My clone - in manchester

Having a peek before I was about to retire to bed I found lots of searches from the manchester area, and digging a bit deeper i sort of tie them in ( I think) to my namesake there, who seems to be having a bit of a problem with his missus. I can only presume that someone has found my site and has done a bit of background reading which they found interesting, and hopefully it was not the person who tried to stick a visus into the site last week.

Anyway - whilst still awake and being a bit carnaptious - meaning a crabby person - I am annoyed tonight about , the Mugabwe carry on - he is just a thieving power mad twat - which obviously puts him on the same level as Mr Brown, Mr Darling, and forgive me for saying this but also Mr Salmond - just name a politician who is in the business for anything but personal profit and prestige!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

T5 Heathrow is still making a total mockery of the British aviation service - I just wonder whether there has been a built in element of self destruct which the autorities cannot prove at this moment. When you look at some of the biggest projects which have worked without a glitch, this is odd if not super embarassing.

parking fees - in Edinburgh, near to the Mercat they are going up to 50p for 15 mins, not as bad as £3.80p an hour in George Street. - watching the news tonight with the story about the £70 and £50 parking tickets - there is NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER THAT WE ARE BEING SCREWED INTO THE GROUND BY THIS GOVERNMENT.

The latest articles about Community policing - God, we had beat bobbies 50 years ago and they slowly phased them out, when I was a good community cop twenty five years ago who knew every thing which was going on in my beat - my boss said "cops like you are now a thing of the past" what a load of piffle. I cannot blame the Police Service as such, they are tied by the financial constraints of the government, however in my case I, at the time introduced Schoolwatch and Drugwise which were so far ahead of their time no one in authority was prepared to give them long term support, your current MP. David Hamilton, and Councillor Jack Aitchison included ,Convenor of the Police Board - had the opportunity along with others to support these community based projects which needed long term support with integration into the education system . To the best of my knowledge one of the best supporters has been Alan Blackie, East lothian Council, who after I had retired managed to put staff into place to adapt my work and carry it forward.

Change of subject - the silly person runs the comedy club at The Mercat - just dropped and broke the microphone which means that a) It will cost us to buy a new one : b) they are having to shout to tell their jokes, but everyone can hear anyway; and c) as Sir Chritopher said " she is a silly moo" .
On that note - good night

It's official , I am still breathing - like it or not.

Monday, beautiful morning but freezing cold with the car all iced up taking a good five minutes to scrape clear. Then it was off to Musselburgh to do some chores before heading up to the Royal infirmary.
I was attending the chest clinic as I am still suffering from "something" which started in October/ November last year. - Staff were very nice in the Clinic, every time you sat down someone wanted to see you, for weighing, height, breathing tests, then x- rays and blood tests ( I did not faint), and then to see the doctor. My lady doctor was very nice, thorough and I am sure, from the look of things, that she had a greater lung capacity than me !! Anyway, she said I generally fit and well (still breathing) but I have a test course of medication for a month , then an asthma test, before going back to the consultant in May. On the way out I spotted by neurologist, a real gentleman (Dr. Davenport) so we had a quick natter before I headed off.

I stopped off at the "(Michelin 5***** ) snack bar on the A7 at Gilmerton run by Dougie Sneddon ( in the photo at the 151 ball) and had a nice double decker square sausage roll and a cuppa then up to Bonnyrigg to see Grant @ photogenix. While there, Bernard Hunter took off in his private helicopter from the back of the scap yard, took a photo but it is not that clever.

Grant was in good form - two jokes :-
1. After Heather Mills was awarded all that money from the divorce case she bought herself a new plane, but she still uses a ladyshave on the other leg !!

2. What is the difference between Heather Mills and Northern Rock? - One is unstable and screws pensioners, the other is a Building Society.

Home to do some paperwork then off via Costco to "The Mercat" to get my dinner and collect Graham who had arrived back after his trip to see Andrea's cousin getting married. I was in a dither as to what to eat so Claire made me a light snack, lovely scrambled egg with Stornoway black pudding.

Katherine, Tam's wife appeared with the dog of the late Quinn who has returned to USA, in the meantime there is a dog sitting circle organised by Sir Christopher and Miss talk a lot - so we have volunteered to take the beastie for a few days before it gets put on a plane homewards to meet up with Quinn. (perhaps an opportunity for a photo !!)

BUT more importantly, Kerrin phoned to say that "SOME BU**ER HAS STOLEN MY KETTLE FROM THE SPORTSMAN'S BAR" this is the second time this has happened, last time it was returned under fear of physical damage. In addition one of the punters was giving this small 19 year old barmaid a hard time - so he was obviously not a regular and oblivious to the fact that he was on dodgy ground ( the regulars being very protective towards the staff). Even big George was complaining that someone had nicked his bag - so it looks like someone might be taking the micky seeing as how I am leaving. BUT I AM NOT AWAY YET.

Made it home and coincidentally have been in contact with my two favourite car mechanics tonight, Frank Farmer was parked up outside my back fence so he was lucky I did not reverse into him, and Ian Dillworth phoned, just back from Club La Costa, Finguerola, near Malaga ( same place as we went in September with William and Sandra) to make sure that the Ford was still not jumping about over the road as Ann had alleged. He had a nice time, weather was good although a bit chilly at night. Maybe I will get away for a few days soon - I can live in hope .

Sunday , 1st day of summer

Sunday night and hopefully getting the feet up shortly.

This was another picure from Friday nights ball, the gent in the centre at the table is Morris Wilson who earned 81 caps playing international hockey as a golkeeper for Scotland - and is still playing !!

Clocks went forward so it was not as long a lie as I had wanted - BUT - up I got, the sandwiches were ready for Musselburgh, so it was off again at 10.30 via The Mercat and through the town to The Sportsmans Bar.

Kerrin , like many today had slept in because their clocks had not been changed - but she still made it on time.

Simon came in for a chat, and while we were downstairs three "half cut or doped" individuals appeared and attempted to get drink from Kerrin who refused them, however they were not taking no for an answer - but rapidly changed their minds and left when first Simon and then myself appeared from behind Kerrin having come up the steps from the cellar. BUT that is how easy it could have been for a confrontation on a Sunday morning.

Due to staff shortages at The Mercat I ended up on the bottom bar there where a group of pals were having a reunion, they had all played football on five a side pitches against one and other during the past 25 years and their main pitch had recently been demolished. Good crowd who all enjoyed their drinks and a buffet lunch.

William from London has just called, some time ago I showed pics of him and I working on the foundations of his extension, well , he now has the roof timbers in place and is making good if not slow progress. I think he needs me down there again to "jildy" him up - but until they get the new T5 sorted at Heathrow I am not flying BA.

Saturday - long day and last night

Saturday was a long day with me heading to Musselburgh early to help with the crowd we wxpected for the football ( Rangers v Celtic)

which kicked off at 12.30. Right eenough the full tream arrived and we were kept busy.

Eventually left and headed home for a snooze before getting organised for the evening.

Ann had had a call from Sparky Mark in Peru who was suffering from altitude sickness along with several other in the group at Lima. he still has another two weeks to go.

