Change of plans - Liverpool continued

Have just spoken to Pamela - wife of Ricky (pirate of the road) who are now chatting .

Back to Liverpool - we had been to the shops, got ourselves all creamed and perfumed up so we headed to the River where we got tickets for the "Ferry across the Mersy" - two options , short crossing or long way round as a scenic trip - that did us.

The ferry was very busy - but we managed to get a good seat on the rails with all the views, sun shining - just perfect - so up to the mouth lof the river, turned and we had a good view of New Brighton on the Birkenside, side of the river, so different to the massive industrial set up on the east side. There was an excellent commentary of all the major points - did you know that Liverpool had a 110 yard swimming pool, the largest in Europe at one time - five open air pools in a small area. the Merey tunnel was the first in the Uk - with massive extractor towers at each end, ther really is a lot of history around this port which was the departure point for thousands of our folks who went to live abroad - incuding many youngsters in Institutions who were sent off to Oz - and denied knowledge of their famies, etc. this has been subject of a major investigation by the BBC.

The ferry we were on was one of the two which were used during the war in the Normandy landings and has been awarded "Royal" before its name - cannot remember its name. - silly me. HOWEVER , thanks to a friendly reader - their names are Royal Iris and Royal Daffodil.

The views of the shore were spectacular - with the Liver Birds Building - with the two Liver Birds on the roof with local folklore saying that at such a time as trhe birds are no onger on the building Liverpool wiull have suffered some major catastrophe. The building itself was modelled on a Chichago skyscraper and is the fist steel skyscraper in the UK. , and the piece box apartment block - with the two top apartments looking like a lunch box.

So we left the ferry, headed back for the car, being passed by the yellow amphibious vehicle ( DUCK) which does both dock and road tours, they looked fun , cost a bit more than the bus trip . We then headed for home , and en route got stuck in the bad trafic jam at Carlisle as I have previousl written about.

Try to concentrate Stuart

So , here I was , Thursday a.m. doing what I had done, sorting out the monies for Sheree (Twin) before she came in - dashing around and looking for our missing "Henry the Hoover" - when the carpet fitters arrived to lay out the carpet in the big room downstairs. Four chaps who were nearly apoplectic when they saw that the place was full of furniture - however in the course of their debate RGB ( Graham) arrived - listened to their gripe - seems that all carpet fitters now want a naked, pristine room, so that they can stroll in - drop the carpet on the floor - roll it out and exit stage right - nice and easy - lazy twa***. So after the red mist had cleared Graham started to move the furniture himself, aided then by me, and eventually by the four fitters - it took about five minutes before they had room to move !!! and by the time they were ready we had the place cleared. It was certainly a different experince to having the real experts from John Lewis out at our house - a megga under statement.

So they were nearly finished when the tilers arrived - having been there till 4 a.m. and done a great job - so hopefully by now the tiling will be finshed - but what a stoor to clean up before Friday night - and lots to do.
Did some painting - so the new carpet and myself bear the evidence.

Girls were working hard, kitchen staff were busy Jamie back in the fold as his eye complaint has cleared up since he stopped peering through keyholes !!- and later on Jeremy arrived to say bye bye before heading off home to the USA and a massive change in his life.

Sky TV ( BSKYB) arrived - but as is par for course they had made their usual B**** Up so we got no further with that part of the project.
Sir Christopher on site , working hard and trying to fend off all callers - good lad, the things he does for Sir Graham. BUT he is part of RGB's Secret service - or MI5 =- eventually admitted that the escapee form Botany Bay - Mr Byrne and wife had been in on Monday night and were now heading for London - Paris - and Europe - so now we need to tell Interpol perhaps.
Eventually , my Boss - Mrs. B. arrived and at 4 p.m. - enough was enough - so home, shower, tea, slight doze in front of the TV and soup song of "First Cape" South African shiraz 14% - very pleasant.

Had to cancell for my appointmant with the "dracula" nurse - who was also going to peer into my burnt ears - tomorrow - due to having too much to do in by, but rearranged for Monday - so I might have a day off !!.

Calling it quits tonight.

JOKE - Edinburgh Council Serving the public !!!

Thursday night, and I am beginning to think this retirement lark is just a fallacy - another bad night and then up to get a run into town with RGB Jnr. so that I could help out Jeff the Cleaner who was landed with thirty eight bags of rubbish to put out. We have to buy boxes of bags from Allied Waste at £350 per box , but I am not sure how many bags there are per box. Anyway - the current situation is that local tennants get their bin bags maked with Edinburgh Council - and they are lifted by the Council motors. Traders have to either buy trade waste bags - or go to private companies like Allied who than collect their own bags kerbside. With the amount of waste we have it can cost us around £400 per month !! so today I helped Jeff and we managed to get our place clearewd up as the landlady of the flats above is a real pain in the but and makes a fuss at every turn.
Despite all this - our Allied chaps are very good and can be quite ameanable and helpful - but on the other hand the Edinburgh City Council Cleansing boys - hard line trade unionists, etc - three to a motor and a law to themselves are anything but. Today I watched as they stopped next door and lifted a few small bags - they left a very small bag with trade waste on it , and a tupperware box with a pair of cloves in it because they were not in the correct bag. For some reason the photo will not load - perhaps later)

I have just spoken with J.P. at The Mercat bar, and he was telling me about his friend who was watching as three "black chappies" in London passed his house carrying a sofa - they saw him watching so they just chucked it into his garden and ran off - "the bounders". I was going to say that we do not have this problem - load of nonsense - of course we have - fly tipping, fag ends, etc, its all the same , and out on our country roads.
This was not what I planned to write so next blog.

Another Oz visitor.

Sort of tired but I made it up for 6 a.m. and headed off to town , not sure if I was to meet plumbers at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. - anyway , plumber arrived at 7.10 a.m. and worked like a trojan to install two shiny new toilet pans and sisterns in the toilets - what fun, but at least they work better than the ones we had which were installed on the cheap by the last team of cowboys on site.

Todays star was Sheree, who ended up on her own , working flat out as we were fairly busy and I was too dirty to get involved in the front of the pub - she got just a bit confused at times, but was not as bad as her twin sister Dannielle who tried to order up a Suday roast on Saturday !! Good girl. We can now tell them apart as dannielle set fire to her hair at the weekend while leaning over a candle dueing an intense meaningful conversation!!!! (pis**ed) I mean.
We had another couple of Australians in with their daughter for breakfast, Don Learbuch from St John Ambulance Australia, Western Oz. His wife was having a bit of a problem working out what our money was worth!! but I am sure as their holiday progresses they will manage fine. Still no sign yet of Paul Byrne in his leg irons , correction - He did appear on Monday night - drank gallons, had a great time and has now fled the country.;
Tilers arrived to make a satrt on the floors and seem to be doing OK - but I decided to bale out due to old age and needing to do some things for myself. Headed back and discovered that the Ford was boiling up due to losing water - so that will need sorted before I go on any more long trips again with it- appears to be a water pump gasket away.
On the way home saw a bloke with one of these jobs that makes you wonder what they really do - he had one of those measuring wheels -and was just wandering along the side of the road. I have seen a few of them in action - if that is the right word - it is nearly as good as walking about with a clipboard under the arm , or a piece of scaffolding pipe on the shoulder - but there he was out for a walk and getting paid ( I presume).

Probably up and off early again - but will need to wait and see.

No word from Young Michelle with the result of her driving test - is that a bad sign i wonder ?

Tuesday - long and what a day

Sorry to admit this , but yet another bad night, 4 a.m. wide awake, head birling and mind going double time with some really wierd dreams. at one stage I was foing to get up but sometime around 5.30 a.m. I dozede off , in time to awaken 6.45 and get up. Phoned Dr Disaster / Capt Calamity who said he would be waiting - however after two sessions of snooze mode he had slept in !!
So - 7.10 we picked him up and headed for The Mercat Bar where we started on the days DIY chores - making good progress for a few hours then off to the Plumb Centre and Russel paints for extra supplies. For months we have been trailing all over the City for plumbing supplies and here is a wholesaler about 400 yards from the pub!!
Did well till p.m. when we started to move dishwashers and coolers - but someone had got their measurements all wrong - big time - so we had serious jigging to do - but cutting a long story shoert eventually got everything in place and then the dishawsher started to leak - As I type the heavens have opened and it is pouring hells bells - so I just hope my own leaks do not manifest this evening.

