the state of them this morning they were just a bit too cheery.
made it home where we found that Santa had been a calling - so opened up our presents, very nice ( socks, more socks, smelly stuff, books, CD's, wine, etc ) what more can a man want. However still feeling a bit off I went to bed at 9.10 p.m.
Today has been quiet, I had to take Graham into The Mercat, roads were quiet but there were a few in for breakfast - fortunately not too busy as the Jamie and Claire were just a bit delicate and operating at about 70% of normal speed ( that's me being kind) - so it is now time to rest before work again tomorrow.
Our Antipodean friends seem to be a bit quiet, but they were still hard at it at 1 a.m.
Cheers.
Monday, 24 December 2007
Kind of hectic
How time flies when you are busy, I have just realised how many days I have missed.
Friday I was in town for RA meeting during the day , then headed to Musselburgh to do an evening shift in the Pub. Fairly quiet , although I didhave to fling out a few rowdy individuals and even had a couple of ladies have a wee domestic.
Saturday, it was back to the pub where we were busy with the football , home and feet up.
Sunday was staff day out and x-mas dinner, so we all went to the mercat and had a great time. Joined by Robbie's dad who has been trailing round europe for a few weeks and is here for the New year then back to Oz.
Need more time to work on this, but not now
Cheers.
Friday I was in town for RA meeting during the day , then headed to Musselburgh to do an evening shift in the Pub. Fairly quiet , although I didhave to fling out a few rowdy individuals and even had a couple of ladies have a wee domestic.
Saturday, it was back to the pub where we were busy with the football , home and feet up.
Sunday was staff day out and x-mas dinner, so we all went to the mercat and had a great time. Joined by Robbie's dad who has been trailing round europe for a few weeks and is here for the New year then back to Oz.
Need more time to work on this, but not now
Cheers.
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Another chilly one
Still freezing, with parts of the street in the shade getting no respite from the cold.
Scooted into town a.m. to do the Cash and carry run for the Mercat - certainly a quick one as i was to get back to see my Doctor. He was a bit concerned that I was still ill after the trip to India so a wee sample was required !!
Ann and I went to see how Pamela was getting on with her "stookie" - she is fine, still got the big palster but the surgery on her ankle was a success so now only time will tell. Ricky is having to run all the errands, but is managing valiantly.
Watched Aberdeen eventually hammer the Danish team in the UEFA cup tie - 4 - 0, good game.
Still no word from Mr Karabin, despite me calling the USA last night to waken him up - seems that he is working tons of hours for his new firm -all in the name of "teamwork".
Long day on Friday, of to George Street for meeting of SGRACS, then down to Musselburgh for the evening and a close.
Scooted into town a.m. to do the Cash and carry run for the Mercat - certainly a quick one as i was to get back to see my Doctor. He was a bit concerned that I was still ill after the trip to India so a wee sample was required !!
Ann and I went to see how Pamela was getting on with her "stookie" - she is fine, still got the big palster but the surgery on her ankle was a success so now only time will tell. Ricky is having to run all the errands, but is managing valiantly.
Watched Aberdeen eventually hammer the Danish team in the UEFA cup tie - 4 - 0, good game.
Still no word from Mr Karabin, despite me calling the USA last night to waken him up - seems that he is working tons of hours for his new firm -all in the name of "teamwork".
Long day on Friday, of to George Street for meeting of SGRACS, then down to Musselburgh for the evening and a close.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Rob's birthday, Shaun,and things
What a day, up early, freexing cold but car started (Ford) as BMW was away getting brakes done. Popped ann off to her work and went round to see Dougie at Gilmerton for a roll and cuppa - he was a bit knackered after last nights doo at 151. he left at 1 a.m when the party was just starting. Flavour of the morning was a burnt tattie scone and his genny had packed in.
Out to Enterprise Gateway at Dalkeith where I met one of Graham's pals - totally out of situ so he did not recognise me at fisrt nor I him, despite speaking to him on numerous occasions at The Mercat.
Bloody roadworks, I think it is a conspiracy, they are everywhere. At Milton Bridge, the twice i passed the chaps were taking of tea and buns in their van, at Roslin, two were trying to work out which way the stop and go sighns should be so that cars could pass through the roadworks, whlst one of the others seemed to be having an affair with a broom - we do not need pantomines on the TV, all you do is look at real life. Bilston itself is a total nightmare with queues for miles - and for what ?
Big event of the day is that this is Robbie's birthday - many happy return's - I should have been at his party dinner but due to this incessant coughing, feeling rough and with deli beli - not a good idea.