Up and changed then over to Gorebridge to show face at 429's social evening . A good wee crowd there, all enjoying themselves so I thought it better to leave before I got involved and headed off to Musselburgh stopping off to see Tam Finlay (see TF77.com) enroute. He is a whiz with phones and computers so I had a cuppa and spend a facinating hour or so while we played with boys toys.

Eventually made it to The Sportsmans for about 11 p.m. where Simon, Elaine, Tam, Karaoke Ann and Joanne were coping with the crew there. Big Karen, two Michelle's and Kerrin, plus many others were present so there were lots of hugs, kisses, etc. for me to cope with this being my last Saturnday night shift..

Davy the bookie was complaining that I had described him as being unsmiling in his last photo so Kerrin and Michelle gave him something to smile about this time!!

Ann ( in the green) was saying that her husband Jim had been in during the afternoon and had a doo to go to but was worried about going home to get changed in case he was late, so he just exchanged clothers, shirt, trouses and shoes with some of the regulars in the bar and headed off.

As usual there had to be the one, two ot was it three eejits who had to get up and slap each other about - technically, and in any one elses language it would be an assualt or breach of the peace, but that is not how they see it , just a result of having a short fuse, being intolerant or whatever - so one was ejected, the others remained and tried to behave.

James @ Squirrel was in good form and like several others said that we would be missed when we leave - thanks for all your kind comments.

Anyway, with a bit of teamwork, made it out by 1.45 a.m. which equated to 2.45 due to the clocks being changed - and so it was homewards with a quick stop to check one of my other jobs on the way - and so to Sunday.

Eat your heart out M & S.

Morning,

I have had my first row of the day, having put the wrong picture of Ann on the blog last night. No matter - no harm done and I liked it anyway. So here are another two , one with her talking to the flowers who could not get a word in edgeways, and the other I am not sure who is holding who up - but Gordon was looking well in his kilt. Many thanks to him and Sandra for inviting us to the Ball / dinner.

Pouring with rain , cold now, and I am heading off to Musselburgh to see to the troops there and dispense ale.

Looking good

Well, after several months of illness and not being anywhere like herself, Mrs. B. decided that tonight she was up for a night out, so off we went to the 151 ball at Liberton Golf Club. She was looking well, enjoyed herself as did everyone, so here we have a few at the table, Morris Wilson, Linda, Gordon Leitch and myself tucked away in the background. Proof of the recovery will be how she is feeling in the morning.

I see from my Tracker that Mark is still in one piece as he has been on the blog site, unless he disclosed the password under duress to his captors.

Kept on my toes

Eventually we got them, Ann's "New Balance" trainers and at JB Sports Loanhead who said they did not stock them when we first asked.

Even managed to get a new pair for myself to try and keep up with her - but little chance of that at the momenet.

Anyway - now up and about to head out to get on with tasks for the day.

Sweet THURSDAY

Four photos to interst you tonight. Not sure what order they will come out in, but we have Jim, Brian and Keith - Jim is a builder, Brian you should know by now, and Keith who is a computer whiz; Geroge and Ian ; George being the handsome one who is the bane of my life - won the bricklayers appentice of the year award for three years, male chauvenist pig, and certainly not the man about town - but a font of knowledge about Mohammed Ali and astronomy; Ian @ Toomi, window fitter, owner of Harvey the white alsation , partner of bannanni annie, and paranoid that I am about to take a contract out on him; Next we have Davy(unsmiling) the bookie complete with scar on napper from falling into a hole on the pavement, Colin of railway engineering fame and partner of Kirsten who is taking over the pub next week, and Kirsten owner of psycho cats and a terrified hamster - plus one buried in the garden in a wee box wrapped in cotton wool. And finally Paul Q @ Peas and his wife Julie @ Princess. Peas is in his opinion a wonderful singer and graces the mike every karaoke, ardent Hibs fan, whilst Julie is a staunch jambo and long suffering wife, ex barmaid of the year at the Sportsmans)

Old Ian and Danny (of the three amigos - no sign of Rob today) were in this morning and had a wonderful time at the Alexander Brothers concert last night - they were hoarse with singing and had to try and cure their throats with a few wee goldies. Ian is going to get his Grandson in Loanhead to open up the blog for him.

Kirsten was saying that she has Damien from Matthew Clark Ltd., the wholesale spirit Merchants and the lad from Midlothian Enterprise about to try and read our news also.

Kerrin @ little princess was in a.m. and headed off to go and play in the "Time Capsule" at Coatbridge for the day.

E mail from Graham in the USA who is looking forward to the wedding (not his) and party afterwards before coming home on Monday.

No word from sparky mark on the Inca trail - perhaps he has ended up as some human sacrifice!!

Any way that's me for the day - feet up to relax, a.m. Friday back to Musselburgh, then to Bookers and we have a 151 Ball tomorrow night.

Just filling in time

The car was parked in Palmerston Place opposite St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and I thought this was a nice wee picture.

The Foundations were laid in 1874 and the knave was 1st used in 1879. From the web site I looked at I must pop in for a bit neb, it looks quite interesting.

Many years ago I was involved with the craft school attached to it when the Prince's Trust gave them funding. The music school and craft section still exist.

Having a night off last night I ended up back at Bonnyrigg at a meeting of the Eastern Star - and received my Diploma.

Sotland did not do too badly, getting a draw against Croatia - just a shame that the SFA caused such a guddle and havoc at Hamden Park with their ticket admin - on the radio they tried to drown out the commentators who were complaining at half time by turning the PA system right up - bit naughty. Pleased to see Beckham get his 110th cap, shame about the score - I bet the Queen was sorry she invited the French President to dinner ! - maybe she put extra salt in his soup when he was not looking.

A day off

Headed to town via Costco for supplies and inthe car park tried to mow down Andy "KP" who nearly had a heart attack. Onwards to The Mercat and popped in to the nearby hairdressers where my somewhat scruffy head was cut down to size and the man tried to stick a burning taper in my ears ! bit odd.

Along to John Lewis, company which is "Never knowing undersold", dispite this they were charging about £40 more for a Quad set of BT phones than I recently paid, although the onesI bought did not work properly and were taken back.

Ouside, having coffee, we were accosted by the lovely Hannah and her friend Catherine, wandering aimlessly during their lunch break - Hannah (on the right) is coming back to work for Graham soon and keep me right, she says.

I see from the papers that our M.P.'s do not want us to know what expenses they have been claiming whilst in office - obviously if they were not screwing the sytem and had nothing to hide this would not be a problem. There is no way these folks are the job for the love of the Country.

HEID LIKE MINCE

Now Thursday a.m. and having had a decent sleep last night I am feeling 1000% better than yesterday and certainly last night when my "heid wsas like mince" and i had no concentration at all.

Wed a.m. having been up early i made it to Musselburgh via Bookers and the bank en route, and then got on with my pre opening chores.

After Easter Monday the place was fairly quiet although I did get my usual day time people including the "Three amigos". Ian had come back from Aviemore with the family early as the weather was so bad with snow, etc, that they had been worreid about gettying blocked in. Rob had been to the library and on the blog and was telling Danny who in turn started to get worried that I was writing all sorts about him - not at all!! They just love winding each other up.We think that Ian and danny are going to see the Alexander Brothers perform tonight, now I thought they were both dead- personally I they they have been pickled in formhaldeyde, stuffed and it is taped music in the background.