Sparky did well - only this little flood today but we will neeed to call in the experts to see what is wrong with the machine.
Graham arrived to annoy us and started to try and put up some pictures, but we had to write this way up on the hammer and to see him attempting to hang photos was an experience - however we eventually waited till he had finished then took down his photos and put up a lovely mirror.
So - eventually at 7 p.m. we called a halt and headed home for dinner, wine and magners - very good - even although I am expected to be back again for 7 a.m.
Just home and enjoying our dinner when Irish Christine arrived - what a laugh - being reminicing about her days as a youth - when you used to quarter bath cubes as a treat - paper rounds at 50 shillings a week, washing your hair with water from the rain barrells; waiting inline and counting in the bags of concessionary coal to make sure the coalman did not diddle you.

We spoke about the time in Loanhead (9th April 1968) after I was involved in a house fire and rescued an old man - I was in the Police station when I was called from Dalkeith to say that there was a house fire at 29 dalum Court, Loanhead and a man was trapped with gas bottles in the house.
I had my father's car, as the "Panda" had been taken to Penicuik to replace their motor which ahd been stolen !!!! yet another story - anyway I drove up to the house and got there before the fire brigade - the house on fire was an upstairs flat in a block of four and the neighbours said that Mr Hyslop lived there alone. There was smoke in the house and coming out the windows - on the upper floor - so I went up the stairs, looked through the letter box and saw the smoke and fire within. I then got the regulation towel from the neighbour and soaked it in water - then wrapped it around my face - kicked in the front door and then on the ground crawled into the house.; Along the hall and found Mr Hyslop lying behind the kitchen door - the fire being in the bedroom - so I closed the doors and ended up trapped in the kitchen with him - broke the window to get fresh air and tried to lift him up which was difficult. In the meantime the neighbours had got a set of ladders and one of them , Archie Leadbetter had climbed up and was outside the window shouting to me - I told him to come in but he said no , so I grabbed him and pulled him off the ladder and into the kitchen beside me ( not a happy chicken) - anyway we were then able to lift up Mr Hyslop and hold him to the window for air - In the meantime the fire brigade arrived and put up a second ladder to the window with a fireman on each and we had then to try and pass Mr Hyslop out to the firemen. This was eventually done and there was Mr. H. Hanging in mid air supported on each arm by a fireman - BUT - with his legs dangling free his pyjama bottoms fell off exposing his naked nether regions to the assembled neighbours - never the less he was lowered to the ground and taken to the waiting ambulance.
Archie and myself were eventually taken back to ground by the firemen and also taken to hospital - Archie was fine - but I had several cuts on the arm from the broken window so I also went to hospital for treatment.
I was taken home to Currie in a Police car and someone else took fathers car over for me - but bearing in mind that father had recently suffered a heart attack and was sleeping downstairs in the livingroom - he awoke as I went in. Being dark I sat and told him that I had been involved in an incident before he put the klights on and saw my bandaged arm - so he was not so upset as he might have been. So off to bed - but eventually he woke me up to say that he newspapers were at the door to take my photos - which they did - giving me a bit of publicity about my escapade!!!

In the long term I received a Certificate from the Society for the Protection of Life fromFire ; was made a Freeman of the Burgh of Loanhead ; and as for the local Police we were all accepted and integrated into what was and still is a very close knit society.

So now - Sparky and myself being a bit lit up - Christine and Mrs B. like wise downstairs - the rain has stopped - thunder and lightening passing over - we are away to here a few more of Irish's tales.
Tomorrow - yet another early rise to head into the pub - by which time the tilers should have started their job.

Monday - I think !!!!!!!

Back to the insomnia again - so up and off on the steed of steel to the pub to do a "bit more painting" - and so it began , one job after another.
Got into a panic when no staff as per the rota appeared, thenSir Christopher arrived, big change of plans but no word left -in the meantime I was falling out with folks and getting nothing done fast. BUT eventaully it all righted itself - I got on , and they all were kept busy.
Downstairs now taking shape, electrician was in , tiling on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, carpets on Thursday night, and in the meantime - it looks like Graham will be like Edinburgh City Council - just as I finish the walls ( roads) someone will come along and wraggle ( dig) them up - so I will have to reinstate it all by the weekend again.
Eventually made it home by 5 p.m. , via Scott Cappolla and Costco - good job the panniers on the bike are big enough.
Despite the haze in Edinburgh the weather was nice in Penicuik - so we managed another few hours out in the garden.

Fragrant shopping in Liverpool.

Carrying on from my saga of Liverpool we had left the Hard Days Night Hotel and headed into the magnificent new pedestrianised shopping centre, with many of the shops only opened since May 2008. Up into Debenhams where we walked right into the cosmetics and fragrances section. Mrs. B. did her thing whilst I started to chat to young Rebecca on the Clarins counter - this was a seriously different experience to the one I recently had in Ocean Terminal , Edinburgh - Rebecca was charming , helpfull and so bubbly and enthusiastic, and despite the fact that I was not buying anything explained the full range of "Clarins" products for men to me. Very chatty and pleased we had come to visit Liverpool, even if it was only briefly.

We then headed off and of all places ended up in Wetherspoons for our dinner, being Thursday it was a Curry Club , but with a couple of glasses of wine and a nice Rose Fetzer we were quite happy to sit outside and watch as the city began to liven up - it also helped that we were opposite the "Ann Summers" shop !!!

From there we had a wander and ended up in a waterfront bar, The Baltic Fleet - which is also a micro brewery , couple of drinks, a chat to a couple of the lopcals and eventually back to our wee hotel for the night. Knackered!!

Up in the morning and as Ann had spied the new John Lewis store we headed up there, and eventually ended up in cosmetics again.

This time it was the Elemis counter which caught her eye, as there are no "Elemis" outlets in Edinburgh , so we had a chat to Nikki whoeven managed to get me to do a skin test - quite revealing showing up my wrinkles, etc. She took us into the treatment room where they have installed an ultra modern auto massage chair costing £33000 which massages clients whilst they are having facials, etc - it is amazing - just a sign of changing times.

Anyway we had to soldier on as we were planning on a trip on the "Ferry Across the Mersey" .

Sunday p.m. sun is setting in the west.

After our hectic day and night, I forgot to say that I had another "Turkish" experience yesterday , had the ears widened and then set on fire by the local Turkish barber in West maitland Street , and tio show there was no ill will sat tight and had a smooth shave with the open throat razor - what a good feeling.

So eventaully we made it out our beds and headed in to the town once again - as usual with Mrs. B. taking a sojourn through the shops from John Lewis along Princes street to The Mercat to meet up with me where I was doing a bit more work.
The bottom bar is looking really good and with new tiles and a a new carper due later in the week it will make a tremendous difference. Jamie and Eduardo were telling me that a group of twenty one blokes arrived at 9.10 a.m. for breakfast - a good start for a very busy day. Photos later when it is on a bit more.
Mr. Jamie Lloyd appeared this afternoon his school now being on the summer break so we will doubtless have the pleaseure of his company - and his young lady over the enxt two or three weeks.
Word from Young Michelle at Musselburgh who is sitting her driving test on Monday - so good luck to her.

Sunday roastlooked good, so rather than struggle when we got home we had a bite, followed by strawberries and cream then headed home to lounge in the back garden in this unusual display of sunlight - we believe that it will not last !!
There was some hubub going on around us with three different B B Q's, lots of chat,smoke and nom parking spaces nearby.
The refugees from the wedding carried on from where they left off last night, while I dozed off in the fresh air, to be awakened by Mrs. b. and the sound of tinkling crystal as she produced one, then another , etc., glass of "Bcks fizz" - the real thing , just to celebrate the sunshine.

