A long day was Friday

Friday was busy after i did my early " post", headed back to the Mercat, dumped the car and toddled along to Jessops to change my battery , but guess what, they had no CV1616 's at all, tried Boots who had the next nearest but so far no luck. On the way back i spotted this young lady in an upstairs flat near the haymarket, quite happy with fag, white wine, feet up and watching the world pass by.

Mr and Mrs Millar appeared for his retiral doo along with a group of his work mates and had a great time to themselves, Linda and Ian had a go at pouring a pint so perhaps we might take them for some work experience, like myself. As it was only his first few hours of retirement he was not bored yet. He and his friends, managed a good eight hour session up untill the time I left at 12 mn. Obviously there were those in the group who could not se others in the limelight without trying to get into the photo, just like the wavers and shakers on the TV.

One young lady had knickers which reached up to nearly her neck, which was a bit of a sight, and there was another who was adamant that she was there to try a job as barmaid, and I thought that Brian at Musselburgh was bad !!!

Sparky joined us but was sensible enough to take a lift home with Graham and myself.

Up sharp this morning to the sound of horses as the Hunter and Lass passed the door heading for the main gathering and the ride out to Penicuik House and then up into the Pentlands. With such a lovely day it should be a good fun day out for the family in the local park, however we are off shortly to Nunraw Abbey in Garvald, so watch this space.

Certainly missing Robbie and Caitlin in the pub, so I hope they are doing well in Oz.

Ringing in our ears

6.15 a.m. and there was a persistant ringing in my ears, it stopped , then again and again - and I realised it was Graham's alarm, so wondering why he had not switched it off I discovered he was not even in bed, but downstairs.

Grabbed a cup of tea and left him with a flea in the ear and went back for another half hours siesta. Then up and attempted to clear some more of the guddle which we are still in.

Work to do in the town so Ann and I headed in to Bookers Cash and Carry then out to The Mercat with their supplies, Sir Christopher and Sir Grham in the bar, Claire, Jamie and Struan in the kitchen. I then dropped Ann off at John Lewis's so she could work her way back along Princes Street ( she met Sir Christopher's Ma on the way in) and I went out to Corstorphine to get organised for the London trip next week. We managed to get "Easy Jet" flights for Monday but will have to wait to see what is happening with Ann,s work as to what I do with the Thursday flight.

Off now on my travels.

Twas a different day - "Thors day"

Had a fantastic five hours sleep last night and no cramps - just magic - but was still up early to a lovely morning which made a change from the mist and miserable yesterday.

Did some early chores and then it was off to the dentist - which I totally hate, having passed out in the chair several years ago. I have to say that my current dentist is excellent and other than the shakes I am fine . When I walked into the surgery he now has this wonderful space age chair, pops on your sunglasses, has light panels on the wall, etc. Still, after a check up I need a filling rebuilt which I suppose is not too bad.

From there it was off to the Health centre , trying to get value for money from the NHS - so now they are going to find out how many bits of me are still working properly. Maybe. Must say that the Doctors have changed a lot from the days of "take an asprin twice a day" - most impressed with the immediate follow up and patient contact.

Down to SAC for a site visit, chat to Alan and Arlene, and up to Boghall Farm where there is to be an open day this coming Sunday. Not sure yet what they plan to put on display but if you like sheep !!!

On to Ikea (for a look) and then to Homebase and the Plumb Centre at Straiton for items for the house , then home and out into the sun. With such a good day there was no point in wasting it so I managed to have a bit snooze, obviously needing it , before starting into the garden . BUT the dammed midges came out which drove me back indoors.

Spoke to Neeve at The Mercat and she told me she had gone to a steak house in Rose Street with her father and had a steak and wine for her birthday treat, but she still rekons that the steaks at The Mercat are better "" Just not right to go for dinner in the place you work all day.

Life is getting a bit hectic, as I seem to have picked up some work in London next week, down on Monday for the day, back on Thursday (again for the day) with report writing at home in between.

Been a bit forgetfull, this is Hunter and Lass week in Penicuik and tonight is the robing ceremony , there have been events on all week, football, pram race, etc, and the big ride out is on Saturday. Graham was the Hunter's Lad many years ago which gave him a years worth of toing and froing around the other similar events in the south of Scotland.

If there is a problem with Photobucket as I have, try http://Photobucket.com/sesltaprague

OK off to watch "Britains Got Talent" which is proving to be very good, pity I will miss the final on Saturday .

So Friday is another day - cach and carry , then to work at The Mercat , where Ian (Tubby) Millar is having his retiral doo in the afternoon , which should be eventful!!

Kitchen duties today

Big treat in store for me today - so perhaps it was that excitement that kept me awake , or the three bouts of cramp in the legs which had me going daft during the night. Anyway - off and away at 6.50 a.m. in to The Mercat, and once passed the bloody Pointer Alarm system we were in business.

Did the usual set up stuff for the office and bar and then while it was quiet had a wander along to Jessops the camera shop to get a lithium battery for the clock and memory in for the camcorder - but sods law, they gave me the wrong one despite being told what I wanted, so I will need to trail back there again on Friday.

On the way along the street which is still an absolute mess with the tram works which are allegedly well ahead of schedule, I stopped and took the photo of the monument in Melville Crescent Gardens to "William Ewart Gladstone" one of Edinburgh's well known folks. I think it was he who David Livingston met in Africa and said "Dr. Gladstone I presume?" - and who had the old style Doctors bag named after " The Gladstone bag". It is a facinating statue and unfortunately my photo does not do it justice. - shame they do not clean up the brass figures.

Back to the pub and into the kitchen sink, where I remained for most of the day except when helping to prepare and dish up lunches - (so much for being retired), so it is "Fairy Liquid" hands I have now.

Johnny the Gigalo was on duty in the bar, pleased with his photo and will offer up a phone number if his body is required for more than medical research. He is busy drawing up a list of things for his suitcase and the Italy trip this weekend.

Grant of Photogenix has set up my Prague pictures as promised on WWW.photobucket/sesltaprague and they look fine - lots of sleeping people at the start and plenty shots of the three breweries.