Kristen arrived with Colin for a blether, she was saying that she had to sleep with the new hamster as the two cats, the second now developing psychotic tendencies, had sat eying up the hamster all evening till they fell asleep dreaming of hamster treats !!

Old "Bing" from Wallyford appeared for the first time since early december, having been ill in hospital, still telling the same old jokes, however he was not up for a long session and called his taxi early.

Brian arrived so today's photo of the old harbour at Musselburgh is an example of what happened when he walked past it - the tide went out.

The day was not helped when Ann took my car to the shops in the morning and it broke downso she had to walk back. She then phoned to say that her car was not going right !!! it was jumping - I know not how high!! and of course there was nothing I could do at the time. BUT once I got home I found that ther Escort was OK but had to call out the RAC to my car - when it turned out to be nothing other than a flat battery caused by the car not being used and a week or so of extreme cold draining the battery. Problems solved.

Royal Arch last night was a nighmare with the candidate arriving a bit late, low numbers attending due to two other big meetings elsewhere, and I can only thank my office bearers and stand ins for getting me through the night with no disasters. Next meeting in April I WILL need to be on the ball. Andy, our Candidate did enjoy the night and is looking forward to his next part. He and Sir Christopher were being driven by Andy K.P. who has done well.

Now off to Costco, and the town

The Roman Bridge

Just a bit of history while I remember.

This is the modern version of the "Roman Bridge" now used as a pedestrian crossing on the River Esk.

The original was built by the Romans in AD80 when Musselburgh was a busy Roman settlement. It was eventually rebuilt in 1300 and then this was was built on the same site in 1597 when an additional arch was added.

This photo was taken looking east towards the bridge rather than the normal views which all seem to be from the opposite direction.

So near yet so far

Arrived early in the pub to find Uncle Chick on his second beer of the day ( 9 a.m.) which was obviously followed by about three double vodkas and the subsequent ramblings.

He had £290 in £1 coins saved for me , which I am sure he digs up from the garden following some bank robbery or such like in the past . He was buying some nice wee baby clothes for his grandchild and did some fancy footwork to get the better of !!! Mike our coloured clothes retailer.

The boys arrived in drips and drabs, Brian with Glen - no problems there as Glen is quiet till the others arrive. George was in , and he and a secret but would not tell anyone, which obviously caused great consternation as they all need to be in the know - so if all else fails they just make it up anyway. Sami was in wind up mode - big time- as was Ian @ Toomi who was winding me up. Mr Murphy, Keith, Davy, Peas, etc -

Cooky and Sam were off to York for a couple of days, despite the fact that Sam was supposed to cover for me tomorrow to go to the RA, however, Little Princess came to the aid of the party , mainly because she wanted to change shifts so all is resolved. So it the ever reliable Elaine who is working tonight to earn pennies to keep her little car on the road

Has a few strangers in the bar, which was nice, especially when they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Kristen was in with Colin and Lewis the wee one - her hamster died last night, probably with shock from the psycho cat - but she had a new baby hamster, which ws a bit quick and jumpy when i took it out the box, it landed on Brian who hates wee animals , he was jumping about and the poor thing did its first freefall to the deck before I recaptured it.

Tam the man arrived , with serious apologies after a bug at the weekend, but he will cover for me, this my last weekend at Musselburgh.

Me - latterly , seriously stressed as they were all competing to see who could order first and get a drink without waiting a second longer than necessary.

Time to go and get on with some more work

Back at Musselburgh on Tuesday but a big meeting at RA , Bonnyrigg in the evening.

All the fun in the bar

Cold and sharp Sunday, with Brian doing his best to frighten away potential customers from outside the pub. Things got a bit busier and later the Penicuik team, of licensed hooligans arrived after the races. Nice to see them as they all joined in on the karaoke, James @ Bullitt Martin : Derek Wilson; David @ Tubby Lochran ' all friends of both Graham and I.

The girls did their bit with Michele and Julie donning their easter bunnets - last time I saw two hats like that they were stuck on the heads of donkeys on Blackpool beach.

Easter Sunday - not on holiday

ad a seriously rough night, went to bed early but woke up at 12.45 a.m. feeling ill so i went downstairs , got onto the computer and phone, etc., for a while before going to sleep in the chair. about 4.45 a.m. eventually went back to bed feeling a bit better.
Came down to the pub for 11 a.m. to get sorted before the racing crowd came in, joined by Big Michelle who had offered to help despite having left last week, and then by Wee Karen , just back from the kirk - she is having to make up her attendances before she and Derrick get married in June.
Had both Chick and Paul in cleaning - but despite this I still ended up doing things myself!!! Chaickwas wandering about in a "T"shirt and said that it was not cold, he had doubtless been at the anti freeze !! again. Anyway he is currently munching his way through the sandwiches.
A few hardy bodies arrived before the races, freezing as it is still perishing outside, and then our regulars came in to see the football and get their Sunday sandwiches. Man U v Liverpool; Celtic v Gretna and Arsenal v Chelsea.
Next door pub failed to open on time as the owner was either late or missing, Chris was planning to break down the door so he could get in to open up.

Kristen dropped in for a chat before she takes over, she had been ill yesterday after a bad kebab from a local take away., but is getting all sorted out and excited at the prospect of taking over.

I will need some more photos for later.

Freezing saturday and the gang

Hi,

Not sure what order these photos will come out , however for those who like the pictures herea are four more.

We have two of the likely lads, Rob, without hat, and Danny , who looks like one of the chaps in "last of the Summer wine" They were in at lunchtime when Chick appeared with this garland which was draped around their necks, unfortunately I could not get a picture of old Ian as I was busy. Rob wanted to bribe me not to show the photo, Danny could not give a toss - he lost his hat last week but found it in the gutter two days later so after a wash it is good as new. Ian has discoved a new game in the morning called - "give me any nice malt, double please", so we are emptying the bottles on the top shelf to our mutual pleasure, today it was " a 10 year old Mallan,.

Michelle C. whose driving instructor failed to appear might well consider buying this little beauty of a car, about 20 year old , I think a Trabrant make - would do her nicely - NOT - being a bit flash I think poor Sandy or her dad George, whose birthday we missed,will need to get her a wee sports car.

The Town Hall opposite the pub was built around 1590, a bit of a fortress - so for those who want to research, look up Musselburgh town Hall and Old Tollboth. Musselburgh itself was named after the mussel beds which were in the shallow waters around the mouth of the River Esk.

Pretty steady today with all the team there, doing their best to stress me out and wait for me to have a heart attack - it is OK for them to piss me off but when I get annoyed and react they are not amused !! One customer said I was serving him too slow, I said that I did not give a toss - so he was not amused - come back Robbie your customer relations were excellent.

Graham is having a wee sojourn in Jacksonville waiting for Andrea who is snowed in, in Chicago - but he has teamed up with Irish and Welsh chappies - not a good combination .

Peas was delighed with his phot of " young pub" so thanks to grant @ photogenix for sorting me out and letting me know how dinkle I was for not being able to do it myself. It was simple - I have a totty wee card in my camera which transfers into the phone.