Captian Calamity has just been on the phone, having been to his sister's birthday party , and nephew also, now taking strong cider and unlikely to be able to stand for the rest of the day.

Sir Christopher had let me know that the Escapee from Botany Bay (Paul Byrne) looking for the sue of a hacksaw no doubt and will be in The Mercat Bar sometime tomorrow.
back now to the Liverpool story.

Sunday P.M.

Long way to catch up - Now Sunday

Managed to lose yet another day with having to do some work in the Mercat on Saturday and then home for the wedding reception of Shelly and Douglas , now Mr and Mrs Mackenzie.

The wedding was held in the Black Barony Hotel ( now one of the De Vere Group) at Eddleston - out on th lawn in a lovely setting, follopwed by the meal and Reception.

Mrs. B. and I were given a lift down to the "doo" by My neighbour ( Pat's) son so that we could get the coach home.

The hotel has recently been totally refurbished and is lovely. The newly married couple Bob and Shelly had a super day accompanied by their respective families, and were all staying there overnight before heading off to the USA on Monday morning. Ashley , the globetrotting sister of Shelly was still here !! so we managed to get them in print - while we can. Picture of Mike - proud father has disappeared in the mantime.

I ended up in the company of an old friend , Rab ( Bald Eagle) Robertson and his wife , who I have known for 20 + years through the security industry but with one thing and another have not seen him for about two years or so.

Band were excellent so there were a few tired souls at the end of the evening and even more with "beeling" feet

The Magical Mystery Tour and The Beatles

We walked from our hotel and spotted one of the yellow anphibian vehilces sailing along through the dock, but decided to jump onto the open topped tour bus instead. This was a good choice as we were taken right round the town , plenty to see and a great commentary. This city has everything, museums; art galleries; biggest Anglican Cathedral in the World, ultra modern Roman Catholic Cathedral; massive pedestrian precincts; brand new ( May 2008) shopping malls; the list goes on , and of course they have The Beatles ; The Cavern Club; and introduced an amazing range of music to the world.

We eventually did one lap and a bit on the bus and then jumped off to find a nice sea\t in the sun and have a drink and a snack, before heading off to the Cavern Club. The present Cavern Club, is an identical replica of the original club , but was resconstruced a few yards down the street from the original to make room for new developments. Mid afternoon and the place was busy , 60's music playing and everyone having a bit of a sing song - and then a local singer took the stage and did some tribute stuff.

We headed round the corner and took a look into the "Hard Days Night Hotel" which is beautiful, a real shrine to the Beateles and many other famous people - the toilets were luxurious, and the downstairs function suite was really plush with great photos of the Beatles and their albums on the walls.

The two doormen , John and Kalvin were real characters who seemed to know everyone.

Mrs. B. wants me to take her there next visit !!!!!

So off we went to the shops - to be continued !!

Liverpool City of Culture 2008

Lots have happened since we left home at 5 a.m on Thursday - Mrs B. was kind of shattered with the early rise, but we were off and running . Firstly to Glasgow where she met Fraser for the 1st time, face to face, having spoken to him on the phone previously. Even Bob Dunk called while I was there, kind of shattered also.
Off we headed down the M74 and M6, a very good run , non stop and we were in Runcorn at 10 40 a.m.. Ann met everyone down there, Jill on Reception; Liam and Lorrriane in DNA; , Cathy in Drugs; and of course, there is no show without punch , Christine in the Restaurant - who was a lost soul without her pal Sue who was off on holiday. Never the less we had a chat and a laugh before the place got busy and we headed off towards Liverpool.
Despite a slight detour !! we made it and eventually ended up on the waterfront, down by the Albert Dock complex which is a fantastic piece of regeneration work - after going round the block a couple of times we tried the Juries Inn - but I think they wanted me to buy the place so we headed off again adn I found another hotel more suited to my pocket and not depending on Corporate clients.
Quick change and off into this beautiful city.

Still no rest for the wicked.

So much for the best laid plans - yet another early rise today, but having said that I was awake so what was the point in lying there !!! Up, Up and away on the trusty steed of steel as I had no intention of paying parking fees today - only delay was having to check the tyres before I left because of a weeping rear wheel which meant that I had to switch on the wee air pump for two minutes, hopefully not wakening Ashley across the back.

So into town, where I scared the life out of Claire who was also in early and did not hear me going into the pub. Then the chappies arrived to work on the walls downstairs, Frank, the Frenchman with the German name, and his young boss -

I did all they wanted me to do without blowing either myself or the pub up and then decided that as I was no longer needed and had lots to do - I would go home . so back onto the steed of steel and took the long road home just to have a wee run out - nice one.

Arrived at the house, and immediately - while still wearing the helmet and with the engine running - I was confronted by my stone deaf, slightly wandered German neighbour - demanding as to what I had done with his ladder ???????? - which on looking was still lying in his garden where I had left it . There then followed a somewaht lengthy discussion as to where his OTHER ladder had gone ? An item I had never seen , did not have up my jumper and was not hidden in the dust bin - his son apparantly has all the ladders any man might desire so he will certainly NOT have it - so if I am locked up you will know th reason why.

Must remember that it is young Sir Christopher's birthday and we have not seen him yet - and will not do so till probably Sunday now.

Jamie went to the hospital with his weeping peepers and cannot work for the next few days - that will also apply to his drinking while on medication!!!

Called the Sportsman for a chat to Kristen and catch up with the gossip - new lady in the flat up above the pub - total bampot who has phoned the Police every day since moving in , had her neighbour arrested and will not use the communal dustbins - just what Kristen needed to spice up her day. Big Karen , released from the Spanish jail, or was she on holiday again in Benidorm ? so she is back in Musselburgh, Samantha seen in the area, back working somewhere in Leith, and Big Michelle coming back to work at the Sportsmans (hooray).

Being harrassed by Setanta Sports sales team because I had the cheek to write and cancel my contract - despite my letter they have phoned and are now sending text messages every day - THAT WILL BE RIGHT!!!.

But on the other hand, having been so involved recently I found my house insurance policy had expired, so I called the Halifax to pay it, and was told that as it had expired I was to be put onto their sales team and get a new policy drawn up. Spoke with a very pleasantr, helpfull young chap, Lee, who took all my details, gave me a price, decided it was wrong - left to check things out and called back with a better price than I had originally been quoted for the renewal !!! Good one Lee, well done.

In case you are wondering about the photo - I spotted this on the roof of a block of flats in Antwerp while sitting having coffee near to the theatre- with the telepho lens we realised that it was a model of the Statue of Liberty and on zoom it is very realistic, set in the corner of a lovely roof top garden. It has nothing to do with today - unless you tie it into the 5th Amendment - the Right to Silence - because our Graham seems to think he is in the Secret Service and tells us nothing !!! I hope his ears are ringing.

P.S. Gordon and Sandra had a wonderful time in Iceland and Greenland - they saw icebergs !!!!

Off now to back my bag and make up a snack for tomorrow - probably need my passport also if I am going to cross over from Runcorn into Liverpool.

A day in the basement bar

Not a very exciting day today , ended up in the basement bar of the Mercat at 6.30 a.m. - and there I remained till 6.30 p.m. during which time I ripped out seating , removed TV's and shelving. Raggled walls, took down lights, painted walls, doors and ceilings and generally ran around like a maniac. At one stage when turning round stood on my own foot, and fell over causing JP to think I had collapsed !! Now have a sore toe and a sore hand.
Jamie was in agony with sore eyes, conjunctivites but kept on going and annoyinmg Claire at the same time. Claire ended up coming to help me after she had finished and did some painting.
New wall cladding is being started tomorrow, so it will be another early start, as I am off to Runcorn and Liverpool on Thursday and Friday.
Need to get the place up and running as it is a Fringe Venue for the Edinburgh Festival, starting I think as of 30th July.
Must remember that it is Sir Christopher's birthday tomorrow (23rd), and having said that I fogot to mention the two Rose babies, who both had a birthday on Saturday. According to Sandra and William who went visiting Danno and Paul, the house was chaotic with lots of kids running around, some for the morning party and others for the afternoon.
Eduardo is back working a few more shifts so he is already looking for help to sort out his new flat.
Till tomorrow.