Missed out on a mention of Neeve yesterday who was in with her father who had come over from Ireland and was taking her out for the day for her 21st birthday - kind of us to let her have the day off.

Surprised I have not heard very much from Michelle, Little Princess, Krisen, Simon, Joannna or Co recently - all must be well at the Sportsmans but I will need to get back down to see what is happening, however with another hectic few days ahead of us it will not be this weekend I think.

Back on track - Tuesday

This should be a photo of Struan and Johnny at work in The Mercat. Struan is a footballer and heading off to Majorca with his team next week for a boozy doo, whilst Johnny is a rugby player and is away to Lake Guarda in Italy this weekend to play several matches there, and doubless have a boozy doo.

Johnny has aspirations to being a Gigilo, so if we have any takers you know who to contact!!

I was in The Mercat early, set up for the staff, and then headed along to see Shezad , who works for one of my clients, in time for a cuppa and a blether His friend Nitin has left to move to pastures new - I just left the car in the car park and used my bus pass which was ideal. Then back to The Mercat where Graham despatched me off once again ( on the bus - being lazy) to the bank, but afterwards I popped in to Frasers to see the two girls we know on the perfume counter, "Channel" big smiles and nice smells so they must have been missing me!!

Eventually got home about 3 p.m. but decided to head for Grants @ Photogenic at Bonnyrigg where at long last I have copied off all the Prague photos, all being well Grant should have them on a new site, I think "www.photobucket/sesltaprague" but I will add details when I get them from him. It is one of these sites you can save photo galleries on and saves me some work.

Grant has recently acquired a little " Smart" car, dinky little machine - just ideal for me zooming up and down the M4 !!!

Last week we had Bill Clinton's cousin in the Mercat for lunch , but I forgot to say .

Enough.

Monday - catching up.

Despite the long weekend it was back to normal, not sleeping and up early - as I was going to the Chest Clinic at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to find out why I am still wheezing after seven months since my return from India.
Arrived on time and was not kept waiting, but they did admit that all my previous hospital records have gone missing - which is causing a problem as the doctors are trying to look atr an overall picture. Anyway , it turns out that I am still alive but they now want to stick a camera down my throat and have a peek about my innards - a process which does not endear me to the medical profession!! So I have this to look forward to, with my luck they will give me an appointment on my birthday or Fathers day.

Headed home where it was all change and once again there were jobs to be done in the house and garden - it was allegedly the warmest day, but I was certainly well wrapped up whilst in the garden so someone in the Meteorological Office had certainly been drinking.
Sparky Mark appeared later in the day to give me a lift with some furniture which was being returned to the redecorated rooms, while we live in the conservatory which is in a serious mess".
Mrs. B. spent hours typing a report for her work and UNISON, now 35 months into her "incident", so she was ready for her bed when the time came.

Wales - Day 3 - the journey home.

Just a bit befuddled when we woke up and certainly in need for a bit more sleep - obviously having fun kind of drains the system , especially at my age. BUT - in need of solid sustinance it was up, washed and down for breakfast where we joined a somewhat subdued group of diners. I was able enough to manage a fairly healthy plate, of fruit and yogurt followed by bacon and egg ( just a wee treat), whilst Graham seemed to have a problem facing even hiscoffee - so it was back to the room to try and get another bit of rest before we had to quit the room at 12.30 p.m.
Fortunately there was even more rugby on the TV, so having settled, and managed to get hold of a couple of Gordons Gin's with Tonic we happilly watched the TV, then moved down to the bar where we saw the end of the match.
Our friend in his taxi arrived so we headed up to the Station, got our tickets, but with a long wait in hand we headed over to the Grand Hotel, where they were still recovering from their full house of visitors. The Duty Manager had been out to one of the supermarkets to stock up as "the cupboards were bare", so after a wait the cook managed to produce some homely fare for our table.

Onto the train, armed once again with Heiniken, and into the First Class it was off to Cardiff Station where we had a bit of a wait for the train to Rhoose. From the platform we had a fine view of "Brains Brewery"- however we had never actually sampled their ales during the trip.
Train arrived and chugged along the coast past Barry Docks and up to Rhoose Station ( or bus shelter as the case was) and we boarded the shuttle bus for our last leg to Cardiff International Airport.

Into the termianl, place was nearly deserted so we checked in using the passport swipe machine - no proplems, then as there was no to take our cases we went into the "excess baggage" place where a somewhat scatterbrained lady took our bags and made us sign papers. then it was up the stairs and into the "Priority Pass Lounge" which we had to ourselves, along with several drinks whilst watching an old episode of Midsummer Murders to pass the time. The lady on the reception said that the place had been absolutley jampacked till 2 a.m. as the "Heiniken airlift" took place to get the supporters and the Munster team back to Ireland. The team had led a big sing song in the main concourse of the airport.
The plane boarded and left about 15 mins late, but made up on time during the trip north - it was the same cabin crew who had taken us south, very nice young ladies who were being chatted up by some of the passengers.

Into Edinburgh - then!!! where were our bags - no sign at all, so we had to track down the FLYBE desk, then the baggage handlers to report that they were missing. In the meantime Mrs. B. was waiting nearby for our call and getting slighlt less amused by the minute. Out into the drop off zone which was nearly deserted and called her to come and get us - all going well and then we saw her headiong into the wrong lane, having been forced over out her lane at the last minute by someone who was a bit lost. She then had to swing into the pick up lane and stop at the barrier where we jumped in and then being unable to reverse out due to following traffic had to go through the barrier and made for the exit. At the barrier she stopped and has she had not validated the ticket the barrier would not work - then Mr JOBSWORTH appeared at the end of the intercome, he knew what had happened at the the other end as he was watching her, but refused to lift the barrier. We ended up having a bit of a shouting match but Graham had to go back into the car park and get another attendant to give him a validated ticket which we had to use to get out, but again after JOBSWORTH had had his say. Needless to say Mrs. B. was not happy and has refused to take us near the airport again
WELCOME TO EDINBURGH AIRPORT.
Home, no cases and off to bed, knowing that I was up sharp in the morning.