Last night - usual battles starting at "The Stand", spilling out onto the street with the Police having to attend once again. Stand today managed to stock up with his usual one keg from Dial a Keg or whoever- but that does not matter , it is us who are penalised.

Ok - feet up time again, busy day Sunday with the races on, and of course Santanda will rake in the revenue showing "Celtic v Gretna" live - whilst Rangers v Hibs was apparantly not worth screening today.

Lateral thinking - someone knicked the easter egg which Chick gave to Kristen for her wee boy Lewis - pity it was not a laxitive.

Night night

A bit mysterious

Hi,
needed a photo to brighten up the entry so you have Big Karen, Kerrin, and Big Michelle taken at the Licensed trade ball in November. This was earlier in the evening before the ravages of the day and "John barleycorn" took effect.

Now a trifle shattered after my days activities and when I logged on I found a comment, but on trying to open it all sorts of warnings were flashed up about viruses, etc, so now I have no idea what has happened - apart from fact that I switched it off without opening it.

However, Musselburgh today - I was kept busy with a steady stream of customers, all complaining about the cold, with the odd hail shower or flurry of snow, but not as bad as it was at Penicuik.

Uncle Chick appeared this morning after me and took over the cleaning job, despite the fact that his back was still sore, which obviously required the subsequent internal Vodka rub !!. Cookie still has not decided if he is going home after his tour oif Europe or coming back to Musselburgh.

We were graced with the presence of Kristen, Colin, big Karen and wee Michelle who eventuallly discovered that I had brought in a bottle of Kola Cube !! -

Colin reckoned that Kristen was talking a load of rubbish so he will end up sleeping with psycho cat and hamster tonight - Karen has to stick to half pints of lager shandy or she will be tagged and not allowed out, while Michelle had escaped for more than her prescribed half hour. She said that her driving instructor had failed to appear, obviuously the guy had got wind of what he was in for.

This reminded me of the day I was teaching my sister to drive, years ago, and we were on the old runway at East Fortune, doing some reversing - she is backing the car along the runway and said " there is a plane coming into land", I thought she was joking, but no, there was alight aircraft heading straight for us, so it was into 1st gear and off at the toot - a near thing.

Big Gorge and Davy Caldwell were unimpressed by the fact that there were females in the bar, so God knows how they will cope when Kirsten is in charge, she will make them wash their hands and comb their hair - and not allow the breaking of wind which is obviously not good for the ozone layer. This was one thing that smoking in the bars did disguise, now I have to spray the culprit, if traced, with either deoderant or the nearest spray, eco friendly or not.

TIP of The Day came from Ian Ross, who, during the conversation on how to dispose of ones wife reminded the boys that if you used an oil drum or sulu bin to bury her in , under the back garden, top it off with some asphalt as this hides the smell of decomposition!!!

Technocratic Rob was in ( Oh Lordy Lordy) morified that his name had appeared on the web - I am sure he is secretly pleased and will make sure his friends in Greece try to log in .

Chick managed to do a deal on chocolate easter eggs, so Ann, as I speak is enjoying his treat to her - as a result I had to go buy some flowers on the way home at Costco, where at the check out the lady in front of me tried to present a card which had been reported as lost of stolen!! - i did not have time to wait about to see if she did a runner as my dinner was burning.

Ann's friend, Irish Christine appeared, in some lovely green co-ordinates, just like a little Leprecaurn, told us a couple of tales which she forbid me to tell , in case the Priest found out and gave her even more "Hail Mary's" for misbehaving. She was saying that her daughter Carly is going for residency in Oz, with all the associated procedures, whilst here we seem to have an open door policy which allows, the great unwashed, criminals, refugees, etc, open access , plus we have all the criminals others do not want shipped over here, but unfortunately we cannot dispose of them - perhaps an aeroplane with an ejector seat or trap door in the "loo" might be the answer.
Billy Connolly did a sketch on one of shows about a "jobby wheeker" on a plane, transpose human waste for human scumbags and the idea is sound.

Where are we at - Sparky is now en route for Peru to sort out the Inca Trail, Graham , Andrea and friends are congregating in Jacksonville for the wedding. Sir Christopher is strugging in at The Mercat due to staff " in absentia", the Sportsmans is getting busy with "Little Princess" , Elaine and Simon coping with karaoke Ann and the gang. Rob and Caitlin are taking in the last rays of the Oz summer - and us, we have snow, sleet and snow for Easter - just think , Jesus or whoever would have struggled to get the stone over the entrance if there had been a foot of snow . AND in the interim these corporate thieving buggers in banking. For me the worst thing they did was to seal off our disused collieries, I would have dropped them down the 3000 foot shaft at Bilston Glen.

Now on a BlossomHill 2005 Reserve Merlot, needing to get my feet up before tomorrow when it all starts again - and again on Sunday

Out of sight but not out of mind

Just a reminder that although now living back in the USA we have regular contact with Andrea. She sent a wee Easter card along with a photo of Bobby, one of her pupils. This is not Bobby in the picture, its Mr huff and Puff @ Graham, in case some have forgotton what he looks like.

Anyway he is away for a few days to escort Andrea to a wedding in Jacksonville, USA, so that means that Sir Christopher is left in command in Edinburgh.

Heading off shortly to Musselburgh to get on with things in case Uncle Chick is still under the weather (or influence). easter weekend and all these folks going off to cause traffic jams, sit about in airports, whilst some folks just have to grin and bear it and get on with the job in hand BUT it all comes to those who wait ( but try telling the impatient Mrs. B. that !!!).

Have to go and collect a letter at the post office - someone sent one to me but put no stamp on it , so if i have to pay £1.71p excess for junk mail, there will be a yet another rumpus.

The two monkeys - a story

A few days ago I was sitting with a friend and out of the blue he started to tell me about his life in the army. At one point of his career he was based in the middle east where in his camp the regiment adopted and reared two baby chimps. the chimps apparantly had a good life, were well looked after, however the boys tried to include them in their activities !! so being para's they taught the chips to parachute by taking them to the top board of the diving tower, putting small parachutes on their backs and dropping them to the pool below. Obviously the chimps were not amused but they swam to the side where they were recovered.
This eventually led to them being smuggled on board a Herculese transporter plane, without the RAF knowing, and as the Para's jumped the chimps were taklen out with them complete with their own parachutes. My friend said that he could hear the chimps squealing all the way down, where they did land safely and without injury, however the soldiers were lying on the ground in hysterics and the chimps, being angry, were running about biting them - all ended well.

Next part of the tale, was literally monkey roullette. The troops had in their billett an overhead fan to keep them cool so they would all get round a table under the fan - put £5 each in the pot and then turn on the fan. They then flung a monkey up who caught the blades of the fan and was spun round - next move was to turn up the speed of the fan so that the chimp was going round faster and faster, squealing, etc, untill it reached the point where it could not hang on and was flung off. When it was flung off it would invariably land on one of the troops, and being rather unhappy with the proceedings would bite whoever it landed upon. If the soldier reacted and fell off his seat or jumped away he was eliminated from the game - which continued until only one person remained who won the Pot.
My friend did say that the chimps were generally good natured and most of the time enjoyed their contact with the troops who genuinely did care for them.