New in the frame are Hannah, Lorraine and Colin, our friends, who I met at Noble's garage where i was collecting my motor bike wheel which keeps deflating. Lorraine had noticed that her tyre was flat , but not the nail in it. I tried to convince Hannah that a nice X-mas was when you agreed amongst a family not to buy any presents, and that it was nice to sit around a candle - eating a mandarin orange, and discussing how sensible it was not to get involved in the commercialisation of x-mas. I really do not thing that the child was impressed !!!
Phoned Rangers FC to see who I could complain about after the debacle on the 12th (Lyon game) they said that it was nothing to do with them, I had to speak to the Sponsors who in turn should take it up with UEFA who took over the stadium - no regard for the fact that it was their own staff and caterers who were working there.
Kerrin (Little Princess) bit upset today as her Ma is due to go into hospital for some serious surgery tomorrow which will keep her there over x-mas - hope all goes well, chin up.
Shaun, ex Sportsmans, had a wee chat with me tonight on the phone, he is missing the crack as they say, but that's life - good to hear from him as we did get on well while he was with us.
Getting lots of x-mas cards, it is hard to keep up with them - you hear from folk one one then not for ages, etc. but got a lovely one from Issy and Katie who I have not seen for ages and Maggie who was my co leader at the Prince's Trust many moons ago.
At the moment the old saying about the coughing, it's not the coughing that will kill you but the coffin they carry you out in
Have heard that my old friend, compatriot, fellow tutor, etc, is about to take over as chief executive of East Lothian council, not sure whether to congratulate him or commiserate with the community !!!!
on this cheery note i
Out to Enterprise Gateway at Dalkeith where I met one of Graham's pals - totally out of situ so he did not recognise me at fisrt nor I him, despite speaking to him on numerous occasions at The Mercat.
Bloody roadworks, I think it is a conspiracy, they are everywhere. At Milton Bridge, the twice i passed the chaps were taking of tea and buns in their van, at Roslin, two were trying to work out which way the stop and go sighns should be so that cars could pass through the roadworks, whlst one of the others seemed to be having an affair with a broom - we do not need pantomines on the TV, all you do is look at real life. Bilston itself is a total nightmare with queues for miles - and for what ?
Big event of the day is that this is Robbie's birthday - many happy return's - I should have been at his party dinner but due to this incessant coughing, feeling rough and with deli beli - not a good idea.
New in the frame are Hannah, Lorraine and Colin, our friends, who I met at Noble's garage where i was collecting my motor bike wheel which keeps deflating. Lorraine had noticed that her tyre was flat , but not the nail in it. I tried to convince Hannah that a nice X-mas was when you agreed amongst a family not to buy any presents, and that it was nice to sit around a candle - eating a mandarin orange, and discussing how sensible it was not to get involved in the commercialisation of x-mas. I really do not thing that the child was impressed !!!
Phoned Rangers FC to see who I could complain about after the debacle on the 12th (Lyon game) they said that it was nothing to do with them, I had to speak to the Sponsors who in turn should take it up with UEFA who took over the stadium - no regard for the fact that it was their own staff and caterers who were working there.
Kerrin (Little Princess) bit upset today as her Ma is due to go into hospital for some serious surgery tomorrow which will keep her there over x-mas - hope all goes well, chin up.
Shaun, ex Sportsmans, had a wee chat with me tonight on the phone, he is missing the crack as they say, but that's life - good to hear from him as we did get on well while he was with us.
Getting lots of x-mas cards, it is hard to keep up with them - you hear from folk one one then not for ages, etc. but got a lovely one from Issy and Katie who I have not seen for ages and Maggie who was my co leader at the Prince's Trust many moons ago.
At the moment the old saying about the coughing, it's not the coughing that will kill you but the coffin they carry you out in
Have heard that my old friend, compatriot, fellow tutor, etc, is about to take over as chief executive of East Lothian council, not sure whether to congratulate him or commiserate with the community !!!!
on this cheery note i
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Dotting about today
Been busy today, took Ann into town for a course, then Andrea tried to kill a man outside the Mercat who was running past the car when she opened the door in front of him, but he should not have been running on the road, he lives on.
Out to SAC, where I heard tales about lots of bicycles being stolen around the University durning the past three/ four months. the Police have caught some of the culprits and have dozens of bikes, but no owners for them - all down at Fettes.