Wales part 3 day 2 at last the game

We are in the stadium, jam packed with Irish and a few French making up the 745000 crowd, roof closed and lots of noise.

two teams onto the field and off we go - it was a good match, first score in about four minutes then it all settled down, pretty exciting.

Graham had brought a tray of beers which he put on the seat between us which was free - so of course the seat being spring loaded, when Munster scored and we jumped up - so did the beer!!! - back to the bar.

Anyway the games was exciting, especially the last ten minutes when Munster were 3 points in the lead, which they managed to hold onto to eventually win the game. The blokes next to me were extatic - in tears and so so happy - prizegiving ceremony was good especially when they put out the lights , lit up the stage and set off the fireworks.

As soon as we could after the game we headed out and round to the massive Heiniken tent which had been erected in the grounds of the original Cardiff Arms Park, it was really plush with fancy loos, and LOTS of beer, cans, bottles and draught - for two hours. There was also a live band "Love Shack" playing and I am sure the girl singer had a wee thing for me so I ended up on the stage , just to show how it should be done !!!

When the "party" stopped we went with some friends to a nearby hotel where dinner was prebooked, a sort of slow and casual event which took us up till 12 m.n. to finish.

We then headed off through streets packed with folks enjoying themselves, long queues waiting to get into clubs and waded through tons of litter, it was like a bomb site, and by comparison Edinburgh is dull and boring , and clean!! and reached the railway station where we discovered that our information about the trains was a load of nonsense - there were no more trains to Swansea.

Spoke with rail staff and the Police and the advice was get a taxi - so whilst haggling over the ridiculous fares being charged we met up with another bloke going to our hotel so that helped a bit when we could divide the fare by three, and the bonus was that Graham had found a driver who would knock £10 off the price. So about 45 minutes later - and a lot of laughter as the driver and Graham had some banter going, we made it back to the Swansea Marriot where after yet another pint we collapsed into bed. To be continued --

Welsh Wales - Part 2 day 2 ( The big game)

Bit of a sore head this morning but still managed to get down and have a healthy breakfast to set us up for the day.

Back in the room the "Super 16" rugby semi finals were on the TV so it was a case of feet up, couple of drinks and we sat and watched both semi finals, one from Christchurch and the other from Sydney before getting ready to hit the trail.

All togged up, me in tartan trews and jacket with Graham in his black kilt which went OK with the Munster top, into a taxi where a very rugby friendly driver popped us up to the station where the London via cardiff train was sitting. We jumped on and found a seat ( in first Class) and they switched the engine off - not to spite us but becasue someone had interfered with the safety devices and there was no air for the brakes. So after thirty minutes we were tranferred over to another London train which eventully left and headed our way - again sitting FirstClass and next to the Buffet bar ( a wee clue to our method of killing time). A good run into cardiff where we were met with a sea of red jerseys as the Munster supporters made merry in the vicinty of the Stadium, so with two hours to kill we went to "Pica Pica", a restaurant which had been partially taken over by Heiniken for their guests prior to the game - so once again we found ourselves being fed and watered.

Not quite the highlight of the day - but there was about a ten inch circular hole in the door of the cubical in the gents toilet, so anyone caring / daring to sit on the loo was framed and had to just keep smiling / or smelling whichever was appropriate.

In the meatime the masses were gathering - some 74,500 attended the game and we headed into this wondefull Millennium Stadium which had the roof fully closed over, the atmosphere was tremendous and with good seats we had a great view of the pich, pre match entertainment and then the game itself. ( to be continued)

The start of the Welsh saga

Friday a.m. arrived at the airport in plenty of time so it was through to the lounge for a tipple or two then the plane , a small jet by FLYBE was declared to be about 15 mins late. When they did call it to board it was from the furthest part of the airport to where we were so with one mad rush we made it just in time.

Very comfy small plane and the flight passed quickly assisted by a couple of Gordons and tonic - so we actually arrived on time - but of course it was all downhill!! no problems getting our bags and then it was off to find a way top Cardiff as this so called Cardiff International Airport is in a field near to the village of Rhoose about 13 miles from Cardiff City .

We took the bus to Cardiff Central , but could have got a shuttle bus to Rhoose station and then the train to Bridgend and connected with a Swansea train there. We met some ladies from Edinburgh who Graham knew from the pub also heading down for the rugby.

The so called express bus took us through villages and valleys and eventually got there some 20 mins late - and the next move was to get a train to Swansea - which again was late, held up by railworks on the Bristol bridge. This part of the trip took another 55 minutes and at long last we reached Swansea Station which left us with a walk to the hotel which we thought was nearby !!! Not quite so, it was a very long walk, however the sun was shining and it was all downhill until we reached the Marina area which was being redeveloped.

When in the main street we were quite surprised at the number of locals sitting drinking on the grassy areas around the Swansea Castle and the big pedestrianised squares - so much for thinking Edinburgh was bad - this was a great deal worse , really.

We had asked several times for directions and ended up phoning the hotel - which turned out to be within our sight when we were told what to look for.

In the harbour/ marina we saw Thomas the tugboat, one of the small ships used in the war, and alongside on the shore were museums , bars and cafe's.

On reaching the Marriot Swansea, we discovered that we had a lovely room complete with two double beds - no need to sleep top to toe as we had expected.

Watched the TV, had a couple of drinks and then went looking for food - even at 8 p.m. the main street was mobbed by folks well fired up with drink - but in a good mood - so we ended up in a small Chinese restaurant down a side street, good choice as the food was excellent with a number of Chinese patrons ( always a good sign). By the time we had eaten the main street was even busier so we went into the Casino where things were much quieter and better controlled.

Graham started well with a £36 win for his £1 bet on the roulette - but I was happy enough to sit back and watch lots of folks losing their money - just as Graham did, however with my £1 bet just as we were leaving I won £20 which covered the cost of our drinks.