Kept on the hop

Since my early morning travels I have been on the hop all day - between visits to the "skip", Costco , Bookers, The Mercat and John Lewis Store.
Must say that George at Costco in the opticians section was very helpful as was Norman in the furnishing section of John Lewis Store, nice to be nice as they say - but then I would not know , would I ?

The Mercat was quite busy with Jamie doing well in the kitchen along with Shaun who leaves us on Saturday for pastures new.
Kerrin called to say that Uncle Chick was ill, having hurt his back yesterday simply by twisting the wrong way. I was there at the time and despite a liberal dose of Vodka, taken internally, it was obviously not enough to cure it. So Kerrin had to clean up after a busy night last night and do a bit of fancy footwork to get up and running on time.
She had a visit from Mikey who apologised for the delay in settling his account, thanked me for my patience !! and has announced that he has an impending move - we wish you well in your new post.

Grant @ Photogenix is so clever, he is going to some fancy transferring fo photos for me, so that I can give "Peas" a copy of the puppy photo as a screen saver - he says it is simple, I think it is very complicated.

Took a couple of photos from the roof car park of John Lewis store, eight floors up, looking over the Firth of Forth, but they were really not that good. Ann nearly died off when I said I was feeling ill and that she would have to drive the van back down to the street - the exit is like a giant helter skelter, and you have the steering part turned for the whole decent !! However I was only joking.

Tricky Ricky @ Pirate of the Road, had a nightmare trip to Glasgow leaving at 5 a.m. in his taxi with a totally knackered differential, he could only drive at 30 m.p.h., motor was grinding like nothing on earth so lots of lorry drivers failed to find his presence amusing !! BUT it is now fixed and he can cruise along at nearly 40 mph.
Time to get the feet up I think, and most certainly an early bed.

The latest technocrat

have been up since 4.40 a.m., and now waiting to take Graham to the airport for his flight to the USA. He is away to a wedding in Jacksonville.

The new photo was taken at the RA installation on Saturday . Man on the right is Ian Charles Gordon of Essollmont who is No.1 of the RA ( Scottish) worldwide - my boss, and in the Centre id "The King" - No 1 of the Irish Constitution worldwide, olong with Charles's wife.

The "King" was recently at a function in Ireland he upstaged the Irish Premier - Mary ???? who commented on his title.

Anyway, our latest "blogger" is "South African" Rob from the pub, one of the regulars and who was on the photo a couple of weeks ago with Ian and Danny. He managed to get on line during his regular "web" visits at the library and now knows what the others are talking about.

Gregory Karabin , popped up this morning, all the way from Westchester, USA, - with news of the family, etc.

The "Chaps" were in good form yesterday including "Mr Talk about anything to open spaces" (two visits just to keep me on my toes) and several stayed on for a "wee session" last night which helped keep young Tommy occupied during his shift.

I scooted home, was fed, watered and made it to Currie to join a Provincial Deputation to the R.A. , Thre were only a few members, nice Degree, spoiled by loud music coming from another part of the building where a band were practicing, something which has never happened before.

I listened to the radio on the way home to hear Ragers just managing a draw with Partick Thistle, poor show from the "Gers" who were lucky that Boyd got the equaliser, and well done the "Jags" who have managed a replay.

I hear that Hannah has made it back to work after the bad accident she had to her hand - good.

Now about to head off.

Bright frosty morning

Now, Wednesday and I am struggling to remember what happened on Tuesday. The early rise sort of knocked me off a bit. Came down to the pub at 7.45 to clean the beer lines which took ages as one of the systems was playing up, anyway got the job done and some tidying up. Had someone to talk to all day which helps time pass, including my regular who talks to himself about everyone present - which can get a bit exciting at times. He has been asked to leave previously on health and safety grounds, (my health and his safety).
A few comments made about the inevitable price rise after the recent Budget - but 5 p is better than 10 p as it could have been - now I will need lots of fiddly change. No Brian as he was on stand by, but Big George, Jess, Keith and Jimmy all kept me company till Kerrin arrived. She had a busy night with the football crowd while in the meantime I was home changed and away in 40 minutes, off with Sparky mark to 720 Bonnyrigg. Once again there was a good crowd for Alex, plenty bums on seats, and his Degree team were excellent. I even managed to get the place turned round for my meeting next week which will save a lot of hassle on Sunday as we will be busy due to a Race day and karaoke.

Had a wee blether to Jock Watson who will celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary on Friday - well done to Ann for putting up with him.
Sparky leaves on Sunday for a two week trip to Peru, not sure what chaos he will cause on the Inca trail.


E mail from Rob and Caitlin this morning who are well, job hunting and away for the weekend to some sunny beach, unlike some who have to remain at home and work. Which reminds me !!! I must

Different frame of mind

Not sure which way these two pictures will come out. One of the Scott Monument was taken from our bus, looking across the top of waverly Station and showing the open topped tour buses. the other is of a demonstration which took place on Saturday in the Tron Square against the Scientology Cult who have an office in South Bridge, Edinburgh, it seemed to be peaceful and all the demonstrators were colourful and dressed up.

What a terrible night

Hardly slept a wink and was getting totally would up with the hassles of quitting the pub and the behaviour of several folks, hence the early rise - although I have already spent the last hour doing letters, etc.

Anyway I have written to the "Publican" magazine regarding PHS and their antics and am tempted to carry out my threat of removing their driers and boxes and putting them out on the street.

PRS (Performing Rights Society) who also want their bit of the pie, have been notified of our plans to change, but once again their in house departments do not talk to one and other - so the letters just keep on coming, for me to bat back.

TV Lee let us down big time by failing to fulfill his contract - we bought kit on his say so and it has sat uninstalled for seven weeks because he is too busy.

Still cannot get my head round the attitude of Mikey and Lennie ( my deptors), but as stated watch this space. I see that the HBOS shares have fallen due to the Wall Street carry on, perhaps Mikey will use this as this weeks excuse.

Enough - I will move on to a new blog with a couple of photos.

Cheekie chappies

Tom start with the photo, it is one of the Chinese "illegals" who come into the pub trying to sell DVD's , porn, etc. and you do not always get what you think. Some time ago one the blokes bought "porn" and it turned out to be a poor copy of Snow White. Anyway I chase the blighters and when possible take their photo. In this picture neither Stuart or Gary were intersted.

Lovely day today so for a change I took the mount of steel ( m/cycle) as I had to head into the town first so the bike was great for getting through the traffic, and these dammed roadworks without workers are just getting beyond a joke.
Kept going in the pub with my morning and lunch regulars, including a relaltively new face who just will not stop talking, and who gets louder ever few minutes. Today after eight double rums i had had enough, everyone was under the spotlight and he would not "shoosh" - so for Health and safety reasons, my health and his personal safety, I had him take a hike.
Pub next door, they were fighting with baseball bats on Saturday and someone was tumblered in the face\. The Burgh fared even worse with fights on both Sat and Sunday. Our man next door seems to have a good stock - NOT- placing his weekly order for two kegs of beer with the brewery !!!!!! No wonder they are pinching our toilet rolls.