Sausage roll and cuppa with Dougie at his van in Gilmerton then popped in to see Grant at Photogenics - he had an escapee in last week from an old folks home who asked for her passport photo, then disappeared before her carers could find her !! Hopefully not another canoe job, she was still in her goonie under her coat - but that's not too strange for Bonnyrigg folks.
His dog was at the "hairdressers" today, got so excited at the thought of a shampoo, bath and trim he peeded himself (not Grant) .
Buzzed about doing x-mas things, and touch wood, car is running fine, so it is home, feed, get changed and off to 720 Bonnyrigg tonight.
Letter from the Traffic warden section regarding my parking ticket and motor bike on pavement. - After due process they decided I was in the wrong, but have given me a warning in this instance. I should now know better.
Out to SAC, where I heard tales about lots of bicycles being stolen around the University durning the past three/ four months. the Police have caught some of the culprits and have dozens of bikes, but no owners for them - all down at Fettes.
Sausage roll and cuppa with Dougie at his van in Gilmerton then popped in to see Grant at Photogenics - he had an escapee in last week from an old folks home who asked for her passport photo, then disappeared before her carers could find her !! Hopefully not another canoe job, she was still in her goonie under her coat - but that's not too strange for Bonnyrigg folks.
His dog was at the "hairdressers" today, got so excited at the thought of a shampoo, bath and trim he peeded himself (not Grant) .
Buzzed about doing x-mas things, and touch wood, car is running fine, so it is home, feed, get changed and off to 720 Bonnyrigg tonight.
Letter from the Traffic warden section regarding my parking ticket and motor bike on pavement. - After due process they decided I was in the wrong, but have given me a warning in this instance. I should now know better.
Monday, 17 December 2007
Lots of praise
Well, Ann came home and we went and managed to get the Ford started again. So I drove it round to Kwik Fit where it conked out and they started it twice. Mechanic !! metered the battery and alternator and said that I might need both replacing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Managed to get it moving but conked out in Tesco's car park, so I decided to leave it and went to let staff know it was broken down. The lady person I spoke to said that she thought Tesco had a scheme to help customers and called a young manager who phoned up the RAC who said they would attend, whenever, so I walked up home.
A while later the RAC man phoned and picked me up at the house and headed to the car where after a bit of checking found that there was a broken wire from the alternator. That took him about 5 minutes to repair and the car started on a jump and battery was then charging fine. It would appear that the wire had snapped when Frank was replacing the clutch on Saturday.
So, the car is now home, I will know in the morning if all is well, but I have to say that both Tesco and RAC did me well. RAC man was telling me that there were 46 outstanding calls in the Edinburgh area, with 8 mechanics on the road, so some folks would have a long wait.
Have spent the evening writing x-mas cards as Ann had made a start so it looks like they might even arrive before Christmas this year.
Managed to get it moving but conked out in Tesco's car park, so I decided to leave it and went to let staff know it was broken down. The lady person I spoke to said that she thought Tesco had a scheme to help customers and called a young manager who phoned up the RAC who said they would attend, whenever, so I walked up home.
A while later the RAC man phoned and picked me up at the house and headed to the car where after a bit of checking found that there was a broken wire from the alternator. That took him about 5 minutes to repair and the car started on a jump and battery was then charging fine. It would appear that the wire had snapped when Frank was replacing the clutch on Saturday.
So, the car is now home, I will know in the morning if all is well, but I have to say that both Tesco and RAC did me well. RAC man was telling me that there were 46 outstanding calls in the Edinburgh area, with 8 mechanics on the road, so some folks would have a long wait.
Have spent the evening writing x-mas cards as Ann had made a start so it looks like they might even arrive before Christmas this year.
Not a morning to sunbathe
Out at the crack of dawn to find all frozen with temp at -8C. Just a wee bit cold, however both cars did start, although the Ford was on a charger. BUT - now it is parked down the street with a dead battery, looks like the cold has taken its toll right enough.
Spend the morning tidying up, doing some bookwork and then down the street - where car conked out leaving me to walk home with a big bag of groceries needed to make the dinner.
Whilst raking the drawers up the stairs I found a newspaper article about me when I was 25 yrs old and did a sponsored slim for The British Heart Foundation, I was overweight then at 14 stone and lost 20 lbs, now I am sitting nearer 16 st - bloody hell, looks like I need to lose 48 lbs to return to my former glory, Mission impossible springs to mind.
Spend the morning tidying up, doing some bookwork and then down the street - where car conked out leaving me to walk home with a big bag of groceries needed to make the dinner.