It was then only a short walk back to the hotel for a well earned sleep to prepare for the "big match day" ( to be continued)

Bit of an adventure

Still in Wales and about to leave Swansea to head for Cardiff and then to the airport.
Have had quite a time since Friday morning, delayed planes, trains, buses, a long taxi ride late on last night which was unexpected BUT at least we did get to the final of the rugby - totally amazing with over 60000 fans in the Millennium stadium - just fantastic with the roof closed and a great result for Munster.

Anyway photos to be put in later and a full story sometime during the week, once we have dried out and got organised again.

Due home around 10 p.m. so we will have time to waste and doubtless a few beers to help pass the time.
It will be interesting to see how many delays we have today.

On our way again

There will be a welcome in *********

Up with the larks again , (or no rest for the wicked) - this time it was both of us wide awake at 5 a.m. - and eventually up the back of 6 a.m.

Anyway Mrs B is taking Graham and I to the airport - then the trailing starts - we have to go to Cardiff then Swansea then Cardiff again - trailing back and forth due to no accommodation near the City.
Final of the Heiniken Cup kicks off at 5 p.m. on Saturday - France v Ireland so to speak, should be good.

Sandra and William should be back after their trip to Portugal, hopefully the ankle is recovering.

Brilliant wind up on the Real Radio - Hector Brocklehurst was looking for a safe house to keep the League Cup, mid way between Aberdeen and Dundee so he phoned a guest house in Forfar - the lady was a gem, taken in hook, line and sinker.

Anyawya better get sorted - so if there is a PC handy it will be watch this space.

Moving the goalposts

Well, Wednesday was as expected yet another day of racing against the clock, but I managed to gets lots done, even had a wander round Tesco's with frequent stops for wee chats to folks I had not seen for a while. Then to Beatson's the builders merchant for some shelving and light bulbs. Bulbs were supplied by a Company run by one of Graham's former friends (John Moffat) who moved away from the area - so I was not surprised to see that some of the packets were wrongly labelled!!

Managed to find a new home for the three piece suite, two tables and chairs and a TV set - thanks , it was better than them going to the skip.

Ultimately the phone went with Graham and Chris wanting to know when I was going into the Mercat as they needed a laptop (quickly), so off I went complete with lap top and shelving and ended up putting yet another shelve in the kitchen cupboard.
The bar was busy with supporters watching the final of the Champions League, which went on and on, with the twist in the tail as Man.U. won on penalties.

Graham's cousin Jonathon was in the bar so we had a chat and he tried to explain that Armani jeans costing £140 a pair were better for "pulling the birds" than pairs at £15 from Matalan !! - maybe I am not quite the fashion guru I used to be.

Struan and Claire were listening to the game on the radio in the kitchen which was about six seconds ahead of the satellite signal on the bar TV's, so Struan was cheering ahead of the incident on the TV and running through to tell the bar staff before they saw the event.
I left at half time and headed home to watch the end of the game on TV there, a bit puggled and with a sore back.

Up again at 6.30 a.m to get the underlay up and out the way and start preparing the floors for the carpet fitter. Must say that the main man was superb, arriving at 9.45 and leaving at 5.30 a.m. with a helper for a few hours, and at one point it took four to carry in the carpet and manhandle it into place. The guy who made the first cuts deserved a medal- these modern carpets are nothing like the quality we used to get - or am I getting old.

Mrs. B and her pal, Irish Christine headed off for the day to keep out the way, however when she got home she had kittens, the carpet was so much lighter than she had expected !!!
Then - there the start of a new list of jobs needing done!! - later.

Had a call from Shezad at the College in Edinburgh , good to hear from him as he was trying to give me some work - lecturing !! However I will need to go and see them next week and see what thyey have in mind as the selected subject is something I have never dealt with before.

No " Satan's TV" ( Setanta) in the house so I am having to listen to the football on the radio, but it gives me the chance to do more than one thing at a time. Graham was trying to get me to go along to the Craigiebield but there is still time.

Will need to get my bag packed for the morning to get away to Cardiff - poor Ann is being left sitting in a guddle- and it will have to stay that way till next week.

Paint everywhere bocking my way

Been hectic since Monday afternoon's notes.
I went back to the Mercat Monday night along with Sparky Mark and after being fed we did some more shelving and electrical work in the kitchen after it was closed and cleaned for the night - so hopefully Claire will get a nice we surprise when she returns today.
The bar kept getting flooded, so Mark managed to fix a choked waste pipe - which makes a change for hime to cure a problem rather than cause the flooding !!
The Monday Comedy Club was pretty busy down stairs in the Mercat - one of these days I will get the chance to go and listen to them.
We eventually got home at 1.15 a.m. Tuesday morning so it was a bit of a long shift, anyway up at the toot again Tuesday as Dougie and Cody the dog were in to finish off all the painting - this meant that I could not get near the computer for the day due to the wet paint, but instead I just had to keep working away at all the final touches around skirtings and in the hall before new carpets go down tomorrow.

Mrs B and Claire arrived back at 5 p.m. to find self, Mark and Graham sampling a few "Millers" to keep up the energy levels whilst working away.
The Girls had had a great time at Peebles Hydro, said it was great value for money - there were lots of folks in on two for one offers out the papers, etc.

Popped over to see my neighbout Mike who is still making up wedding invitation cards for his daughter Shelly - talk about cheap labour, and with Mrs. A. laid out on the couch directing operations.

Eventually collapsed into bed - the old Duracell batteries having given up on the pacemaker - so now it is off, up and running once again - someday I will get the chance to lie quietly, sedated in a darkened room.!!!

Not even had the time to go see Photogenix Grant yet to get the Prague photos printed, and with Graham and I off to Cardiff on Friday morning for the rugby it looks like time is still aginst me.

Still sunny but a bit colder.

Peace reigns - Mrs B is away for two days along with Claire from the Mercat down to Peebles for a bit og R & R - which she needs. Claire has gone for the treat due to her hard work in the kitchen and to make up for being left behind when the boys all went off to Prague.

