My pleasant surprise this morning

Was awake very early this morning and just lay till 4 a.m. before getting up.

First thing I spotted out the bck window was a hedgehog , who I have never seen in the garden before, so it is for the watching in future.

Away about 4.45 a.m. with a slow run through to meet Fraser in Glasgow, could have gone faster as he was waiting for me - but then off again at 6.30 south.

Arrived at Runcorn and met my pal Jill on Reception who had missed me - due to the last run being sort of nocturnal . Anyway had lots of stuff for the two offices and collected bags to take back , before heading to the canteen for a cuppa.

Lo and behold - and much to my surprise my two "highway robbers" were back behind the counter, having "left" as I was told some time ago. Really good to see them so we had a good chin wag - I reckoned that they had been locked up for the prices they had been charging the staff for meals, etc, but they said no. Turns out that they wanted more time to themselves to socialise as they are pals and having left the Company organised shorter hours to get them back.

Good - cause they make a great Coffechoc and bacon buttie for me to eat as I head north.

So as promised I have had to put them on the blog and Jill will print off the photo for them in the morning.

Currently watching the football Switzerland V Turkey, with the score at 1 - 0 after 42 minutes, and it is pouring with rain in Switzerland - just as it is here in Peniuik, which does not amuse me.

managed to see some of the earlier game though drooping eyelids, a good result for Portugal.

Mrs B. has surprised me by managing to find and produce a fancy birthday card off the computer.

Calling a halt as there may well be food and wine on the go - I even had a nice chocolate eclaire with a cuppa as my birthday cake.