Well, the 39th was hellish cold, never got up above freezing at all, minus 7 when I left in the morning an dstill zero when I got home - Today itwas a lot milder, !!!! around zero when i left and about plus 3 when I gopt back. And no wind - it is not bad, although we are supposed to get kind of chilly later for the bells.
Was in town for an open this morning and we were busy, lots of repeat visitors from yesterday , the boys from Oz were back in again looking for their "roo steaks" - and both engaged to koala bears !! - strange chappies.
1st Couple in were also from Oz, by way of Dublin again , and then off to Londfoan and paris, just like some of yesterdays.
On with David @ Random , and Claire, had a wee chat about her grandad who passed away last week, he was an active freemason and a member of Newbattle St Mary's, and will be sadly missed.
Our young trainee chef, Lauren, also lost her granda this week, and his funeral took place yesterday.
Got a nice card from the Eden Hotel in Sri Lanka, thanks to Tilak and Srimithy, hopefully the problems in the region will settle and tourists will return to the hotel.
Now getting all set for this evening - need a wee rest to recharge the batteries.
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Visitors
Two of todays visitors , over from Dallas, Texas, via Cork, Dublin , London and then awy to Paris. They have been set the De Vinci Code task, by visiting Rosslyn Chapel ; Templars Court in London and the Louvre , Paris, all allegedly on the Rose Line as per the story.If they do it , they can set the same challange to their friends for the future.
Scott was very interested in finding out all about kilts and highland dress, so he has been sent to try one on at The Kilt Hire Shop, Haymarket, and then see how he feels. Pub was very busy with visitors over for the New Year, we had the above couple, another pair just off the New York flight, some more upside down folks, enblish , Irish , an Italian - good fun , kjeeps me from getting bore. And our couple from Sunday popped in yesterday to say good bye and also to offer me a house exchance in the summer , near to Orlando. !!
Will update when I get the chance.
Monday 29 December 2008
Time to rant and let of steam -Dr Doom and Gloom
Currently bloody cold, and having been standing outside for hours I was chilled to the bone.
Anyway , with Junior being ill I ended up doing an emergency fill in in the Pub. But before I left I was listening to the news on the radio, more job losses, more firms going to the wall, the credit crunch - just what delight does the media get in telling us what we already know !! and although they tell us what we know they do not say what is being done about it. They then tell us that London banking employees are the highest paid staff in the UK - so what , they are also amongst the greediest and it is through their actions and those of their colleagues in the banking sectors throughout the world who have brought this about . We do not need to have it rammed down our throat, with Gordon Brown saying that we will have to be as resilient as our fathers / grandfathers were during the recovery years after the war.
Everybody is suffering / has suffered or will be likely to suffer in one way or another from this debacle. I heard about a businessman who lives not from from us who, having worked hard all his days and accumulated considerable wealth , has lost £121 million with the collapse of the Bank of Iceland. Someone was having a go at our Politicians , they will not suffer, just award themselves another pay rise, have a week less holiday a year and change their cars less frequently - and they can all now get part time jobs !!
The housing market - non existent, now ten times more houses available than potential buyers - again , greedy money grabbing property speculators and estate agents.
On x-mas Day there were apparently a higher number of attempted suicides in this area than usual , but nothing on the media !!
My other gripe today was with the bucket men , once again , it looks like they are having a competition to see who can go round the block the most times ignoring the rubbish. I am not being fair as far as our local collections go by - as those blokes do a good job, BUT in the town , where there are commercial companies competing against Edinburgh City Council for business , the Council is losing out every time because their rates are too high - end result is we have their lorries going round and round with the driver / operator gazing out into the blue skies and nothing to do. Last week three of them sat at the back of the shops in Dalry road, for over an hour doing nothing waiting for finishing time. BUT they will still want their weekend overtime.
Sadly - our own "Allied" men let us down today , were in too much of a hurry to lift everything this morning - and then totally ignored their bags on later passes.
And despite the fact that the Tramworks are halted their orange jacketed troops are out and supposed to be assisting us , I saw them on several occasions peering round the corner from Haymarket - but they never came across the road to check and see if anything was needed - they must have a new howf.
Traffic wardens , who are unable to give you even an extra couple of minutes to get into your car - but are able to go and hide up nearby vennels for a smoke and a skive.