Whilst raking the drawers up the stairs I found a newspaper article about me when I was 25 yrs old and did a sponsored slim for The British Heart Foundation, I was overweight then at 14 stone and lost 20 lbs, now I am sitting nearer 16 st - bloody hell, looks like I need to lose 48 lbs to return to my former glory, Mission impossible springs to mind.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Rant and rave
That's me in India, at Bangalore, giving it laldy, everyone had to tell a story or sing a song, etc, so I just stood up and ranted on, just as I am about to!!!.saturday a.m. went to Imarni's and had a wonderfull massage, hydrotherme again, from my young Polish lady. She and her friends had gone to the Mercat on Thursday for their x-mas dinner and thought it was superb, they were well looked after and the bottle of Piper bubbly went down a treat.
Still had my Delli type belly so it was scambled eggs again - before I headed home, but no rest for the wicked, I had to take Ann off to town to her friend's ( Allison) 50th party.
I then popped back into the Mercat where all was hunky dory, with our lot - Tam, Catherine, Robbie, Caitlin, Jeremy, all down on the sofa's watching the x-factor final. Edwardo, Jamie, Jonathon, and Graham were there but at the bar - Edwardo, a bit under the weather got a lift home with me.
Musselburgh - very quiet when I went down so a wee chat to Simon and Kerrin (she was a bit off colour) then I decided , wrongly to head back to the Mercat - there was a bit bother in the Sportsman's late on, but from the CCTV it probably could not have been avoided.
Picked up Ann and headed home.
Sunday a.m. - up sharp but the Escort would not not start - so bloody cold -4C that the battery had died. After an hours trickle charge car startedbut died again when heater went on, so it was off in the other car to Musselburgh. I was a bit upset having just paid for a new clutch in the Ford yesterday as well but that had nothing to do with the battery.
Anyway, down to Musselburgh to look at the CCTV and copy the barny for the Police, who had responded quickly and were very helpful. Then - due to the severe frost the race meeting was cancelled so I did not have to stay - up the road and managed to get the Ford running so it is now on charge all night.
Intially was not keen on eating but Ann did a steak, with onions and chips fo me, washed down with a nice Mcperson's Big 15 (2006) - and so far stomach has not rebelled. ( New supplier for the Mercat and his steaks are excellent) Both us were crying due to the acid from the onions - took hours to clear.
Watched the x-factor, (bit sad really, anyway good result for Leon, and I am sure that Rydian will work for years in shows, etc) then Come Dancing and ended up being lazy watching the box.
Spoke with Willie my brother in law in Egham, London, who has done nothing to his extension since I was there, so I had better get down and sort it out, he and Sandra are having a wonderful social life with their new neighbours and have also booked next years holiday in May - so, so much for me getting things sorted. their son Stuart, our nephew /Graham's cousin is / has just popped into hospital re a big abcess on his back, and surprisingly the 1st hospital he went to did not have anyone there capable of dealing with it, so he is now in another in london waiting to get it sorted.
Bert (Secretary) was on the phone earlier - I now have four obituaries to report of companions of 500 at the next meeting. And on the same theme, Steven and Susan Michell popped round to say that sadly, Jean from Tenerifffe died yesterday morning , aged 63 of a heart attack, we used to visit her and her husband Jimmy when we were over there.
Whilst all this has been going on - us bursting guts, etc, Sparky Marky, in one of moments of chilling out has managed to book up for a two week cycling tour of CUBA in January ( paying no consideration to the fact that he has obligations for me on the 22nd) so obviously all I can do is hope that he suffers from multiple punctures, mosquito bites, ugly women, and mayby even gets flung in jail - not that I am jealous or taking it badly.
Now 11 p.m., Mercat is quiet now but was busy with the football crowd today, but there are a few in the Sportsmans being looked after by Dannielle and young Michelle, so I am still coughing well but hopefully I will get a good sleep.
Friday, 14 December 2007
Friday night - resting
Cramps, and more cramps last night, all bloody night in fact, just as one leg was easing off the other started and so on it went . So a.m. totally knackered but was up and away.
What a difference in the traffic - Dalkeith in 40 minutes as against my 20 mins in the past.
Musselburgh was fairly steady - which was good, but certainly not as good as it has been , however, one week before x-mas and people are biding their time. It was my old faithfulls who kept me going.
Spoke to a chappie in Plymouth on the phone the other day - he had no idea at all where Edinburgh was !!
What a difference in the traffic - Dalkeith in 40 minutes as against my 20 mins in the past.
Musselburgh was fairly steady - which was good, but certainly not as good as it has been , however, one week before x-mas and people are biding their time. It was my old faithfulls who kept me going.