German Grand Prix - great win for Lewis Hamilton

I was a bit annoyed with myself this morning when I read the paper about Lewis hamilton's win at the German Grand Prix. Yesterday I had missed the race in the afternoon when watching Mr Harrington win the Open Golf tournament. Then last night I lay in bed to watch the highlights and obviously Hamilton was tearing away from the field, so being a bit tired I dozed off and missed the end. My feelings as i dozed off , were that this was niot all that much fun and it should be like the stock car racing where the fastest is last at the start and bashes his way through the field. However, I see from the paper that after the accident he was left on the track as his team managers made a bit of a boo boo - but he did really well to fight his way back to the lead.
So this morning Mrs B. says , good news is that the sun is actually shining, and the bad news is that Graham has left a message for you to go to work !! Due to staff being sick. - so off I went to The Mercat Bar - in the back of my mind I had planned on getting on with the DIY work but as usual " the best laid plans of mice and men" as they say - so I was kept busy with customers right through till 2 p.m. when I was eventually able to lay hand on screwdriver and drill. As the parking meter was due to run out I also baled out at 3.30 and headed home to sit in the sun.
I need to be back there early a.m. to strip out the bottom lounge as the workmen are coming in to start on it later in the day - no rest for the wicked, or me !!

My nice lady G.P. ( Doctor) called to make my day - checking that I had received invitations to attend at hospital and for me to go see a nice nurse who plans to stick some needles in me , again.
Busy looking at holidays for 2009 - to go with Sandra and William again, this time it is Sandra's turn to grow older gracefully - so we think we might head off to Tailand for the similar kind of trip and adventure we had last year in China - all very exciting, I will just need to start and sell some of my memoirs !!

Now about to start on my homework for one of the masonic orders,(OSM) having just had a phone call which sent my wee heart into overdrive with the amount of stuff I need to learn in the next few weeks. So that it - apart from the fact I had a message from Phil, father of Robbie the upside down boy , who is sending one of their convicts over here next week - on an exchange from Botany bay, no doubt - so we have to be ready with "wee stumpies" or something to keep him calm.

Sat. Part 3 - it just gets worse !!

So, we were half way to penicuik when Mrs. b. phoned to ask if we werer going to meet her in the town , as she was then back at The Mercat with her friends Paula and Joyce. The long suffering Dr. Disaster agreed that he was game for a laugh so we headed for the by -pass. At this stage I decided that I should phone Danny Graham and Katriona, whose house were about to pass, so the inevitable happened , we stopped off there and over a glass of wine ( another0 persuaded them to get ready and come with us to The Mercat - so off we went.

On arrival I manged to introduce Katriona to the wrong woman , mistaking someone else for my wife !!! ( now that speaks volumes). But we did find Ann , Joyce and Paula, who were probably not so happy about that. Never mind we had a great night , impromptu , and as you can see the satff were socialising in the lower bar so I managed to get a few snaps, one or two of the others have been censored. Eventually, with the place still busy at closing time we, along with everyone else were sent on our way rejoicing - which was all and well because it was not that this morning when I woke up.

Poor Mark will no doubt get his reward in heaven for putting up with us all night.

So back to today - very quiet, resting in front of the TV watching the Open Golf and recharging the old pacemaker for the coming weeks work, etc.

One pleasant surprise though , was to receive a phone call and have a long chat with Kenny Jack
who is Police Constable stationed in Pitlochry. Kenny somehow or other ended up on the blog site a few months ago, and as we have a lot of common interests he contacted me firstly by "e " mail, and now by phone. So all being well we will get the chance to meet up in The Mercat on the14th of next month when he is down in Edinburgh. Other than that I have plans to meet up with him in Perth in due course. Great thing this internet.

Sat Part 2. Mr and Mrs Jones

After the K.T's had finished we three, that is Mark, Grant and myself stayed for a glass of wine, pint , etc., although Mark had decided he was to be the driver so he had to be good. Anyway , we then decided to pop up to Bonnyrigg, Lodge Dalhousie No. 720, where we knew the bar was open on a Saturday afternoon.

On arrival we found that there was a wedding party in , and learned that this was the 1st Civil Wedding to be held in the Lodge since it had been granted the licence to do so. I popped through and met the bride and groom, Brian and Tracy Jones who said they were having a great time and thought the Lodge was an excellent venue. Many congratulations to the happy couple.

During the past few weeks it has been decorated from top to bottom compliments of Stuart Purves and his employees and is looking brilliant.

The service had been carried out by Ms. Milliken one of the local Registrars who had been very good. I also met Aunt Charlotte( Cairns) , who had done one of the readings, had a wee blether and found out that her husband had been a member of 606 and an affiliate of 720. She was in the Eastern Star but had not been for years so she was introduced to some of the members who had prepared the wedding dinner and were still in the hall.

I should say that the lounge bar was busy with the RWM, Alex Mcbeth doing his stint behind the bar and his family and friends keeping him busy !!! Last weeks Beatles Tribute night was a great success, and they have already booked and sold out ( in one evening) all the tickets for an ABBA tribute band next month.

Grant had to leave so we also headed off towards Penicuik.

Catch up - Sat - part 1.

Now p.m. Sunday and I have been busy watching The Open Golf most of the afternoon - it was very good and Harrington did great to get the trophy for the 2nd year in a row.
Saturday a.m. what a state I was in , somehow twisted my neck and shoulder and it was giving me gyp. I had to head into town as Graham was M.I.A. and had not returned home so with food for The Mercat Bar in the house and car it was an essential journey.
Mrs. B. went with me and whenI started working she headed off for the shops and to see what bargains there were in the sales . As it was she ended up buying a load of costume jewellery, at last 70% discount, so just think how much she saved !!!
I helped out for a couple of hours till Graham arrived soaked to the skin as he had no coat and it was chucking it down as he walked round from the Morrison Street NCP.
Headed home and got changed ready to be picked up by Sparky Mark as we were off to the K.T.'s, King David of Ballantradoch, at Dalkeith. Trus to his word he arrived on time and we headed down to the premises of Lodge No.10 Dalkeith Kilwinning, just in time for the meeting to start. Reasonable crowd present with three candidates, one being Grant of Photogenix fame, so he was happy as Larry to be going through.

It's been some day !!! Understatement.

As a result of my usual insomnia I was up before 5 a.m. and left to go to the Mercat to do some painting and patching. Headed off and reached Hillend when I realised I had no keys so had to go home for them. Made it back to town and parked opposite the pub to get my tools, etc across the road, and thinking I had till 8 .30 a.m. left the car where it was.
Could only do so much before other staff arrived and then got on with the painting.
Went out to move the car to the car park and found that I had a parking ticket !!! - should have been away by 7.30 a.m. so it was my fault and I will have to stump up in due course.
Got back from the car park in time to see Enforcer No. 819 in the process ( 0834 a.m) of eyeing up a van parked in the loading bay with the driver passing the "person" carrying fruit and veg into the pub. I told "the person" that the driver had passed him and would be back in a minute, but he said it did not matter and he was getting booked. The lad (Polish) came out while the "person - E819) was writing the ticket and could have driven off but he asked what the problem was and the "E819" person finished writing the ticket and stuck it on the motor. I asked why, and he said parking was prohibited in the loading bay betweeen 0830 -0930 - no exceptions. I thought the least he might have done was tell him to move on and come back later as the traffic wardens would have done, but no. I asked if he was a warden or an enforcer - he was happy enough to say he was an enforcer. Personally I found his attitude appalling and if this is what the public are up against every day compliments of the City of Edinburgh Council - God help us.
Back to the painting , and I found that one of the tins I needed had been tipped upside down and was empty ! so I later had to go and get another batch made up - so that will be another early morning or late night. I could only do so much before customers started to come in for lunch so it was a quick change and onto the bar over lunch.
Took a walk along Shandwick Place - it is still in a mess with the so called tram works taking place - lord knows what will happen when they get into West Maitland Street.
Weather is still awful for the time of year and I could do with some time in the sun to lie and "chill out" - bit of a contradiction.
PS. Robbie and Caitlin (upside down people) are doing well, moved into their new house and both working locally, and hard - and sent their regards.
I hear that yet another of the tortoise people - caravanners came to grief on the motorway when they rolled theuir van down south today - there was another yesterday.
Needing a break and some sleep.