Just what happened to the good old fashioned values of an honest days work in exchange for a realistic wage.
Anyway - I might calm down later.
Anyway , with Junior being ill I ended up doing an emergency fill in in the Pub. But before I left I was listening to the news on the radio, more job losses, more firms going to the wall, the credit crunch - just what delight does the media get in telling us what we already know !! and although they tell us what we know they do not say what is being done about it. They then tell us that London banking employees are the highest paid staff in the UK - so what , they are also amongst the greediest and it is through their actions and those of their colleagues in the banking sectors throughout the world who have brought this about . We do not need to have it rammed down our throat, with Gordon Brown saying that we will have to be as resilient as our fathers / grandfathers were during the recovery years after the war.
Everybody is suffering / has suffered or will be likely to suffer in one way or another from this debacle. I heard about a businessman who lives not from from us who, having worked hard all his days and accumulated considerable wealth , has lost £121 million with the collapse of the Bank of Iceland. Someone was having a go at our Politicians , they will not suffer, just award themselves another pay rise, have a week less holiday a year and change their cars less frequently - and they can all now get part time jobs !!
The housing market - non existent, now ten times more houses available than potential buyers - again , greedy money grabbing property speculators and estate agents.
On x-mas Day there were apparently a higher number of attempted suicides in this area than usual , but nothing on the media !!
My other gripe today was with the bucket men , once again , it looks like they are having a competition to see who can go round the block the most times ignoring the rubbish. I am not being fair as far as our local collections go by - as those blokes do a good job, BUT in the town , where there are commercial companies competing against Edinburgh City Council for business , the Council is losing out every time because their rates are too high - end result is we have their lorries going round and round with the driver / operator gazing out into the blue skies and nothing to do. Last week three of them sat at the back of the shops in Dalry road, for over an hour doing nothing waiting for finishing time. BUT they will still want their weekend overtime.
Sadly - our own "Allied" men let us down today , were in too much of a hurry to lift everything this morning - and then totally ignored their bags on later passes.
And despite the fact that the Tramworks are halted their orange jacketed troops are out and supposed to be assisting us , I saw them on several occasions peering round the corner from Haymarket - but they never came across the road to check and see if anything was needed - they must have a new howf.
Traffic wardens , who are unable to give you even an extra couple of minutes to get into your car - but are able to go and hide up nearby vennels for a smoke and a skive.
Just what happened to the good old fashioned values of an honest days work in exchange for a realistic wage.
Anyway - I might calm down later.
Sunday 28 December 2008
Visitors in the City
Sunday and things are picking up in the City of Edinburgh as visitors are arriving for the Hogmanay party. We had some really nice folks through the door today, looking not only for food and drink, but also pleased to get some ideas of where to go and things to do around the town.
We had folks from England, Ireland, USA, Russia etc, plus our own locals, in for the football. My goodness Liverpool did well with a 5 -1 win and Arsenal had a good run.
We had folks from England, Ireland, USA, Russia etc, plus our own locals, in for the football. My goodness Liverpool did well with a 5 -1 win and Arsenal had a good run.
Our locals Steve and Lesley were happy enough to pose, and the group with John Lane (USA) , Eugenie Guskov ( Russia- about 200 miles from Moscow) and Susan McG-Laine ( Pittsburgh and Edinburgh) enjoyed their Sunday roast and she had to get a doggie bag to take her Apple crumble home.
Our two young staff were out in the cold dishing out leaflets to passers by, dressed in the new Orange coloured waterproof tops, they looked like members of the Harri Krishna sect !!! but they did get results.
Eventually made it home by 5 p.m., car looking more like a bucket motor with the final load of rubbish from the pub , destined for the skip in the morning.
Now sitting watching a documentary about Marilyn Munro, what a waste of a life, she was some character - but you can see our present day actors / actresses suffering from the same stresses and abuses.
Saturday 27 December 2008
Saturday - I think
Beginning to lose track with the days, it is like having two weekends in one week - and with working each day. Friday was like a Sunday, today is like a Monday, so I hope that Monday is like a Tuesday !!!
Totally bloody freezing this morning - bugs will have died off with the cold and a fright. Took ages to get the car de-iced , but the daybreak was stunning with clear skies, pinks and pale blues, and - no camera.