Spoke to a chappie in Plymouth on the phone the other day - he had no idea at all where Edinburgh was !!
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Me - MIA.
How time flies, and I did not realise that i have been out of touch for so long.
Anyway, in town during the day last Saturday then had to go and work at Musselburgh at night, as of 10 p.m. - good job though, I managed to shut the pub on time, but the Police raided three others who were planning lock ins for the big fight in the USA.
Sunday , we had the beer club x-mas dinner at the Mercat, so I managed to stay dry for that, only 8 hours of tea and water - hence rumbling belly late on.
Monday - race day at Musselburgh , but it was really quiet by comparison, quick scoot up the road and out again for urgent meeting at 720.
Call from BTP so I had to cancel everything and was up and off at 5 a.m. on Tuesday to Runcorn
no real hold ups so I was home quick and managed a sleep before heading to the RA at Tranent at night, good turn out with 22 from Provincial. John Ackroyd called, he managed to take in a wee charter flight round Mount Everest while he was in Katmandu on business for the BBC
Wed - my planned big day, Met Archie at The Mercat, glass of wine, and then off with Graham and Archie to Glasgow where we met pm with Stuart and Richard from the Old Original, before heading to Ibrox to see Lyon play Rangers. Have had this planned for a few weeks and i must say that the whole experience from the time I arrived till we left Ibrox was a great disappointment - not only because Rangers were seriously thumped, they had no heart or passion for the game. But for me the whole hospitality thing was bad. Anyway, the Heiniken rep, Jeremy, had Graham and myself home by 12 mn.
Today, up sharp, four new tyres on the car - ouch - then off to Bruce's funeral, very well attended and a lovely service taken by Rev. Ray Williamson, one of our own. Off into town - where we had hoped to take in a movie, but there was nothing that took our fancy so we went back up to The Mercat where dinner for me was a lovely bit of popeseye steak, glass of wine, etc. Archie popped in , he seemed to enjoy his day out with us yesterday, but agreed with me that there were serious shortcomings in the Champions Club.
Friday, looking ahead, rescheduled meeting a.m. sharp with accountant, then my turn to look after the Sportmans. Sat, massage organised a.m., and Ann is out at a 50th birthday party at night, so she will miss the big x factor final.
Anyway, in town during the day last Saturday then had to go and work at Musselburgh at night, as of 10 p.m. - good job though, I managed to shut the pub on time, but the Police raided three others who were planning lock ins for the big fight in the USA.
Sunday , we had the beer club x-mas dinner at the Mercat, so I managed to stay dry for that, only 8 hours of tea and water - hence rumbling belly late on.
Monday - race day at Musselburgh , but it was really quiet by comparison, quick scoot up the road and out again for urgent meeting at 720.
Call from BTP so I had to cancel everything and was up and off at 5 a.m. on Tuesday to Runcorn
no real hold ups so I was home quick and managed a sleep before heading to the RA at Tranent at night, good turn out with 22 from Provincial. John Ackroyd called, he managed to take in a wee charter flight round Mount Everest while he was in Katmandu on business for the BBC
Wed - my planned big day, Met Archie at The Mercat, glass of wine, and then off with Graham and Archie to Glasgow where we met pm with Stuart and Richard from the Old Original, before heading to Ibrox to see Lyon play Rangers. Have had this planned for a few weeks and i must say that the whole experience from the time I arrived till we left Ibrox was a great disappointment - not only because Rangers were seriously thumped, they had no heart or passion for the game. But for me the whole hospitality thing was bad. Anyway, the Heiniken rep, Jeremy, had Graham and myself home by 12 mn.
Today, up sharp, four new tyres on the car - ouch - then off to Bruce's funeral, very well attended and a lovely service taken by Rev. Ray Williamson, one of our own. Off into town - where we had hoped to take in a movie, but there was nothing that took our fancy so we went back up to The Mercat where dinner for me was a lovely bit of popeseye steak, glass of wine, etc. Archie popped in , he seemed to enjoy his day out with us yesterday, but agreed with me that there were serious shortcomings in the Champions Club.
Friday, looking ahead, rescheduled meeting a.m. sharp with accountant, then my turn to look after the Sportmans. Sat, massage organised a.m., and Ann is out at a 50th birthday party at night, so she will miss the big x factor final.
Friday, 7 December 2007
The late Bruce Robertson
Sadly, the stories of Bruce robertson's death were true. I am still not sure if he died on Tuesday night or Wednesday night, anyway it accounts for me not being able to make conatc during the week.