My ongoing feud with PHS continues - for a national Company suppling washroom equipment and services they have very poor customers relations and some iffy tactics. They were sending out final demands with "Certificates" which we did not need and trying to charge £52 a go - so they must have billed all their clients with same pro forma letter - good try if they can get away with it. In any case they letter they sent me had the wrong information on it, so the saga will continue.

Brian managed to get the TV out the box, obviously with the assistance of Janet and the dog ( Glen) and it is now up and running.
Davy the Bookie was back again and telling us that the hole he fell into was filled in the next day before he could get a photo of it and take action. He has a cracker of a scar, looks like a villain in a James Bond film.
Big George did not get to work today as COD failed to appear and had all the tools in the motor - I thought George would have shaped a nice wooden trowel and got on with it, but he needs his labourer to help.
Kerrin called off sick so i had to stay on until Elaine appeared - but she like others all have mobile phones which they leave at home, are switched off, or they keep changing the numbers as they lose them - which is like Chick who has lost yet another cashline card, simply by forgetting to take it out the machine after a withdrawel - too much vodka.

I had a good day today, could go on for ages, but will halt as I want to see the TV shortly. Watch this space ( you to Robbie as I see you peeking into the system from down under)

Technical hitches

So much for under age drinking!!! This one we will tolerate, named Kia, which is the name of a warrior I believe.

Have had to resort to the upstairs PC tonight as the lap top is being used elsewhere , but I had problems getting logged on through the modem and then onto this site.

I was ever so rough this morning and even with a long lie could fine well have done with staying at home - but duty called and it was off to Musselburgh to aide the lovely Michelle who was working her last shift for us.

Place was steady with a wee crowd turning oput to watch Rangers v Dundee in the final of the CIS cup - all nail biting right up to the final penalty kick of the shoot out , with Rangers winning.

Brian was in good fettle, but rather upset as could not get his new massive TV out the box!!!" so obviously there were many suggestions as to what he should do, from cutting a hole in the side and watching it in the box, let Glen the dog have a go !! or just leave it to the kids to sort it - in reality the thing is so big it needs two people to move it about and with Janet on night shift he has to wait.
Sami and co were in their usual high spirits and managed to get Chick all wound up so there was the usual shouting match as he lost the plot with them and stormed off to the bookies.
Davie the bookie looks like he has been doing headers with a brick, great big scar on his napper as a result of a trip and fall when heading home on Friday night - not that the beer he had consumed had anything to do with his loss of balance.

Last night seems to have been quite exciting in our adjacent pub with baseball bats being used at ten paces - end result yet another call to the Police. Things are so bad next door that one of the girls was sent through to steal toilet rolls from us!! and today it was the usual request for change, etc. - rejected, as previously stated we are not a bank - but with Mike and Lennie now avoiding me, I am getting rather upset. Looks like Mike's branch manager will be getting a visit soon.
Police were also called to The Burgh, where there was also trouble.

OK - that will need to be enough for tonight.

long day - but good

12 mn and totally pissed-

6 am up and away to Musselburgh to see to the monies and cash and carry as little Princess asked for extra supplies. Uncle Chick appeared early but was just slightly under the weather, maybe the Vodka breakfast was a contributory factor, never the less he got on with his job,so when Paul appeared later to do the self same work - just what did he do ?

Me - I headed for home, changed and then we headed for the big "smoke" on the bus,me with my bus pass and Annfor £1 each way. Made it to the "Standing Order" where Archie was run ragged with orders, we chatted to Bert , Ronnie and Lynda from the old SODS beer club. Ann headed off to the shops and I made it to the Supreme Grand Chapter meeting in George Street, an excellent day out followed with a nice meal, eventually leaving at 8 p.m. So a wee group of us went along to the Mercat where Andy had fish and chips which we all shared..
Bus home, and onto the phone - Greg in West Chester had the first call, so many thanks for being able to listen, and hi to Bonnie, the long suffering good lady.

Kerrin is pissed at the moment and wants to smoke , but I said no.

Will have to continue later

The Tortoise people

Off I went, nice clear morning , but I was surprised at the number of lorries early on heading into Glasgow. No problems with white van men, although I was passed tweice by a big blue VW van tramping down the motorway. What i was wondering this morning was about the number of trades people who seem to travel fifty plus miles each way to their jobs - just how cost effective is this and who pays for it.

Fraser was bright as a button and had all my stuff ready for me so it was a quick turn round at Glasgow and off on the long haul south - it just seemed to take ages, and not helped by listening to Terry Wogan on BBC2 so I just turn the radio down when he was talking and up for the music till I reached the reception area for "Smooth Radio". Usyal couple or star turns on the M6, lady in her Chelsea tractor doing about the ton, passed me and then veered straight over onto the inside lane to brake and go off on a slip road !! , another one in a wee Citreon, bouncing all over the road out of control at about 90 +., and yet another who nearly sideswiped an ambulance which I honestly thought was going to roll over in front of me.

At Runcorn, a cheery Jill on reception to greet me and dig into her computer to get an E mail I had just been sent, had I not been in Runcorn I could have been in Aberdeen - no difference is there. Lorraine and the folks in DNA were surprised how cheery I was this morning !! just how bad have I been in the last few visits ! but again, up , up and away ( which is Superman's saying, not the Lone Ranger who said Hi Ho Silver away) and back on the road.

By now the morning was bright, the usual bampots were playing silly buggers on the four lane bit between the M61 and M55 which helps keep the adrenelin flowing - BUT BUT , worse than that the "tortoise people" were on the move - loads of them with their camper vans, vans and trailers and caravans, adorned with bicycles, boats, kitchen sinks, etc. all heading north probably to The Lakes or further. There were a couple on the TV a few weeks ago who lived in a sleeping bag under trees, doing no harm - but this lot - maybe Chancellor Darling is having a go at them and their big motors.

Home via Moffat where I took the photo of the hills near to the Devil's Beeftub, and then up the road which was busier than usual. In Broughton, near to the edge of the world, one of Lothian and Borders Police, finest was filming the speeding motorists !! obviously nothing better to do with his time.

Home to find Ann still stripping in the hall!! - looking tired and should have been resting. She saw the Doctor this morning and is back to the hospital in April again.

Checked out the Aberdeen job where the problem was not as bad as first thought, but I might still have to go up next week depending on what else happens over the weekend.

Wee shot of shut eye, then off to Costco and Musselburgh where the troops are now aware we are leaving, so it was a case of "Cheerio, Cheerio" from Murphy, whilst others said they would rather that we stayed on. Q . How do you get barred from a Chinese Restaurant? well one of our clients did.

Had to go into the Cellar so Tam the man gave me a hand and did something I have never seen in three years, he came down the shute on his backside, giving both me and Elaine a fright - and a laugh. As Joanna was right up to date with this mornings blog I have included a photo of her and Tam.

Currently taking some quinine based fluids to see if I can stop the leg cramps tonight!!!

Now a wee bit tired but looking forward to my day out and dinner tomorrow.

The lone ranger

4.20 a.m. alarm clock went off and I had already been awake half the night. The mobile was under my pillow so I pressed buttons in the dark then the house phone started to ring - so everyone was wakened.

I did a 1471 and fount that it was me who had rung the house from the mobile - no idea how.