Was up and away early again this morning trying to get more jobs done in the pub, getting there slowly - but had to call a halt so I will be back in later tonight when the kitchen has closed.

I hear that Edwardo is back from Argentina and is coming to do some shifts with us - I look forward to that as he is a good guy and a good cook also.

Snottery Willie - on Saturday I had to sit and listen to a bloke sniff , snort and cough for two hours constantly, it was seriously annoying and reminded me of a bloke I worked with many years ago. No matter what time of theyear it was he always had a runny nose and was constantly wiping it with his handkerchief or his sleeve!! shiny sleeves and his nickname with the local neds was Snottery Willie.

Photo of a workman in a crane basket taken on Saturday morning in Edinburgh - he was supposed to be repointing the roof of a tall building but his basket was not fixed so whenever he put pressure on the wall to push in cement the basket kept swinging away from the wall. It was probably a very expensive bit of pointing and more than likely not well done due to his problems.

Computers are a pain in the a***

I Have just spent three hours to book a flight to Cardiff next week and then try to get a hotel in Cardiff so that we can go to the Heiniken Rugby Cup Final at the Millenium Stadium next Saturday. Nearest we could get a hotel was in SDwaqnsea, 34 miles away and they were charging the earth - but it is now sorted. From the folks I have spoken to it looks like you do have to go for miles to get a room - which is a bit like the Edinburgh area when the big games are on here.


Today I was up at 5.30 a.m. and out in the garden at 6.30 a.m. when a hot air baloon passed overhead - Ann and Graham eventually surfaced and we headed into the Mercat for breakfast so that Ann could go to the shops, while I stayed and worked on.

Home later, weather was nice so I took a walk through the parks where there was a football match on the all weather pitch, skateboarders on the skateboard site, a cup final on the Penicuik Athletic Pitch, and a big archery competition in the playing fields which had been going on for two days. There were teams here from all over the UK , from England and as far north as Orkney - I think the two blokes carrying the butt had kept missing so they were cheating a wee bit !! NOT just resetting the distances.

Sandra sent an E mail from Portugal, they have been missing our company, normally when it was overcast we would all jump into the jacuzzie and have some bubbly amongst the bubbles, however I think she has been jumping off the wardrobe as she has hurt her ankle!!!

Back to the garden for a while , then onto this machine to do my head in.

George Summors RIP

I only discovered yesteray that my old boss and next door neighbour George Summors died on the 14th March and no one let me know about it.

George was a superb piper and an international judge, travelling at short notice to Pipe band competitions all,over the world.

He , Nancy and his daughters, Carol and Keren lived next door to us in Bog Road when we were first married then they moved nearby before leaving to go to Creetown and Annan, in Dumfriesshire. George took very ill, suffered a double lower limb amputation, and eventually asked fore his daily dialises to be switched off.

God Rest his soul.

yet another busy day

Woke up at 12.45 a.m. , yes, a.m. feeling unwell and ended up sleeping on the settee all night - which meant I did not have so far to go in the morning .

Off to The Mercat for an open , and then Samantha called in sick again , being in hospital - so it was just as well I was there, till other staff arrived. Claire, like me was restless so she also appeared early, but was then able to go to Bookers with me for the run, and a rummage for bargains.

I am trying to get a piece of dado rail for the dining room , about four inches long , to mach the existing wood - a bloody nightmare as I cannot remember where the original came from and the profile is tricky to copy.

Dropped off the food at the pub and then went home to annoy Dougie the painter and dog, who were getting on with the job, Dougie calls me "Indiana Jones" claiming that I use a lash on him to keep him from slacking !!¬

Received a text message from Kerina, another of out "Upside down" people who is now in London and has just got a job as a care with an agency there to keep her going for a while therer.

We have been trying to get a home for a good three piece suit and no one is inters ted so it looks like it will end up on a tip somewhere - bit of a waste, but it appears that the needy are a bit fussy these days. Carpet has been cut up and also gone the same way.

Managed to get out into the garden and do a few hours work as it it was sunny and warm, unlike Portugal where William and Sandra are bored and fed up with the rain and poor weather.

Kind of lost the plot a bit this afternoon as we have heard nothing from the Council, despite their solemn promise for action- so it was another of my pointed E mails to the Director.

Sat for a while watching a movie called Lake Placid, about a giant crocodile - but as I am likely to have even worse nightmares I decided to write instead - and in any case I have an early rise again in the morning - hopefully getting back in time to go to the KT's, King David of Ballentradock at Dalkeith in the afternoon.

Late CALL

It has been a long day , up at 5.30 a.m . as I could not sleep for bad dreams, but no cramps. So off i headed early doors to The Mercat where I managed to set off the alarm system on the qway in, however after that I guddled my way through a morning set up. The new Chef Sarah was in today so it was the blind leading the blind till Samantha eventually tipped up looking like a collie dog - but she is getting her hair cropped on Friday.

Pottered about and did some odd jobs, Mark will be proud of me - no bangs or fires, but I duid wire a socket up back to front - but realised what I had done.

Lawrence, one of the customers comes in every day , and this morning was joined by a young French lady and they sit and chat away in French for ages over a glass or three of le vin rouge et blanc.

Home to join Dougie and dog (not the dog) who had finished papering, now it is all the funny little finishing touches and painting to be done , before I get landed again with the next bit.

Cut the grass with my new Bosch mower, but I cannot say I am impressed with its finish but it is easier than keeping sheep.

Spent ages on the computer earlier but got nowhere fast - AOL were working on the system which just kept locking me out. I had planned on doing another letter to Edinburgh Council, but that was knocked on the head, for the meantime.
So now the family are all home it of off to bed, "to sleep berchance to dream".

Bitter blow to the boys in blue

No prizes for coming second, just unfortunate it all had to end this way for the Rangers. Worst bit of the game was having to listen to the commentator on STV who was so negative it was unreal, Mrs B. would have cut his tongue out given the chance. Anyway -

Been yet another day of decorating , but the good news is that we are nearly there, another couple of days should see the end of the tunnel apart from the follow up phases !!! Whatevever that means

Should have been at work tonight but ended up as part of a Provincial Deputation to Esk 42 RA Chapter, Dalkeith - where despite the fact the football was on there was still a good turn out.