Pub was fairly quiet initially, even although there were loads of folks heading east , past us to the sales in Prince's Street. BUT we did pick up, and had some really nice visitors, from Holland, USA, and the Land of Oz, which kept me entertained - filling their heads full of facts and local knowledge. There were a lovely couple from Florida, somewhere east of Orlando on the coast, who were staying at the Edinburgh Grosvenor Hilton - so they now have a few suggestions of places to go over the next few days.
Unusual thing was a mother and daughter in early a.m., girl 16 yrs, suffering from serious stomach problems and on the same medication as me !! A sign of the times.
Sir Christopher or Lord Christopher got his title from Graham having fallen heir to a piece of land in a Highland estate - which means that he eventually got his x-mas presents from RGB.
Does that make the lovely effervescing Ailsa - " Lady Talk a Lot"
We discovered that David @ Fiance in the kitchen is really known as "Random" having won a large sum of money many moons ago in a poker game - however from what he tells us he really wants to be known as "the naked chef" - whatever turns you on.
Even just standing talking to the people passing and at the bus stop was fun, their general comments and even the bus drivers shouting out at me. AND I have never seen so many of Lothian and Borders Police "finest" out on foot - there must have been a sale on at "Greggs" !!
To the readers from the north , south , east and west , hope you are well, give me
a few clues about what you want read and I will do my best
We have heard nothing from Carolanne and Dennis suspect that they and the 300 dogs are still wrapping / unwrapping their presents.
Totally bloody freezing this morning - bugs will have died off with the cold and a fright. Took ages to get the car de-iced , but the daybreak was stunning with clear skies, pinks and pale blues, and - no camera.
Pub was fairly quiet initially, even although there were loads of folks heading east , past us to the sales in Prince's Street. BUT we did pick up, and had some really nice visitors, from Holland, USA, and the Land of Oz, which kept me entertained - filling their heads full of facts and local knowledge. There were a lovely couple from Florida, somewhere east of Orlando on the coast, who were staying at the Edinburgh Grosvenor Hilton - so they now have a few suggestions of places to go over the next few days.
Unusual thing was a mother and daughter in early a.m., girl 16 yrs, suffering from serious stomach problems and on the same medication as me !! A sign of the times.
Sir Christopher or Lord Christopher got his title from Graham having fallen heir to a piece of land in a Highland estate - which means that he eventually got his x-mas presents from RGB.
Does that make the lovely effervescing Ailsa - " Lady Talk a Lot"
We discovered that David @ Fiance in the kitchen is really known as "Random" having won a large sum of money many moons ago in a poker game - however from what he tells us he really wants to be known as "the naked chef" - whatever turns you on.
Even just standing talking to the people passing and at the bus stop was fun, their general comments and even the bus drivers shouting out at me. AND I have never seen so many of Lothian and Borders Police "finest" out on foot - there must have been a sale on at "Greggs" !!
To the readers from the north , south , east and west , hope you are well, give me
a few clues about what you want read and I will do my best
We have heard nothing from Carolanne and Dennis suspect that they and the 300 dogs are still wrapping / unwrapping their presents.
Friday 26 December 2008
A BIT MORE SAD NEWS
I was working with Claire all day, and she had been up to the hospital twice to see her Grandad who has been ill for the past few weeks.
She went up to see him at tea time after work, but shortly after leaving the hospital the family were called back as he had passed away in his sleep.
Our thoughts are with Claire and the family at this time.
She went up to see him at tea time after work, but shortly after leaving the hospital the family were called back as he had passed away in his sleep.
Our thoughts are with Claire and the family at this time.
Boxing Day and all is quiet - so far
Been in the Pub since 9 .30 a.m. and Haymarket area of Edinburgh is dead. Very few folks on the go, and those that I did see earlier were all hading back from the NEXT sale, clutching their precious carrier bags.
News from the West , Stanley Place, Blantyre , mayem and bedlam as the bairns refused to go to bed, still playing with their toys while the parents and Gandparents were snoozing, or sleeping off their dinner.
Nice call last night from Robbie and Caitlin in the land of OZ, both are down in Melbourne for the x-mas break with Caitlin's dad. So presently out of touch with no PC's so use. Doing well, weather was lovely, and they just left the turkey out in the sun to cook off !!! I think not.