Q.Q. Just how do you get a good nights sleep whenyou know you are up early? because i cannot and am knackered already. Hopefully i will wake up when I get rolling - doubless the white van men will get my dander up.

Up, up and away - used to be the shout from the Lone Ranger

A different day

Here is a real treat tonight, me at the command centre, writing to the world - I wish, anyway I thought it might be nice for you to know that it was not a cardboard replica churning out my nonsense.

Today I had to go to Musselburgh to make up the wages for the troops and see that Chick was OK. Ann wanted him to put a bet on at Cheltenham for her, of course he had to go and pick the last horse in each race and not the winners - what a man.

Was getting hot under the collar with the number of cars parked across from the pub on the pavement - just about where the Traffic Warden booked me on the motorbike - but no sign of her today !!

Rushed home and found Ann stripping again in the hall !! but once she had dressed herself we headed into the Cash and carry to stock up the kitchen at The Mercat so that Claire, Jamie and Duhai can treat the clients over the weekend. Shaun is apparantly about to leave us for pastures green.

Received a wee call from Fraser in Glasgow so it is early to bed, and up even earlier with another trip south to Runcorn in the morning.

I was going mental last night when I saw our "chancellor" Mr. Darling, poncing along Downing Street with his little budget box - little rat that he is, and today one of the papers was running a front page on what he is doing to the motorist. it reminded me of the time when he was on Edinburgh City Council and came up with "a strategic traffic plan" for the City - which would have screwed everything up - now he has his way, but he is screwing the nation instead.

Had planned on going back to another meeting in Dalkeith tonight, however, common sense must prevail and will have a quiet night - I can make up for it on Saturday by attanding Supreme and going to the dinner afterwards in George Street.

Un Bon nuit

Silly me, I completely forgot about the visit to Dalkeith, Esk 42 RA by seven members from Tours, in France, last night. There was a very good attendance and the evenings ceremonies were first class. Trhe French companions were a wee bit lost at times however six of them affilliated to 42. John Wright, Most Excellent, claimed to be fluent fin French but I am still waiting for him to get into the lingo. Several missed faces over the past weeks reappeared, and old John McNeill was over the moon to get the 2rd part of his Hon. Membership.
Having forgotton about the event, taken my dinner before leaving, and not feeling too clever, I made my apologies and left before the formal dinner.
Managed to swallow a couple of glasses of tonic - for the quinine of course, so last night only one twitch of leg cramp.
Now today is a new day!!

No suitable heading

Normally the heading gives a sort of clue as to what I am about to write - however - not the case today.

Last night headed out to Tranent for a RA meeting, only a small group present but it was still a good meeting with a cuppa, egg pieces and some nice scones for afters.
On the ay home popped into the Sportsmans to see big Michelle who is leaving us at the weekend to start a new job nearer home in Haddington, she will certainly be missed , and I wish her all the best.

Dropped in at The Bush nearer home and tracked down one of the lads I have been looking for for a few days - certainly keen, working away in a garage at 10 p.m. on a cold windy night.

Had a terrible night with leg cramps for over three hours, every time I goyt to sleep it started again and woke me up - it was either that or the anticipation of knowing I would be stripping in the hall !! Anyway , that's just what we did this morning untill I took a wee run out to the Council tip to dump rubbish. Reminded me of my father, he just loved to go there with me and would always have a wee rummage about to see if there was anything in the skips he fancied.

The Budget was on today, and our Mr Darling is tarred with the self same brush as Gordon Brown and the rest of the thieving Labour Party. 4 p on a pint ; 14p on a bottle of wine and 55p on a bottle of spirit - it certainly will not stop the binge drinkers - just lining their pockets to pay for their latest round of expenses increases and to try and fill the big hole they have dug for themselves.

Graeme McKay, beloved Ratcatcher ( appropriate considering I have just been talking about the Government) called to see how I had got on with my mysterious noises in the attic - looks like it was the patter of tiny feet (not wearing New Balance trainers)- but some of the tasty, although poisonous, nibbles he left had been eaten by very appreciative, although hopefully now dead intruders. Graeme has fortunately recovered from his recent knee injury and was able to clamber up into the loft with the greatest of ease " just like the man on the flying trapease" - as the song goes.

Rob and Caitlin have reported in , doing OK, job hunting, visiting their relatives who seem to be spread far and wide probably in an effort to hide from the Police!! just as their ancestors once did before being put on the prison ships. They have published lots of photo's on facebook of their last weeks in the UK ; their search for the elusive Nessie; a drunken spree on board a train to London and Robs attempt to take the Ashes back to Oz from the MCC.

Anyway - time to get the feet up for an hour before yet another meetin, this time at Dalkeith.

Plans astray once more

Nice quiet night last night, feet up and watched the new series called "Fixer", about the bad guys getting their comeuppers.

Up early and away to do a job for myself and then headed for Bonnyrigg, but had to about turn , go home and get changed to go and open up for Kerrin. Turned out that on her way home last night she had a bit of a run in with Lothian Region bus, driven by one of those Polish chappies, who decided to alter the shape of her car and repaint it with his colours by scraping all ong the side of it while she was parked and dropping someone off.

Bus driver seemed to think that she was at fault !! - wrong call. Anyway, other than some bruising and whiplash she is not bad, the car is driveable but considered a write off by the insurance who say cost of the repair is more than car is worth.

On my way down there was a monumental shunt on the Rosewell Road at Gourlaw, where a Volvo estate and Pugeot had collided at speed. Police and ambulance were there but it was not prudent to stop and take pics. I managed to by pass it by taking a side road but ened up having to go through a flood without water wings, no problem.

Grant of Photogenics fame was busy as usual but did a couple of photos for me to take to the pub.

Dalkeith was total chaos with nothing moving due to cars on double yellow lines and the roadworks, and no traffic warden in site, however, on my way home later I met the "nice" warden in Penicuik, with his notebook working out who had been parked for more than 45 mins, etc., Spoke to him about Dalkeith and he said there were two other wardens there, so they must have found somewhere more important to go and hide.

Arrived home to find Ann stripping off (the wallpaper) in the hall - that's nice, bit of a hint that she wants to decorate I think.

Just a tad tired

Well, after last nights tirade !! I ended up sleeping in the chair till 4 a.m., so I was trifle subdued at work today, however I managed to get through the day without incident.

The photos are in fro Rob and Caitlin , the one of Arthurs seat as a reminder of the day rob made her climb up, and of Alex and Michelle because Alex came in to say cheerio but they had gone. Alex is a rather large chap, a former boxer, very quiet but a bit still very quick with his fist if need be - not one to argue with.

Musselburgh had a wee crime wave over the weekend with three shops being broken into on saturday night, during the evening and all with 100 yards of the pub, straight forward kicking in the front doors and taking cash from tills. One shop was directly opposite the pub and it looks like it happened in front of our smokers who would have been standing outside.

Brian was in with our best behaved customer , Glen the dog, and he was telling me about a nutter who was causing hassle this morning at one his jobs. The bloke, who appeared to be high on something started ranting and raving at Brian and his mate and flung their tools out of the premises they were in. The boys had to call the Police but the chap calmed down and cleared off to leave them to get on with the job.

Cookie has appeared back from "having tea with the Queen" in London, and reckons he will be leaving our fair city to head south at the end of the week and to venture futher from there before going back to OZ.