I first met Bruce way back in August 1966 when I joined the old Lothian and Peebles Constabulary and Bruce was the Admin P.C. in the D.H.Q. at Dalkeith. During the years he was promoted to Sgt and then Inspector in the Dept. and I remember one of the bosses calling him "Staff", as in Staff Officer. I am not sure if he was in the RAF at one stage but for some reason I think he was.
He was quite a character in those days, then i sort of lost touch after he retired but met up again through the Masons where he was in the Lodge, Chapter and Eastern Star. He was latterly the Lodge Secretary so i used to sit with him at all the meetings, and if he was a bit off colour he would get me to take notes for his minutes.
He was at the Installation last weekend and was trying to get Mark and me to saty on a bit longer ( at 4.30 a.m.) and on Tuesday night he sent me off with a wee task to doo and I was never able to let him know how I had got on.
He will be sadly missed.
I first met Bruce way back in August 1966 when I joined the old Lothian and Peebles Constabulary and Bruce was the Admin P.C. in the D.H.Q. at Dalkeith. During the years he was promoted to Sgt and then Inspector in the Dept. and I remember one of the bosses calling him "Staff", as in Staff Officer. I am not sure if he was in the RAF at one stage but for some reason I think he was.
He was quite a character in those days, then i sort of lost touch after he retired but met up again through the Masons where he was in the Lodge, Chapter and Eastern Star. He was latterly the Lodge Secretary so i used to sit with him at all the meetings, and if he was a bit off colour he would get me to take notes for his minutes.
He was at the Installation last weekend and was trying to get Mark and me to saty on a bit longer ( at 4.30 a.m.) and on Tuesday night he sent me off with a wee task to doo and I was never able to let him know how I had got on.
He will be sadly missed.
Waited three weeks - wonderful
I eventually succommed to temptation and had a wonderful steak for lunch today.
Its three weeks of so since my last and I was starting to dream about steak pies, cows, anything that went MOO - so there I was in the mercat, with Claire trying to tempt me - so with little persuation I had a beautiful steak sizzler, mushrooms, onion rings, etc and a couple of glasses of good red wine. It was a moment to savour!!.
Its three weeks of so since my last and I was starting to dream about steak pies, cows, anything that went MOO - so there I was in the mercat, with Claire trying to tempt me - so with little persuation I had a beautiful steak sizzler, mushrooms, onion rings, etc and a couple of glasses of good red wine. It was a moment to savour!!.
Thursday - plans all changed
day started off Ok with me dropping Ann off at work and then going off to my job at Corstorphine. Eventually called a halt there, as I need paid and there is nothing further to do till they make a move.
Headed out to Dougie's van for a cup of tea and then picked up a new hands free system for the car, as my bluetooth earpiece was totally unpredictable and I did not want to get caught out.
Due to staffing problems I ended uphaving to work at the Sportsmans instead of getting, as planned away to either Gorebridge or Prestonpans to RA meetings,
Pub was OK, nice and steady, just a wee group in so the evening passed quickly, no fuss, drama, and I was able to shut the doors a bit early, and made it home to bed by 1245 a.m.
Anyway, to day is another day , and I need to find out if the rumor about Bruce robertson is true.
Headed out to Dougie's van for a cup of tea and then picked up a new hands free system for the car, as my bluetooth earpiece was totally unpredictable and I did not want to get caught out.
Due to staffing problems I ended uphaving to work at the Sportsmans instead of getting, as planned away to either Gorebridge or Prestonpans to RA meetings,
Pub was OK, nice and steady, just a wee group in so the evening passed quickly, no fuss, drama, and I was able to shut the doors a bit early, and made it home to bed by 1245 a.m.
Anyway, to day is another day , and I need to find out if the rumor about Bruce robertson is true.
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
What a day
A long day, off at 4.45 a.m. , back at 4.15 p.m. with 566 miles in between.
My usual rants with white van men, young lady behind me on mobile phone for 20 mins, and a total lunatic in a Nissen Micra, 90 mph, in gale force side winds, taking up two lanes on the motorway.
End of the day, job done, but a bit knackered.
Saw a van run off the road on the M74, going too hard on a left hander, ran off the road into the soft bedding at central reservation so was stuck hard and jumping up and down.
At Runcorn, too late for my breakfast, the girls were in a staff meeting so it was just a cup of tea and off again, but I did get a nice bacon and egg roll at the Little Cheff just north of carlisle in the roadworks.
two lorry drivers, Parcel Force, and surprisingly an Eddie Stobbart man, decided that they did not need to stick to the limits in the controlled roadworks - bit naughty and not good for the image.