Jo Jo @ HM recovering this morning from this 24 hour vomiting bug, looking and feeling a lot better.
Currently working with Sir Christopher , he has not got all his presents yet - as RGB (Santa) forgot them !! and had a flying visit from Miss talk a Lot as she headed off to work. From the sound of things , the Reid homestead at Buckstone was looking a bit like a refugee centre last night with folks sleeping on any bit of floor available - sounds just like the good old days when I used to bag the floor behind the settee, pull it out a bit and then when I was sort of tired just crawl in and nod off. It was either that or just be ignorant and first to bag a bed got one for the night , hell mend everyone else.
Very mild outside after a rather frosty night, but I think we need a lot more frost to kill the bugs and beasties. Mrs. B has been out for walk, bit fresh country air is good for her.
News from the West , Stanley Place, Blantyre , mayem and bedlam as the bairns refused to go to bed, still playing with their toys while the parents and Gandparents were snoozing, or sleeping off their dinner.
Nice call last night from Robbie and Caitlin in the land of OZ, both are down in Melbourne for the x-mas break with Caitlin's dad. So presently out of touch with no PC's so use. Doing well, weather was lovely, and they just left the turkey out in the sun to cook off !!! I think not.
Jo Jo @ HM recovering this morning from this 24 hour vomiting bug, looking and feeling a lot better.
Currently working with Sir Christopher , he has not got all his presents yet - as RGB (Santa) forgot them !! and had a flying visit from Miss talk a Lot as she headed off to work. From the sound of things , the Reid homestead at Buckstone was looking a bit like a refugee centre last night with folks sleeping on any bit of floor available - sounds just like the good old days when I used to bag the floor behind the settee, pull it out a bit and then when I was sort of tired just crawl in and nod off. It was either that or just be ignorant and first to bag a bed got one for the night , hell mend everyone else.
Very mild outside after a rather frosty night, but I think we need a lot more frost to kill the bugs and beasties. Mrs. B has been out for walk, bit fresh country air is good for her.
Thursday 25 December 2008
So much for a quiet day
Dinner over, resting with a glass of wine, content and havce had a laught. The only unfortunate is that Jo Jo @ HM has taken this 24 hr bug and has had to go to bed, sort of poorly.
Got some nice presents including a certificate from "Rainforest Concern"meaning that I have adopted a half acre of forest in the Choco-Andean Rainforest Corridor Project, Ecudor and Columbia. A course in wine tasting, digital picture frame, etc. very very good.
Had then had a quiet day watching TV with a few glasses of !!!!!!!!, phone calls and texts. Jeremy Wattles called from the USA and we look forward to seeing him at the end of January.
Sparky arrived , he had six calls for assistance today, all who were delighted to see him - joined by Doreen, and with Graham we enjoyed an excellent dinner, tasty, followed by a selection of cheeses.
Sparky needed a bit help with his bow tie and then we had the problem of the 35 toes, unlike John Buchan and his "39 Steps".
So now - in need of a rest, after all, I am working tomorrow.
Merry x mas to all my readers,
Seasons greetings to one and all.
How many folks were up in the wee small hours looking for Santa ? Well, I was, up as usual at 5.30 a.m. , milk , carrots - laid out for the bearded man and his animals - but having fitted all these new locks and alarms to comply with the insurance company , I was worried that the magic key would not work . BUT it did and Santa has been here, left me a long cardboard tube from the inside of the wrapping paper - so we are having a team game - Me and Mrs,. B. as to how many things you can make or use it for . All very reminiscent of the good old days when you got an orange , bar of chocolate, a wee toy , and went and played with cardboard boxes - now it seems to be X boxes they play with , not quite the same.
Mrs. B. disturbed by my coughing has been down since 6 a.m. so we are worse than the bairns. Watched the Lion Man , in New Zealand - excellent, and Sir Richard Attenborough on mammals - he is amazing , just how much more we know about nature these days thanks to the likes of him and his colleagues.
Texts in from Archie and Tracy, Archie was so excited with Christmas, Tracy had to bop him one to calm him down , Camryn and Austin sound asleep and Dad trying to get them up so he can get his present. He even ate the last chocolate in the advent calender -.
Sir Christopher and Ailsa @ Miss Talk a Lot, off on their travels and will be out to see us later, looks as though he has already emptied his sack this morning .