Happy 60th - a nice surprise.

I have to apologise to Steve ( i think) as I have lost his details , having dropped them from my wallet this afternoon.
This young man and his family appeared at The Mercat bar this morning for his breakfast and I persuaded him to have the full works " a Clansman" and a pint of lager - he was in his glory. Turns out his wife and family had arranged this trip to Edinburgh from Southampton, but he thought that it was only himself and wife coming . But at the airport the rest of the family crept up and joined the flight also.
They have enjoyed themselves and he loved his breakfast. Best wishes.

Mama Mia - the movie.

Made it to the cinema tonight, having been a lover of Abba for years and seen the musical of Mama Mia at the Palyhouse Theatre, Edinburgh , it was time for the movie. It was wonderful, the cast super, with Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Julia Walters, etc. perfect casting, and the music great . In the cinema the sound and effects are great and you really do appreciate how marvellous ABBA were as writers and musicians - the words of their songs were so appropriate to the music. I look forward to buying the DVD when it is released.

2nd trip needed - to apologise !!

It is often said that you can pick your friends but not your relatives, or thet you have to back to revisit , but to aplogise. In this instance I was behaving , but as for William and Sandra, these were two of the pictures which should have been added to the appropriate blog from Antwerp. William's is fairly obvious, but as for Sandra, there we were going up a wee side street and she thought this was an outide loo. No doubt the family , Paul and Donna will be mortified!!!

Everythings playing up.& a tale of two markets

Had a long lie today as it was kind of wet and miserable outside, although it is now fair and brightening up.
Managed a bit of a walk and even broke sweat which is unusual for me these days.
Photogenix Grant phoned so I headed off down to Bonnyrigg round a somewhat long route due to two roads being closed off , one due to subsidance , now many months so it looks like the council have no money to put it right, and the other due to resurfacing. Again a bit of a nonsense when they resurface roads away out in the country but leave those in the town centres full of potholes - or is it so that the utilities can go mad and dig up wherever they wish.
Grant was in good form so I managed to get all the photos on the cameras onto disc and printed off a few - I will need, some time, to get them onto Photobucket or Flicker or something like that so folks can have a wee look if they wish.

The photos, just to show the difference - one being Bonnyrigg market this miserable morning, and the other of the big open market in Antwerp last Saturday - no prices for guessing which is which , but if you put your answers on a £5 note and send it to me I will pick a winner !!!
The computer is running so slow, according to Testmy.net at 4.26 when AOL claim that I have 8.0 with an upload at 0.27 but I do not know what that means.
The wee camera has a slight fault in so much that there is now a slight shadow on all the pictures, it is not the lens, so it must be inside somewhere. Update , popped into the camera shop in Morningside who want £65 to open it up and clean the insides which obviously have picked up a speck of dirt ( be prepared for a few smudged photos).
Home and Mrs. B. was just in the process of receiving the new suite, so perhaps we might be able to use the livingroom at long last - it is nice and comfy.

Will need to switch off this machine and see what it is doing as it looks hung up on something so i cannot get any more pictures into the system at the moment.

At least it did not rain!!!

Wednesday 5 a.m. wide awake, insomnia plus leg cramps so there was no point in lying there.
Downstairs and sat and read for a while but when Graham failed to appear at 6 a.m. I decided to head into The MercatBar to open up for the staff.
Sarah , the Canadian girl was on early and I learned that she , like others has managed to lose her purse and credit cards recently - seems a common occurrence amongst the young and carefree.
Anyway Graham eventually appeared so I baled out and headed home via the Bush to get some benefit from the fresh air, even although it was not really sunny it was pleasant. The grass was cut with the newish lawnmower which has so far done more cutting that the previous one which went on fire - and then trimmed back a lot of the dead wood from the cherry trees.
Had a bit of a clamber about the back roof trying to find out where the water comes from which drips through one of the light fittings in the conservatory during heavy rains - ended up taking away the gutter to see if it would cure it .
Used long ladders to clean the windows but I have to admit that I am not a fan of ladders at all - unless they are firmly attached - I have no problems with going over the edge of buildings on ropes, but up the way is different.
Felt rather queasy so I pulled out the lounger, got a book to read, wrapped up and eventually dozed off for a while before having to go look for something to eat at tea time.

BMI might be punctual - but not the BAA

We were up bright and early this morning to another fine day in London , and a bit quieter than last night when all the planes from Heathrow seemed to be coming over the house at treet top level - the Controllers at Heathrow seem to change the flight paths so that everyone in the area gets equally disturbed and annoyed.

So we left the back of 9 a.m. and had a gentle run round the M4 to Heathrow T1 where William dropped us off. Already checked in so it was a quick drop off of the bags and then through departures where we again had our picture taken. They have changed the departure [procedures so now everyone in T1 goes through the same security checks and gates - and you walk back round to the old Gate 8 area for internal Domestic flights.

We were boarded bang on time with the doors closed, something our pilot was proud to announce - the fact that BMI are now recognised as being the most punctual airline - HOWEVER - we then had to sit in a queue waiting to take off so that took another 40 minutes - with the end result that we spent more time in the plane on the ground in London than in the air between London and Edinburgh. From the photos, (back in business) we have the main London Control tower, some clouds (taken by me) but Mrs. B. took lots so perhaps you may get a treat later ( it was a bit like tourists taking pictures of sheep), and she did get a nice one of Cramond Village as we approached Edinburgh Turnhouse. The landing was a bit bumpy as there were strong gusty winds on the way in.

Once off we managed to get a spray or thhree at the smelly counter in the airport ( perfumes that is) to keep her ladyship smiling, and then it was bags, bus to the car park, and home to get the washing done.

With a windy but dry day here we managed to get our jobs done before the rains came - so much for our summmer - anyway , we have enjoyed our few days away and can only have a look at what else might be available.

Cod, chips and mushy peas

Paul's driver, Bart, was bang on time at the flat in Antwerp and had us up that motorway at the toot - so we had plenty of time to wander around the airport, however there were long queues at the security section - BUT - once again luck was on our side as they opened an extra lane just as we reached the break in the lines so we got through quickly. We did not have long to wait at the Gate as the plane boarded on time for what was only a 37 minute flight over the English Channel to London. The skys were clear so I managed to get a few photos from the air, and as we came into London passed over Chelsea football club and Twickenham Stadium , and with a bit of luck there might be one of the Millenium Dome. There is now a big offshore wind farm in the Thames estuary and we could also see the former forts, gun emplacements way out in the water , but with a dirty window and clouds they were not so clear.
Off the plane and as we reached the baggage carousel all three of our cases popped off one after the other - which is a bit of a record. From there through immigration, stopped off and checked in for tomorrows flight, and by the time we reached the car park our taxi was only five minutes away. Unfortunately we had a slightly hairy trip back to Eagham do to the driver being either tired or a bit more than twitchy.
Having had a cuppa William and I headed down the street to see how his recent investment in the welfare of horses did - sadly none managed to make it past the post in front of the others.
Visited the local travel agents to get some information for a possible trip next February to mark Sandra's birthday and then , to save time and effort on cooking had ourselves some Cod, chips and mushy peas from the local chippy.
Have been back in touch with the worls, spoken to Donna down here, Stuart, and at home Graham - who all claim to have missed us !!!! Donna, having kept an eye on the bog knew more about our holiday than her mother !!
So now it is brochure time, feet up, a Bombay Saphire and tonic, and with a bit of luck, watch " New tricks" - or is it Old Tricks.
Tuesday we have an 11 a.m. flight back to Edinburgh with BMI. then it is back to the grindstone. ( and get some photos sorted).