Unusual and special thing happened on Monday 12th and I ommitted to write about it - in the USA a young soldier Michael Cresenze died during the Vietnam War and was brought home and buried in his home town at Westchester, PA. He was subsequently awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour as he had died whilst attacking three machine gun posts gunning down his platoon.
His family have canvassed for years to have him interred in Arlington Cemetry along with other Medal of Honour holders and eventaully this has happened - his body was exhumed last week and on Monday 12 th he was taken to Washington DC with full escort and reburried with honours in Arlington Cemetry.
His brother Joe, we know from the days when Graham played rugby in the US and when we visited his home he was so proud to let us see Michael's Medal and Citation.

William and Sandra are on holiday in Portugal and are hopefully having good weather - I noted that they had a peek at the blog this morning - I just wish we had been able to get over with them.

Hopefully a better nights sleep tonight and up sharp to do an open in the morning

Rambling of the shilling in the meter man

While logging on tonight the computer was so slowI thought that I had not paid my electric bill - and when I checked out the viewings for the day I am beginning to think I can say anything as daily numbers are dropping - perhaps I will need to market better at the Mercat when I get organised there as my old failthfulls from Musselburgh seem to be deserting me.

Anyway it was up with the larks this morning after a hellish night of intermittent leg cramps - into the Mercat and attempt to do an open - the till is a bit too high tech for me so i stumbled at the first hurdle which meant that my two early customers - trainee pilots for KLM had to wait for me to fathom out the till - fortunately Sir Christoher arrived in time to help me out.

The Major arrived for coffee - " bit of a stickler" this one , and I have always thought of him as military person , hiowever it turns out he was latterly a professional pianist who played regularly at the Peebles Hydro Hotel.

I was trying to do a job in the office but ran out of power points sop gave up and started to sort out a great big cupboard with the result that I found all my missing tools which had been buried under rubbish by the likely lads.

Home to find Dougie the painter and dog allegedly hard at work - he claims he washed his dust sheets to keep them clean ., I think he uses them as pillows and blankets.

My moto is that prespiration is good for you !! unlike others who think otherwise.

Sparky Mark arrived with a tray of hot spare ribs - so an ideal excuse for a beer break was had - this of course led to another couple of beers and a subsequent evening sesion - with the end result that no more work was done.

I have a good three piece suite, dining room table and carpets to get rid of ( once I find the table legs) but it is hard to find someone to come and collect them and give them to a good home, we certainly do not wish them to go into the skip.

Not sure what the object is in the photo , it is another of the ones from the bottom of the High Street taken in silouette of something up on Waterlaoo place.

A fun sunday !!

Up with the larks to a foggy morn - however by 7.30 a.m. we were already bashing on with the fiddly bits that need doing just to finish off jobs, so eventually Ann and I had the bedroom put back together.


We even had to phone Sparky to wish him a happy birthday and make sure he was up for work.

The radiator I paineted on saturday survived the terribel thunder and hail storm so I was able to get it gloss painted - I just hope it stays reasonable overnight.
Had a nice wee e mail from Simona in Prague who had received her photos yesterday.

So it went till I eventually had to head for The Mercat to work - with this being the last day of the English Premier League games . Place was still a bit quiet so initially I ended up in the kitchen with Claire and Duhai, learning just how it all works and getting my hands wet at the same time.


Claire was busy experimenting with the new dishes going onto the next change of menu due out in a few days - no point in having folks getting fed up - a change is as good as a rest. ( nice crumbles are heading up the list of deserts).



Things got busy as the big games came on the TV and lots of food served till we eventually slowed down then Graham and Chris met up with friends to head to Tyncastle for the Heart of Midlothian FC player of the year dinner - my query is how can a team who have been so bad as Hearts possibly have a player of the year?
Home to the good lady who was all excited about getting a two day visit to the Peeble's hydro spa along with Claire - at least I know that I am going to get at least 24 hrs peace shortly.


Over to see my neighbour Mike who was working like a sweat shop chappie / person making wedding invitation cards by hand for his daughter Shelly's wedding in June. Mrs A. was sitting resting, Shelly was doing her homework so Mike and I had a couple of wee goldies just to dull the pain. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was on the tv which helped pass the evening and by the time I struggled back Mrs B had gone to bed, which is where I am heading in a few minutes

Guess who blocked my parking space

Saturday - lovely morning and up early to start all my wee jobs, but once Ann came back from the hairdressers it was off to B & Q to buy a new lawnmower to replace the one that went on fire, a few odds and ends for the old DIY antics and then to Bookers Cash and Carry to stock up for the Mercat.

Wee phone call from Princess Kerrin and later Elaine just to let me know that I was being missed at the Sportsmans, not sure if this is a good thing or not , when you are as crabbit as me it is hard to judge, however it was lovely to hear from them.

Headed to The Mercat and could not get parked as there was a large van parked in the loading bay with the driver missing - turned out to be a Police traffic wardens van and the driver was in the Chemists, when she came back and I thought would move, NO , the passenger then headed off to Greggs to get a pie - in the meantime I was stuck on red lines trying to unload a boot full of food. See photo.

I then went and had my ears set on fire - by the Turkish hairdresser next to the pub, who is very good, but you get a bit of fright when he runs a flame over your head and ears - he was asking about my boys, Graham and Chris !!! and also about how Robbie was doing in OZ.

Home to the garden where I painted my radiator which I had taken out to the garden, while Mrs B. sat and did the crossword and blethered to her pal - but then the heavens opened - hail stones and gallons of water just dropping from heaven - and coming through the roof lighting the conservatory - so it was buckets out to catch more than drips - this will be yet another job for the near future.

The poor souls who were taking part in the Penicuik 10 k race were totally drookit by the time they reached the finishing line in the park opposite my house.