Krysten popped in for a blether and touched at the heart strings by reminding me that the Budgie had still not reappeared. She now has a psycho cat who is in love with her hamster - we'll see how long that lasts and it starts licking its lips..

Robbie sent an E mail so he is about to start working and get rid of his beer belly - both doing OK.

Had a nice letter from the army today as I had been trying to trace a former friend from the barracks who moved away and we lost touch. They have forwarded my details to him so i will wait and see if he gets back to me.

Having a night in - next three are spoken for.

Not sure where this will lead

I have never gone into the so called big time bloggs to see what makes them work - it might be wonderful to be like the cop in London who now does a great expose but me I just do my own thing, and for why??
Story telling - ok , yes daily events and tales of yore!1

Feelings - thats different - just how far do you go ?
Story:
late 60's we were called to a break in at a local social club at 2 a.m., caught the intruder hiding on the premises, sent him to the local jail with the Traffic cops , then myself, Sgt., and beat PC with committee from the club drank two bottles of malt whisky before we would even consider going abck to the local station to write the report. The capture was on the local papers under " footsteps in the snow" as the culprit had broken in after a snow storm and his footprints led us to the point of entry with no sign of exit - however a big Alsation dog found him under a pile of chairs and bit his bum.

Feelings -
tonight, lots - one being satisfaction that Elaine was on and there is no question as to her her honesty and integrity. It makes me angry when I know, from customer feed back that we do have staff who take liberties with the system, BUT in the pub trade what else do you expect- personally I want to trust all my staff which makes it even worse when I discover that they are ripping me off. There are variations on ripping off, from time keeping to plain theft - and sadly it looks lie the plain theft might be the bigger problem.
In the bible and in Masonic tales there is the parable about being paid the wages for the day, if you accept a wage you do do not then turn round later and complain..

Stealing sugar from your tea - a quaint expression - but how do you cope when every day you have folks who just want to get the better of you, currently I have Mike, a bank manager who askled me for £40 in September last year, but so far has failed to pay it back. Today I asked again and he he would repay it next week - my response was " how many times would the bank charge me late repayment fees for the same loan" - so every month I get a charge, while perhaps the only charge he gets is up his nose!!

I have to accept that in this current financial climate that folks have problems - but I am not a "fu******g" bank", I have the same outlays as everyone else, and I need to work for my living.

Four year ago ago I actually had a good life, was happy, relaxed, fit and healthy, and now. totally opposite. Seems that many, including several we had helped, find it easier to ignore than accept our prediciment.

Our neighbour at Musselburgh has totally abused the system to the extent it has now effected our business , despite the fact that many of the members of the public have op enly reported incidents of drug abuse, nothing has yet been been done by the the Police , who in the meantime are quite happy to report us for failing to clear the pub in time, yet last night, a busy Saturday all staff were out by 0120 hrs.

Still angry ,, but moving on

Pleased Scotland had a good day

1140 p.m. in the Sportsman's and this was to be a night off. However, same applies for a.m. today when i had planned to study a bit of ritual for todays meeting.
Ended up away at 7.45 down to Musselburgh to pick up kegs of beer for The Mercat, then a swift run up though the town, dropped them off and out home for a quick change before i picked up Sparky mark at 1030.#
Meeting of the OSM went well and I was installed into the 2nd office, so in a years time i will not know whether I am coming or going. We took food and tea before heading back to Musselburgh for more beer and then into The Mercat where the rugby crowd had dispersed a bit as the game was underway, but it had been busy. Roads around Murrayfield were deserted so I made it home in time to see the last 20 mins - an excellent result, just a pity they could not have done it in previous games. Sat and watched an entertaining FA cup game when Barnsley the underdogs managed to beat Chelsea, having already beaten Liverpool.
Had planned on sitting in having a quiet night, however the two Karen's who had been to the rugby ended up being late so there was a bit of jiggling about to be done, and I went to see what was going on !!! Girls will be girls. A good job that tomorrow is another day.

Friday should have been quiet.

Had to dig into the folders for some photos for tonight having found nothing of interst to click at today, and Mark likes pictures as he finds the writing hard to underststand !! - not true.

1st is of a female (obviously) marching band who appeared at this years tattoo,and the other is what happened at the Castle when Mark tried to fix a cooker in the restaurant !! ( no - it is the one o'clock gun going off).

Ended up at Gorebridge last night where due to unforseen circumstances I was invited to give a brief talk about my trip to India with the RA in November, and one of the others did likewise on a recent trip to Tours in France by members of Esk 42.

Started on some of my own things this morning but had a call to look at a wee problem at The Bush which turned out to be of interst as a couple of the lads involved were the sons of locals who I have known or had dealings with for about forty years, going back to the good old days when I was a local "Polis". However they were just young lads trying to make their way in this big bad world.

Headed off to Ocean terminal with Ann, still in search of the elusive New Balance trainers but with no luck so went to see a movie instead. it was called "The Jumper" , a bit futuristic about folks who could jump from space to space - like going on holiday without an aeroplane, which I always thought would be good.

From there, up to The Mercat, which was busy and I had a nice omlette while Ann had a fish the size of a whale., and we both had a blether to Claire and Duhai in the kitchen who were being kept busy.

Compliments to Jamie who worked a blinder on Thursdayand without whose aid we would have been gooosed.

Tomorrow should be very busy with the rugby being on.

Home to get the feet up and have chosen a bottle of Tesco's Kumala " Eternal" Shiraz cabernet Sauvignon. However apart from typing I am phoning folks, Ross Grant who is now recovering from a perforated duodenal ulcer and doing OK. Big Ian, but he is out galavanting, and others, just to keep in touch.

Weekend to be busy with OSM and work so I will not be bored.

Our workers

Today I found myself becoming more and more upset by our great British "workforce". Started off as I tried to get out of Penicuik and found a second road closed with barriers, so I had to turn round and head down the main road through four sets of road works in two miles with more obviously about to take place as literally hundreds of cones were being put down near to Straiton. At about every set of works I passed there were hardly any workers so I am of the opinion that the firms getting the contracts do not have the manpower to do the work so they put a token force on show and just let the jobs drag on, much to the inconvenience of the long suffering motorist. Very much a case of "there is a hole in the road and we are looking into it".

Having made it to Musselburgh where Chick was having his usual bottle of Bud for breakfast, off via the car wash to Bookers where their food stocks were not good so I had to head up and across town to the Longstone Depot. En route passing this crowd of "workers" at Fountainbridge just watching the world go by. On the Slateford road, long queues caused by the gas board who are taking an eternity to get their work done, again no work being done and a gang of men sitting in vans, quite content to cause mayhem with their temporary traffic lights.

At Bookers met the new butcher, Colin, a friend of old who gave me a couple of nice steaks to sample, which I did later for dinner, but they were not as good as those we get for the Mercat.

Back to the Mercat, then back again through the gas roadworks and eventually made it home.

Out this evening to the RA at Gorebridge where I discovered why the road was closed this morning - the country road is being resurfaced !! why - when it was in fair condition and our main roads are full of potholes !! just does not make sense.

Good result for Scottish football this evening with Rangers beating the German team 2 - 0.