Four tarts - Strawberries that is.

Monday a.m. - lovely bright day so it was quick breakfast and then off into the town for a stroll and to catch a few rays - so to speak.
Back in the main street we discovered that the shops were open and the girls were in luck to see a final clearance sale - with 80% discount , and genuine - so they managed to get some nice things.
The photo is a picture of a small drawing in one of the shop windows, when I find the actual model made from it , it will be added.
Coffee outside the museum in the sunlight, excellent, but we were surprised to see a Police car acting as a permanent escort for a bank van - looks as though these is more serious crime in this part of the world. Police came back, put theirs guns, etc, away in the boot and then went into a nearby cafe for coffee.

We went back though the really spectacular shopping centre and found out that it was originally the State banqueting hall , but it is nice to see it being well used.
Anyway we had to rush, back via the local Spar shop to replenish the fridge, and in the next bakery got our four large strawberry tarts to have with our cuppa before the taxi came for us.

So it is off shortly - up to Brussels and over to Heathrow and London for tonight.

Isola Sarda - Antwerp

Took off as predicted looking for the local Spar store, however, this being Sunday and the ladies keeping us back the store was shut !! Major problem, no wine, etc. so we headed for the main city centre to try the big store - BUT it was also shut .
On passing we spotted a board just a few yards off the main street saying that a new Italian restaurant - "Isola Sarda" , Anneessenstraat 35, was opening with special offers so we went in . It was nice, the staff, Micky; Emanule;Daniele: and Doaon, were so friendly and welcoming. The place was quite busy considering that we were early and with little persuasion we had three lovely pizzas and a nice pasta. The chef even did a private birl of his dough , just for us.
Emanule was playing some cracking Italian songs so we had a bit of a sing song over our dinner, all taken in good spirits and well worth repeating - Micky even had a look at the drawing of the boat with wheels and agreed that William was very disturbed. We wish them well in their venture, and thank the very much for the after dinner digestives.
Next, heading out past a couple of sex shops and girlie clubs, where , William who has been sleeping in the single bed, proved that there might indeed be life in the old dog yet !!(Photos to follow). He even found the local bookies shop , but it was a bit too late to get the results of his Friday bets.
Despite Paul's efforts to say there was no store open on a Sunday night we found two quite near the flat , one owned by a young Pakistani who had water pouring through his ceiling, which sounds a bit familiar ( and with Sparky mark so far away we cannot blame him). So we acquired emergency rations !!

Having left there we wandered though some back streets and ended up in a wee "Nightstore" only a 100 yards from the flat where we were able to get even more "emergency rations", which we are currently taking advantage of.
Currently in the flat dealing with these rations and William and Sandra are talking about the time he came up to Edinburgh, when the building trade was quiet, to work for Danny and Katrina - who then had Patch and Ben the two spaniel dogs - now long gone.
Tomorrow is yet another day.

Antwerp - city and 4th port of the world

I have now a big problem - today we managed to get orientated and have found out just how wonderful this City of Antwerp really is.
We took off about 9 .30 a.m. and headed back through the main shopping centre, but with the shops closed everyone was heading from all directions towards the open fruit market we visited yesterday. We carried on past that area and ended up at the Town Hall and main square where William and Sandra had spent a great New Years Eve some time ago, with an ice rink set up , and followed with fireworks on the nearby river. There were horse drawn coaches (photos later) to be hired, we found the start of the underground tours - looks good for another visit - a walk through the underground canals. The girls saw a cafe with the word "Slagroom" on the main board but eventually discovered it meant whipped cream!!!! - for the waffles and apple tart.
We bought tickets for a two hour harbour cruise and then took a slow wander up to dock where the boat was due to leave - The area was very quiet , being a Sunday morning, but we eventually found a bar that was open - and from the looks of things frequented by "tranvestites" at night - but we had beers and the girls had red vodka - a first and very tasty.
Doing some doodles I did one of my oldest of a motor launch - but the disturbed William chappie drew wheels on it !! very strange and well worth a visit to an analyst.;
The adjacent drawbridge - one of many was lifted to let boats though the docks - and a short time later we joined our ship.
This is where it gets difficult - this dock complex is 70 miles inland, it is the 4th largest in the world after Zebrugger, Shanghi and Singapore and the lock gates from the main river are the largest in the world. The river has such a high tidal lift that it would have made loading and unloading so dangerous and expensive that many years ago the City Fathers decided to build the dock complex away from the river and keep the water level constant. All along the river banks there are car parks, with great steel gates which roll over to seal the car parks and allow for an additional three feet above ground level in case there is a flood or exceptional high tides.
Back to the docks, the scale of the place is unbelievable, all sorts of ore carriers, oil, and container ships. the container depot is immense with miles of cranes, and the oil, petro chemical complexes are amazing. The investment in this area must run into the Billions of pounds.
There was a commentator on the boat who was very good and able to maintain our interst - and just to make our day the sun shone so , that added to a few beers led to four happy chickens at the end of the day.
After the trip we hit dry land and were surprised that after a short walk through the marina we found ourselves only about 800 yards from the flat. A bonus which allowed us to get back by 4 .30 in time for a snack and a wee glass of wine.

We will now see what the evening has to offer - in the interim I am watching the final holes of the Loch Lomand Open golf - where the weather looks good. This is what annoys me - every time we go away the weather is good at home.

Fed and watered

Headed out just a bit hungry and having been advised by Paul of a non tourist area to go to we took off to walk it , not realising that it would take about 40 minutes to get there, however we eventually found the area - next to the Royal Art gallery. The the fun began as we could not decide which restaurant to go to - we ended up walking right round the block and nearly to the beginning again then we stopped at Des Artistes - menu was all in Belguim so we ended up having to get help and believe it or not - three fish and chips and a steak and chips arrived on the table. BUT - the meal was lovely , even if a bit on the expensive side - it is not every day you pay Fifteen pound for fish and chips - it was nearly as good as The Mercat, and the steak was a very nice thick fillet, done rare with a nice bit of mustard.
We had to eat outside as the place was full, but all the outside tables were full as well. Plenty of posers on the go, one chap on his Harley Davidson complete with blonde passenger - was in and out of two or three bars, jumping on and off the bike at each one.
Having walked so far we ended up having our first tram ride to get home, and the tram took us to within 200 yards of the flat !! Ideal - so now we are back with feet up and a glass of wine

Sore feet today

Had a SIX hour walk around the shops today - just how many more are there left to see? The main shopping area is very good , all pedestrianised (apart from the many bicycles) but we discovered that the trams actually run underground there like a metro so on Sunday we might take a trip just to see how the system works. There are lots of other trams and buses running overground.
The architecture is amazing , with some wonderful old buildings converted into majestic malls, quite a comparison between old buildings and some modern art decor types side by side.
Went to the big open market which takes place on a Saturday and Sunday on the plaza outside the front of the theater - very goods, lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, fish , etc, and you are aloud to try many of the fruits and olives, before buying .
Took coffee and tea in a nearby bar then off for a wander round one of the parks, and from there up into the diamond area - however this being the Jewish sabbath most of the shops were closed. Looks like we willbe back tomorrow given time. From there into the main railway station which is something different - trains coming in on three levels - just amazing, The original entrance hall is breathtaking and one of theses places you have to see to believe. Photos to go on later. Wee treat here when we had hot waffles with chocolate and cream. Out through the main square , past the zoo and then got a bit lost - only briefly, before getting back onto the main road again , having stopped for beers and wines.
With a few dark clouds overhead we again took cover in the shops before heading back to rest our feet and have a snack. We even managed to get a free beer as there was the launch of a new type, only 3% , but good job it was free as it was not very good.
Slight problems with this computer- it is showing a fault on start up and dos not always go into the windows opening page - so if this persists my writing may well be curtailed.
Now about to get ready and head out for another wander and then our evening meal.