Talking of image, our PHS people seem to be totally ignorant, no response now to letters, phone calls and e mails, during past 3 months, just keep sending out bills and refusing to meet with us despite have commited a fraud and us threatening to rip out their kit and leave it in the street.
In need of a sleep but I will see off this bottle of australian Red first.
My usual rants with white van men, young lady behind me on mobile phone for 20 mins, and a total lunatic in a Nissen Micra, 90 mph, in gale force side winds, taking up two lanes on the motorway.
End of the day, job done, but a bit knackered.
Saw a van run off the road on the M74, going too hard on a left hander, ran off the road into the soft bedding at central reservation so was stuck hard and jumping up and down.
At Runcorn, too late for my breakfast, the girls were in a staff meeting so it was just a cup of tea and off again, but I did get a nice bacon and egg roll at the Little Cheff just north of carlisle in the roadworks.
two lorry drivers, Parcel Force, and surprisingly an Eddie Stobbart man, decided that they did not need to stick to the limits in the controlled roadworks - bit naughty and not good for the image.
Talking of image, our PHS people seem to be totally ignorant, no response now to letters, phone calls and e mails, during past 3 months, just keep sending out bills and refusing to meet with us despite have commited a fraud and us threatening to rip out their kit and leave it in the street.
In need of a sleep but I will see off this bottle of australian Red first.
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
OH What a day
Sleepless night between sore stomach and a restless wife, so it was up early.
Agreed to drive Graham into town, on what I asked, not a lick of petrol in the car, running on fumes, however the nearst garage is only 200 yds away so we were safe. Then got stuck in terrible traffic so it took me 70 mins to get into the Mercat, but having phoned ahead the lovely Clair was waiting at the kerbside with my roll and a cup of tea.
Down to Scott Cuppola's for my electrical stuff - whizzed through, then , NO BLOODY WALLET, left it in the house being in a rush.
Onwards to Musselburgh where robbie and I dismantled the toilet, fitted the new siphon, replaced toilet, dismantled toilet, replaced siphon, and again replaced cistern - and blow me down it worked.
Back to Edinburgh, this time with money and collected my electrical bits, before hading out to Bonnyrigg, stopping en route at Dougie Sneddon's roadside "cafe" - but he was pleased to see me and roll was good.
Into Bonnyrigg to see Grant at Photogenix, pinched umpteen chocolates - collected some chemical cleaner from him and off up the road.
Bit of a mess in the shower room where Ann had dropped nail polish but eventually it was all cleaned up - at the same time managed to get the lights fixed in the ceiling.
So not a bad days work after all.
Off to 720 with Sparky and Grant, then up early and down south in the morning. But Ann is going back to work tomorrow - after only 29 months getting messed about.
Agreed to drive Graham into town, on what I asked, not a lick of petrol in the car, running on fumes, however the nearst garage is only 200 yds away so we were safe. Then got stuck in terrible traffic so it took me 70 mins to get into the Mercat, but having phoned ahead the lovely Clair was waiting at the kerbside with my roll and a cup of tea.
Down to Scott Cuppola's for my electrical stuff - whizzed through, then , NO BLOODY WALLET, left it in the house being in a rush.
Onwards to Musselburgh where robbie and I dismantled the toilet, fitted the new siphon, replaced toilet, dismantled toilet, replaced siphon, and again replaced cistern - and blow me down it worked.
Back to Edinburgh, this time with money and collected my electrical bits, before hading out to Bonnyrigg, stopping en route at Dougie Sneddon's roadside "cafe" - but he was pleased to see me and roll was good.
Into Bonnyrigg to see Grant at Photogenix, pinched umpteen chocolates - collected some chemical cleaner from him and off up the road.
Bit of a mess in the shower room where Ann had dropped nail polish but eventually it was all cleaned up - at the same time managed to get the lights fixed in the ceiling.
So not a bad days work after all.
Off to 720 with Sparky and Grant, then up early and down south in the morning. But Ann is going back to work tomorrow - after only 29 months getting messed about.
Monday, 3 December 2007
Pays to shop about
Nearly fit as a fiddle, and managing to get some of my work done.
Went mad, pulled cables out of the bathroom ceiling to try and fix lights as transformer is goosed, so if you sit on the pan, hold the wires and switch on your hair curls - Sparky, eat your heart out.