Started some more jobs in the house and then Sparky Mark arrived to help fit a radiator - not the newly painted one- and replace some lights. Stayed for his dinner and got his birthday card and present a day early - Happy Birthday for the 11th Mark.

Lovely bottle of Cilean red wine to go with my sausage and mash dinner- excellent - but had to be good as there was still more work to get started as I have to go and do my bit at The Mercat on Sunday and at the same time keep one move ahead of Dougie.

I see I had a few other hits on the site from the USA today , it would be nice to know who is peeking so that I can say hello. Now going to try and add a couple of photos the have an early night to recharge the batteries.

See if we can do any better today

I am now getting gremlins with this computer, just as I did some weeks ago with the lap top, which eventually died on me. I spent a couple of hours last night working away and got nowhere at all.

Anyway, Friday I spent a shift working in the Mercat to let workmen in at 6 a.m. to do flooring etc, then did what I was supposed to do.

We had a group of seven Welsh girls in on a hen party - hopefully there will be a photo, they were good fun.

Home via Costco on the motorbike so my shopping list was limited, then in to start again on the preparation for Dougie the Painter. I eventually decided to give in and made do with a couple of beers and a bottle of wine.

Spoke to Kristen at the Sportsmans, and also Karen, seems that the snake Kristen found in her house is one of three which went missing a few months ago, so lord knows where the other two are, but I would not be looking under my bed if I was her.

Uncle Chick seems to have lost the plot completely and resorted back to his ways of old !! A set of duplicate keys and he kind of thought that the pub was his own personal cocktail cabinet - so he will now be drinking elsewhere!!!

Sort of lost contact, with Big Simon, so if you are out there - get in touch. Same applies to George and Lennie !!!

Nice to see that Simona, the tour guide from Prague has been taking a peek. When I know this is working OK I will do a wee bit on the Prague trip - which was hectic and great along with photos.

Computer very slow tonight - like me

Back to work

Back to work meant for me , not this shower of lazy so and so's who are supposed to be working on the new tram work in Shandwick Place. I took a walk along there thiks morning for the first time and was appalled to see the mess being made. This Company has the contracty to get the job done and it seems that the main aim is to cause as much inconvenience and suffering as possible. In the photo five men were lookingh at a bit of aper, later I swa a group of ten workmen, six were standing talking, two were working, one went off to blether on his phone and the last went into the same bank as me and sat down to do some business. The local traders are probably losing more each day than is being spent on the labout force for this so called prestigious project. Load of crap. Onto next blog

Sunny Prague

Lunchtime Thursday - and we have a busy and internally wet few days, visits to three breweries, with beeers for breakfast dinner and tea !! quite literally.

Weather has been excellend, only one burst of thunder which affected us the rest of the time we were inside or under cover and not bothered .

Group has been good fun so when i get back i will need to do some composing and get the photos together.

leaving in a couple of hours to go to the airport but found this wee IT Cafe as the hotel os so new, only open for one week and still getting organised.

Sandra and William have a good holiday.

Cheers,

happy Birthday - Donna

Could not find any photos of Donna less that about twenty five years old so not much point in trying to put them on tonight. She is trying to grow old gracefully!!
Anyway I have packed my suitcase and am ready to go , even if no one else is, but as usual i am finding all sorts of wee last minute jobs which need doing..

Spoke with William and sandra ( tea lady) in London tonight so they are charging ahead with their extension now - just in time to get themselves off to portugal for a couple of weeks - normally we would have been with them but this has not been possible this year due to our ongoing problems with Ann's work and health.

Time for a beer or bed !!!

Beginning to see the light

Saturday passed with me literally in a fog / or mist, two hours of sanding walls with no through flow of ventilation so it was masks, hats, etc, but I still ended up white from top to toe, however the job was done, followed by two ceilings to be emulsioned and walls sealed.

Sparky arrived and took some lights off the wall and even Doreen came down and cut my grass with her flymo which has inherited some bits from my burnt out machine.

Eventually a clean and well scrubbed me took off to the Mercat with Ann and Doreen for our dinner , taking into account the mess the house was in. Place was busy so I had to help out a bit and came across my first "City Chancer" who thought he could try the old " I gave you £10 already" thinking that I was more confused than tired - The old school at The Sportsman's gave up on that ages ago !! So the bold boy was eventually put in his place.

I had a fish tea for the 1st time instead of my usual steak - very nice, and the couple next to us could not resist so they ( from Australia and New Zealand) had likewise plus a couple of beautiful sweets.

Headed home and was in bed at 9.40 p.m. knackered.

Up and running this morning to size walls, redoo the livingroom ceiling , plus the bathroom and shower room when I was at it - big difference using the proper professional gear, its a doddle.

Phone rang and guess who - it was the upside down people , Rob and Caitlin, who are doing well and sounded great - it was lovely to hear from them and catch up with their news ( Ann in the photo talking to Caitlin) Robbie now two weeks into his new job and enjoying it, busy house hunting, but missing us all - just as we are them.

Rangers v Hibs this afternoon, lots of perspiration but no inspiration so it ended up a 0 - 0 draw.

Now off to try and get some stuff put in a case as I am off to Prague with twenty three others from the ESLTA at 6 a.m. - so given the chance I will try and blog from the hotel while away.

Snake in the cupboard

Friday night, bit under the weather with lack of sleep and too much red wine - but what about this ??

Photo is of Sparky Mark who discovered oil when draining my radiators so we could take them off the wall to repaper - he hurt his back jumping off the wardrobe at his local massage parlour.

Kristen of the Sportsman's called yesterday in hysterics to say that she had just opened her cleaning cupboard in the house and saw a snake !! She thought it was one her sons toys, but when it moved kind of got that wet feeling in her pants - it was for real, so she phoned the SSPCA who when they arrived discovered that it was a real Adder - one of Scotland's only poisonous snakes - no idea how it had got there but as it was obviously hungry it was not as active as it could have been. For me it would have been a brown adrenilin job in the pants as I hate snakes.