Some people never learn

Antwerp a.m. Saturday - Friday p.m. we took ourselves off for a walk, found the supermarket and stocked up with food and drink. The flat is handy for the bus and train station, zoo, parks, opera, cinema, and main shopping areas.
Took a wander in the opposite direction later on but ended up in an Italian restaurant only 150 yards away from the flat - pizzas were great, nice selection and washed down with a couple of beers. We were out of sinc due to the time being an hour ahead of home time, so we were wondering why the bars were quiet but the time was midnight here.
End of the night we headed home having had too much to drink and eat - with the result that I suffered badly with my stomach - so today I will need to behave (a bit).
Today is an other day - and the city is calling - there is an open market not far away so that willbe the first stop, and hopefully the rain will stay away..

Antwerp - not by the sea

Made it to Heathrow, quick check in with BMI and then through to the duty free areas where 1st stop was for coffee and a beer, sadly the service was poor and the beer was flat - but upwards and onwards to the smelly area where we all managed to get sprayed and oiled. But we met young Kallie on the drinks stand where we were introduced firstly to a Pimms with fruit , nice and light but for me a bit bland - however she had Baileys mint with vodka and ice - just superb , and I have never thought of putting a vodka into a Baileys - I always use whiskey to take the sweetness away.

Flight was quick - only 50 minutes and then we were met by Paul's driver, Bart at the airport - he was really good, nice big Mercedes taxi and he just flew up the autoroute to Antwerp and with a few quick detours through rat runs he had us at our apartment.
NOW , this is something different, 8th floor, centre of the City, with magnificent views of the Antwerp, and handy for the shops and main area. The flat is beautiful and we are just sorry we never took up the offer to visit previously, however , a phrase I used recently "I'll be back" . I must compliment Paul and Donna - they had the fridge full for us - wine all ready, and this computer set up for me to communicate with the world !!! Unfortunately - the wine has already been absorbed into several systems !! and replenishments will be needed soon.
Despite what we saw on the net prior to leaving - the weather is fine - warm , mild and so far no rain.
Time to hit the town.

BAA - The Heathrow Syndrome

At the last posting we were heading for Edinburgh to The Mercat which we did and were delighted to see JP in person, right as rain having recovered from his bout of whatever it was. The place was full of staff are Graham was on his final day of staff training. We had the Spanish, Agneska from Poland and Neeve ( wrong spelling) from Ireland !! and trying to keep some semblance of order Graham @ Grasshopper, Allan.
No hesitation today , it was to be a steak for me and once again a fish for Ann - just mouth watering . We heard from one of the staff that an American couple had been in for dinner at the end ot their tour of Scotland and had said that the food was the best they had tasted. Fine praise indeed.
A bit later than planned, as Mrs.B. would not stop talking to Grasshopper and Brenda - we left for the airport, parked up at the NCP long stay, through security, and were just in the smelly area (perfumes, etc) when the flight was called, early !! and we were ushered aboard the BMI plane.
Took off early and arrived ten mins early 2150 at Heathrow, BUT BUT - we were then held on the taxi way as our bay at T1 was still occupied, we eventually were taken to a bay at T2 and put on a bus and taken round to T1 to get our baggage. BUT BUT
The pantomime began - we went to Carousel 8 to wait, and wait, and wait, then were sent to another hall to Carousel 12, to wait and wait, and then back to No 8 to wait, and , yes, wait. having left Ann at the Exit of No 12 - she then appeared at 2300, looking for me, complete with suitcases which had come off on No 12-. We thought that all the BAA problems were restricted to T5, but it looks like they enjoy sharing the misery about so the bug has reached T1. They could not organise a **** up in a brewery. No complaints with BMI - it was not their fault, the plane was on time and the flight as good.
So out we went where William was patiently waiting and were soon back in Eagham to view the progress of their new extension - which is massive, Sandra is going to have a beautiful and massive kitchen to make her tea and toast !! So all their efforts and living in a mess for so long will all be worthwhile.
Now - up and about and we will soon be off back to the airport for the flight to Brussels and Antwerp.

Like a proverbial blue fly

Sitting here at the moment, all hot and bothered having been chasing my tail all day . Granted we have the cases packed for our evening flight with the Wright Brothers ( no - it's BMI ) to London, then tomorrow across to Brussels and on to Antwerp. It was only about an hour ago someone told me that Antwerp was the diamond capitol of the world, and Mrs. B's eyes lit up very brightly ( no chance) - I am sure that the plastic stuff from Poundstretchers is much better.

Anyway , spoke to JP on the phone this morning and he is back at work, fit as a fiddle, he had some virus which just floored him for a few days, but it was good to hear him again.
Trying to get all techno and do things on the internet but failing miserably - I think the old snails mail at times is still the better way and less stressfull, unless the letter gets lost .
Spoke with Ricky @ Pirate of the Road, and his lap top has got some wierd virus so he is having to delate the lot and start from scratch again - which is obvioulsy a real pain.

Went to our local beautician this morning , rather than trail into the town , and had a superb back massage - she found umpteen knots and took a great delight at trying to break them up - so having found her to be good it's just as Clint Eastwood, or some actor said " I'll be back" ( which I have just looked at and realised is a bit of a pun.

Anyway , ust dash as they say - might get onto Sandra's computer in London tonight or tomorrow - then we will see what available in Antwerp.

A bit more interesting for me

Up at 4 a.m. and out the door by 4.45 a.m. - my first stop was about 50 yards down the road when I came across a hedgehog trying to cross the road - it dithered back and forth and eventually changed its mind and went back the way it had come.

Onto the M8 and this time it was not the white van men, but this chap with his big pick up type truck , Toyota, with a trailer and a hot rod car on the trailer. So much for a speed limit on towing- he was doing over 80 mph when he passed me - not once, but twice as I had passed him on the incline at Harthill.

Into Glasgow where Mr. Dunk was waiting with my work, an interesting assortment today, and I left sharpish at 6.30 a.m. with a fairly clear run south . Only major excitement being an overturned lorry within the north carriageway of the M6 in the major roadworks at Metal Bridge, Carlisle. I have no idea how it managed to topple in what is a strictly controlled 50 mph area, and early when the road was not too busy - the north side of the road was open to one lane with big queues forming.

Reached Runcorn to be met by Jill who had spotted the message in yesterday's blog. I am always in a tearing hurray so we never get the chance to chat for more than a few minutes at a time, before I am off again.

Dropped off and did my pick up - but dashed into the "canteen" where one of the Christines had set aside a nice bacon butty for me - the other " little" Christine was off on holiday again ( a likely story - probably still sobering up !!)

Heading north and I met my other pet hates - this time three different black Range Rovers and a big black Mercedes 4 + 4, all in the outside lane, doing well over the limit and they come up behind you like tanks with no intention of slowing down.

Reached Carlisle and went into the "Golden Fleece" services for petrol - some of the drivers said that the M6 was still blocked northbound due to the overturned lorry and advised me to detour north via Longtown and back onto the M74 at Gretna. I did this and it was a piece of cake, no holdups, etc. What I did see was the young lad who is skateboarding from John O'Groats to Lands End, for a charity, who I passed on the A7 as he headed south at Longtown towards Carlisle. There was an item about him in the paper at the weekend.

Back on the M74 and it was virtually deserted as I think everything had been stopped at the accident to let the crane lift the lorry ( it took them 7 hours to clear the road!!)- so it suited me with a quiet run to Glasgow.

The weather was super all day, apart from in Runcorn and in Penicuik, nice bright sunshine, etc.

Made it to Glasgow in good time, popped into the office there and headed home for a well earned nap. Outside the office was the Honda Gold Wing motorcycle which I commented on a couple of weeks ago as the rider was leaving and smoking his fag - this time it was just parked up, a lovely motorcycle.