Tried to get a new transformer from Homebase - but it was just a bit too much to expect from their limited stock - so it will be Scott Cuppola & Co when I get the chance. Also priced a siphon and seal kit for a toilet - £17 50p approx, went to the Plumb Centre at Dalkeith where it cost £7.18p.
Stopped off for a cuppa at the "van" in the bus lay by on the A7 at Hunters yard just south of Gilmerton and lo and behold, it was Dougie from 151 in charge, so I had two cups of tea, a bacon roll and a good blether. Dougie was one of the group from 151 who we went with to Shetland last November - had a blast. He is getting set up for Robbie's doo tomorrow and their installation on the 18th.
I hear that Chick rescued a Dove in the street at Musselburgh today, took it to the vet and now concerned that vet will destroy it so he wants to look after it , BUT I am not sure if that is so that he can eat it on x-mas day !! only kidding. So he had a different kind of "flutter" today.
Off out to Newbattle again tonight, Conclave for a change.
Went mad, pulled cables out of the bathroom ceiling to try and fix lights as transformer is goosed, so if you sit on the pan, hold the wires and switch on your hair curls - Sparky, eat your heart out.
Tried to get a new transformer from Homebase - but it was just a bit too much to expect from their limited stock - so it will be Scott Cuppola & Co when I get the chance. Also priced a siphon and seal kit for a toilet - £17 50p approx, went to the Plumb Centre at Dalkeith where it cost £7.18p.
Stopped off for a cuppa at the "van" in the bus lay by on the A7 at Hunters yard just south of Gilmerton and lo and behold, it was Dougie from 151 in charge, so I had two cups of tea, a bacon roll and a good blether. Dougie was one of the group from 151 who we went with to Shetland last November - had a blast. He is getting set up for Robbie's doo tomorrow and their installation on the 18th.
I hear that Chick rescued a Dove in the street at Musselburgh today, took it to the vet and now concerned that vet will destroy it so he wants to look after it , BUT I am not sure if that is so that he can eat it on x-mas day !! only kidding. So he had a different kind of "flutter" today.
Off out to Newbattle again tonight, Conclave for a change.
Sunday, 2 December 2007
Masons day / night out.
Sunday late and I am just now recovering from a "masons day out".
Saturday sparky and I set off at 1145 for Newbattle to go to the K.T's, little raaslising jsu what lay ahead. meeting started at 1230, was adjurned at 2 p.m. then the guest speaker, Robert Cooper, author of the Roslyn Hoax, took the floor and gave a talk about the history of Scottish Freemasonary and talked a lot about Roslyn Chapel dispelling a few myths about its connection with the KT's. Its true what he said that little credence is given to the fact that there was a very large KT encampment at Ballentraddoch ( now known as Temple village) about four of five miles from Roslyn and dating back to the 1100's . As I apparantly dozed off briefly I may have missed something important.
After the talk finished we had to up and dash away without the buffet lunch as we were due over at Bonnyrigg for Alex McBeth's installation at 720 which started at 5 p.m. Meeting was superb with about 180 bodies jammed into the lodge, and I had the pleasure of investing Alex with the 500RA harmony jewel. After the installation about 140 bodies remained for the meal, toasts and social which were all great.
The members present had a collection and donated £500 to Grand lodge as part of the charity appeal.
At one stage I suggested we might leave at 11 p.m., however it was 5 a.m. this morning when I got home having had a marvellous and memorable day out.
Saturday sparky and I set off at 1145 for Newbattle to go to the K.T's, little raaslising jsu what lay ahead. meeting started at 1230, was adjurned at 2 p.m. then the guest speaker, Robert Cooper, author of the Roslyn Hoax, took the floor and gave a talk about the history of Scottish Freemasonary and talked a lot about Roslyn Chapel dispelling a few myths about its connection with the KT's. Its true what he said that little credence is given to the fact that there was a very large KT encampment at Ballentraddoch ( now known as Temple village) about four of five miles from Roslyn and dating back to the 1100's . As I apparantly dozed off briefly I may have missed something important.
After the talk finished we had to up and dash away without the buffet lunch as we were due over at Bonnyrigg for Alex McBeth's installation at 720 which started at 5 p.m. Meeting was superb with about 180 bodies jammed into the lodge, and I had the pleasure of investing Alex with the 500RA harmony jewel. After the installation about 140 bodies remained for the meal, toasts and social which were all great.
The members present had a collection and donated £500 to Grand lodge as part of the charity appeal.
At one stage I suggested we might leave at 11 p.m., however it was 5 a.m. this morning when I got home having had a marvellous and memorable day out.
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