Sir Christopher is now back after his sojourne at Centre Parks where he had a great time with Miss Talk a Lot, his Ma, Tam and Catherine, and now back to do a bit of work before going to Prague.

"Went to the hospital this morning for all sorts of huffing and puffing tests to see why i was coughing so much , however after finding the whole thing very interesting I began to try and better myself with the end result that they said I had no problems - so back to the initial problem - why am I coughing all the time.

Ann managed to make it to The Standing Order in George Street and met up with "Old Archie" but as I arrived a few minutes later we had to leave bore seeing the big man himself.

Off the The Mercat bar, which was jam pam packed so we helped out both on the floor and behind the bar - just remembered- I was on the bar last night while the football was on - great resul;t for Rangers and Scotland - but the poets session was on down stairs - just a wee bit different and harder to come to terms with. One of our USA attendees came up with a poem of reincarnation where he was reborn as a flower with a bee masturbating on his head - perhaps a wee bit of LSD coming into the equation here. from what I heard I think I might become a poet also.

Upon a hill there stood a dookit,
it's no there now'
some buggers took'it.

Back to the house, which is lying like the proverbial council tip, it's so comfortable - I am dreading the decorating getting finished when I will need to sit with clean underpants and socks on - and we should half about ten trips to the car boot sales to get rid of Mrs B's junk.

Currently sitting with a smiling Sparky mark - having had a couple of Baileys in chocolate cups, a few red wines for me and for him a quadruple of magners - all as a reward for moving furniture around - just hope that it does not rain for the next few weeks as we have run out of space in the house.

Sami received the returns I had left him but when donated to Morrison's The Bookie , he manged to lose itall on somethingthat should have been turned into dog food ages ago.

Q. where are the upside down people - Robbie and Caitlin No news is upsetting.

While dozy heads slept

Busy day on Wednesday , popped over to Newbridge to meet Fraser from Glasgow and pick up some items for Runcorn, then back home to do a bit more work in the house.

Fraser left me and apparantly ran through a speed camera on the M9 at Stirling - OOPs - now waiting for the funny photo.

Ann Graham and myself headed to Bonnyrigg for a meeting of the OES last night, met lots of folks we knew and Ann was impessed with the event and enjoyed the company.

Made it home and they headed to bed, while I decided to head south to Runcorn while the roads were quiet. Leaving at about 11 p.m. I was in Runcorn shortly after 2.20 a.m. to find the gates locked , but when I spoke to the security they said that staff were site, so a short time later I was relieved of my goods - and still being wide awake, and with no need to stay there till breakfast time I headed northwards again - reaching Penicuik at 05.40 a.m. - and just a bit tired!! Only thing of interest was an ambulance that passed me doing well over 90 mph and without his blue light on - one Police car pulling someone north of the Border , and one lorry who obviously that thought that the Average speed cameras on the six mile stretch at metal Bridge / Carlisle did not apply to him . Apparantly the same piece of of the M74 / M6 road was shut for several hours yesterday after a lorry shed its load in the centre of the roadworks - closing all the lanes.

Managed a few hours sleep and headdeed off to Musselburgh for 10.30 to see Colin and Kristen.
Looks like Uncle Chick has lost the plot, scrubbed the highly polished lino with bleach and undid hours of good work by Mr Fraser Snr. Ladies loo is lovely but the locals have already pinched flowers, vases and other nick nacks. Caught up with the gossip , and thanks to Sami and Tam for their notes, Sami must have had just a little too much - as he had erred greatly in my favour - but that was put to rights. The Stand is being shut down and a couple of unfortunate locals have just lost the funds which they recently thought were a wise investment - NOT.

The A720 by pass work is progressing and looking good, but dalkeith is still a nightmare with the Gas Board doing their best to shut down local businesses.

Up to Bonnyrigg where Grant was in fine fettle, busy as ever - silly woman called in for a hurry up photo for her daughter, going to the USA in the morning and travel people refused to accept the childs photo so she was heading through to Glasgow to get the passport office to amend the passport with the updated phot - just cutting it a bit fine.

Eventually home to play catch up and then get ready to go to work this evening , where hopefully we will get a wee crowd in for the Rangers game - we will obviously try and discourage excessive drinking ( as suggested by the new licensing board) by offering tea / coffee and biscuits to the punters..

Had to patch up the slippers as the duck tape was getting worn !! - b ut the dog refuses to play with them , I think they are too smelly for him.

Time to fly - literally.

Some stories I hope

An elderly gentleman...Had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100% The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, 'Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.'The gentleman replied, 'Oh, I haven't told my family yet.I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!'

Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a benchunder a tree when one turns to the other and says: 'Slim, I'm 83 yearsold now and I'm just f ull of aches and pains. I know you're about myage. How do you feel?'Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.''Really!? Like a newborn baby!?''Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.'

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and aftereating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen.The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.'The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?'The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name ofthat flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns.''Do you mean a rose?''Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'

Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.

'Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay,but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair.'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?''Sure.''Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.'No, I can remember it.''Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so's not to forget it?'He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.''I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks. Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it!Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment.'Where's my toast ?

'A senior citizen said to his eighty-year old buddy: 'So I hear you're getting married?''Yep!''Do I know her?''Nope!''This woman, is she good looking?''Not really.''Is she a good cook?''Naw, she can't cook too well.''Does she have lots of money?'' Nope! Poor as a church mouse.' 'Well, then, is she good in bed?''I don't know.''Why in the world do you want to marry her then ? ''Because she can still drive!'

Three old guys are out walking.First one says, 'Windy, isn't it? 'Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!' Third one says, 'So am I. Let's go get a beer.

'A man was telling his neighbor, 'I just bought a new hearing aid. Itcost me four thousand dollars, but i t 's state of the art. It's perfect.''Really,' answered the neighbor . 'What kind is it?''Twelve thirty.'

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical.A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?'Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.'' The doctor said, 'I didn't say that. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.

'One more. . .!A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself slowly, painfully, up onto a stool.. After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split.The waitress asked kindly, 'Crushed nuts?''No,' he replied, 'Arthritis.'

Like those?