Having come to I had my dinner watching the programme on Longleat Park / Zoo, followed by those constantly battling occupants of Meercat Manor - both programmes are facinating and I find it amazing how much research is being done, and so well.

Time to get the feet up again.

Patience of a Saint - not

Headed off to town, and once again via the plumber's merchants at Loanhead. At this rate we will have more bits than they do.

Dropped Mrs. B. off on Princes Street, the town not being as busy as usual with this being the start of the Edinburgh Trades Holidays, however our beloved friends who enjoy digging up the road have the place gridlocked once again, even with the lighter traffic.

Back to the pub where four of the girls were having a training day - which must have been fun as there was an impromptu wine tasting taking place - OK for them but some of us had work to do.

Met Lawrence, one of our regulars who was chatting away in French to his Polish friend - yes - they enjoy the practice, and with the new Spanish girl behind the bar the place was a wee bit multilingual - French, Polish, Spanish, Scottish, - and I had just been talking to two German visitors outside, and to Jani the Italian next door.

Tried my best to get all the bits of plastic pipe to fit together but with three different sizes it was posing a problem. So being away for the next few days to London and Antwerp it has been left for Captain Calamity to sort out. I then went up and into the kitchen where poor Struan was about demented with Claire and myself as we moved fridges and freezers around and adjusted the layout of the kitchen yet again.

I eventaully gave up and headed home to potter in the garden , and whilst doing so spotted loads of the honey bees busy at work, and - also saw that they appear to have found a corner in the garage to make a hive - hence the picture of the bee crawling along the pipe heading for home.

Early night tonight as I am off once again at 5 a.m. " south of the border" etc. Long day , long run.

Just a quickie

Restless night with a sore throat, but that is easing as was expected - another twenty four hours should see it OK.

This is for Jill at The Heath , just to make sure she is up and alert for when I reach there tomorrow morning - yet another early rise but this time I will at least be doing something to earn my crust.

Heading for town later as there are a few more wee jobs for me to do at The Mercat - no rest for the wicked.

More than a lump in the throat

4 a.m. , wide awake and eventually got up at 4.45 a.m. and sat downstairs reading , while Graham appeared and left for work, and then Mrs. B. arrived.
Pottered all morning till it was time to leave for the hospital in haddington, however as usual arrived hours early so we took a walk around the town centre and even although I was not able to eat or drink we went to get coffee and cake for Ann. Of all the cafe's to choose we went into the one where we found Big Michelle ( ex Sportsmans), and along with her was the wife of a former colleague, Keith Davie. It was really nice to see both of them and looking well.

Arrived back at the Roodlands Hospital at 1340 hrs and into Ward 2 where the staff gave me a seat by a bed and some forms to fill in . Usual blood pressure, etc, and gthen the Doctor came to see me and persuded me to have the examination done with only a throat spray rather than be put out. Not amused, but I was then led like a lamb to the slaughter, and caused great excitement when I asked to take their picture. The Doctor, although a handsome soul was a bit shy, so one of the nurses stood in .
Blooming Nora, this was not funny any more as my throat was numbed and I was laid on my side with a mouth guard in place, then the fun began, swallow, gagging - bile, etc., fortunately it only lasted about five minutes before the tube ( camera and lights ) came out. So, end result I was told that I now have to go back to see my own GP and will probably need some more tests done later. Other than that , lose weight and stop drinking - where have we heard this before?

Mrs. B. was surprised when I appeared a short time later and we headed home for something to eat - having had nowt since last night.

Later on I managed to contact friends ( Antoinne and Francoise) who live in Penicuik's twin town , L'Isle Sur la Sorgue, Vacluse, France - who after years have just bought a computer so rather than struggle in terrible French on the phone I can now write in terrible French. All being well we will try and see them later in the year as we have not been over since I went there in 1996.
Sore throat now, getting tired and apart from that "New Tricks" is on the TV.

Nadal V Federer

Sitting here enthralled with this match which is balanced on a knife edge, and currently stopped by rain, so rather than sit downstairs I am watching it on the corner of the computer. Nadal at one stage appeared to have it all tied up , however all credit to Federer he has fought back - so perhaps by the end of the blog we will have a result. William was on the phone from London when the rain started at Egham so we knew the match would be halted a few minutes later.

I see Borg sitting in the audience and his record may well be broken.

They said that the wee girl Robson who won the Junior Championship has been stood up by her partner for tonights Champions dinner - so if they have to put it off till tomorrow she might just get a new "click".

Headed in to town this morning after a restless night then going into a deep sleep and getting up late - so perhaps all these restless nights have been taking their toll. Graham slept from 8 p.m. till 8 a.m. so he is also being affected by all his long shifts.

The town is a nightmare with roadworks everywhere, and I feel that the City of Ediburgh Council are letting contractors run riot, just to penalise the motorist for voting against the proposed tolls which were knocked back eighteen months ago. Some of the road works at various junctions seem to be pretty minor, but are allowed to last for weeks and to comply with so called Health and Safety Regulations they have temporary lights up which cause even more chaos. The same contactors seem to be getting all the contracts and rather throw in a team to clear one job at a time they start several and just potter around them - time some kind of audit took place.

Currently just peeing with rain here.

So - on the way to Leith , I spotted the Statue of Robert Burns at the bottom of Constitution Street and stopped to get a couple of photos, there are four panel;s around the base of the stature all depicting parts of Burn's poems, and donated by various benefactors in the area, bearing in mind that the Port of Leith was separate from Edinburgh , a rich area and very much involved in world trading.

Walking back to the car, I saw this most beautifull frieze high up on the wall and realised that it was the site of the old Corn Exchange. The frieze is about 30 feet long and absolutely beautiful - it is very high up on the building so I would think that thousands of folks pass it every day without even realising it is there .

Tennis now into five hours.

Headed for the Ocean Terminal complex, some big ships in the harbour, and with the sea calm very picturesque - but the battery on the camera was running down - so perhaps next time .

Just a quick congratulation to Lewis Hamilton for winning the British Grand Prix, started off from the second row and managed to keep his head while the otheres skidded off in ther rain. It istime he got his finger out his B-- as he was doing much better last year.

Today , now twenty years ago since the Piper Alpha disaster, biggest oil rig disaster in history - we remember those who died and their families.

Just a wee bit peed off in Debenhams at Ocean terminal when I tried to get a back massage at Clarins, however, the therapist was "on her lunch" , and although she had no clients for the afternoon was too busy - apart from that, the girl I spoke to was the least enthusiastic assistant I have met at Clarins - which really annoyed me even more as I am a great believer in Clarins products and when the girls are sociable I usually end up buying one of their products. So next time it will be up at Frasers where my girls there are total gems.

We wanted to see the movie version of " Mama Mia" but it is not on till the 11th, so of we went to the Mercat Bar, for sunday roast, super, as I was bnot eating I had roat and mash atties + + a lovely dish of fresh strawberries .

Eventually - Sparky Mark came in to help me with a wee job in the bottom bar but after half an hour but was called away - so here I am now.

Currently needing a pee - but the tennis is so exciting "" ?? will I wet myself?

9.05 p.m. Currently longest match final!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Had a pee at change of ends - feeling better now and can see clearer - this is so exciting!

Listening to this on Five live with the BBC rather than the TV and the commentary is much better than the TV.

9.07 v 7 final set.

9.10 Nadal serving for the match having broken the last serve 4hrs 41 min.

It is getting so dark at the court it is difficult for both players.

4hrs 45 mis - championship point. - saved.

Nadal - championship point.

9.17. p.m. Nadal has won- longest Wimbledon game in history - what a year for Spain, having also won the EUFA Cup in football.

So if you wan t to see this young man he will be fishing off shore in Mjorca next week - so MrBorg can breath a relief that his record is still safe till next year.

For a young champion , Andy Murray now has a brilliant example to follow.

Nadfal has now won the trio, never done before.

So much for this evening - it has kept my mind off the events with the NHS at Roodlands, Haddington, which I am about to undergo tomorrow - which will hopefully find out why I have been so ill since last November.