Sandra, William and Stuart heading over to see Donna, Paul, Jordan , Hannah , Rebecca, and James where there will no doubt be the same mayhem as is occurring in millions of houses throughout the world - so while I am typing Santa will be working his way westwards around the world, doing his annual thingy , then its back to the workshop and start making toys for next year.
I wonder what Sparky found in the pair of stockings he left on his bedpost , he is duty "Captain Calamity" today for the gas board, so lets hope all is well and no poor unsuspecting soul has to call him out , it will be a drookit X-mas tree or a cold Turkey. We will get the continuing adventures from him when he comes for left overs later on.
No sign of our babies !!!! yet , and I am starving, in need of my breakfast, (and on a more serious note , there will be many who are - the less fortunate, so spare a thought).
How many folks were up in the wee small hours looking for Santa ? Well, I was, up as usual at 5.30 a.m. , milk , carrots - laid out for the bearded man and his animals - but having fitted all these new locks and alarms to comply with the insurance company , I was worried that the magic key would not work . BUT it did and Santa has been here, left me a long cardboard tube from the inside of the wrapping paper - so we are having a team game - Me and Mrs,. B. as to how many things you can make or use it for . All very reminiscent of the good old days when you got an orange , bar of chocolate, a wee toy , and went and played with cardboard boxes - now it seems to be X boxes they play with , not quite the same.
Mrs. B. disturbed by my coughing has been down since 6 a.m. so we are worse than the bairns. Watched the Lion Man , in New Zealand - excellent, and Sir Richard Attenborough on mammals - he is amazing , just how much more we know about nature these days thanks to the likes of him and his colleagues.
Texts in from Archie and Tracy, Archie was so excited with Christmas, Tracy had to bop him one to calm him down , Camryn and Austin sound asleep and Dad trying to get them up so he can get his present. He even ate the last chocolate in the advent calender -.
Sir Christopher and Ailsa @ Miss Talk a Lot, off on their travels and will be out to see us later, looks as though he has already emptied his sack this morning .
Sandra, William and Stuart heading over to see Donna, Paul, Jordan , Hannah , Rebecca, and James where there will no doubt be the same mayhem as is occurring in millions of houses throughout the world - so while I am typing Santa will be working his way westwards around the world, doing his annual thingy , then its back to the workshop and start making toys for next year.
I wonder what Sparky found in the pair of stockings he left on his bedpost , he is duty "Captain Calamity" today for the gas board, so lets hope all is well and no poor unsuspecting soul has to call him out , it will be a drookit X-mas tree or a cold Turkey. We will get the continuing adventures from him when he comes for left overs later on.
No sign of our babies !!!! yet , and I am starving, in need of my breakfast, (and on a more serious note , there will be many who are - the less fortunate, so spare a thought).
Wednesday 24 December 2008
Pre christmas notes
Sipping on a hot toddie, to see if the restoritive powers are as good as they say - but sadly I had to stick a "Highland Park" in it.
Just thinking of Carolanne and Dennis, they will have 200 plus dogs to feed and seranade on x-mas day, just think of the chorus, and they could play them the video of "101 Dalmations".
Saw Grant @ photogenix today - very busy, and having fun and games with the "twa dugs", his fish tank, and lots of work - I am sure Yvonne will accept her pink champers tomorrow with good grace and say that \Grant was correct when he said that hairdressers mistakes grew back in two weeks !!!
Had a bad morning , UNISON called, total cock up - and laywers, going off on holiday do not give a toss !! So I hope that the Directors and Management of the Social Work Department of Edinburgh City Council, have a nice x-mas - NOT.
Headed to town, me to The Mercat with presents, and Mrs. B. to my favourite shop, Matalan, where their pre x-mas preview was taking place for the sales.
Home, and manged an hour in the garden to tidy up a bit, but now to the TV, trying to cure this cold, have seen two versions of the Christmas Carol, a brilliant short Shrek cartoon , and now being inflicted with Eastenders.
Thought I might get an early turky dinner, however managed a nice Chinese which Graham and Jo Jo @ HM managed to get back in time for.
Just thinking back to years past when we loved to go down to the watchnight service, then home , wee drink, and maybe open a single present before bed. - Nowadays, the services are not safe as all the drunks try to get in for their annual prayer and to cause chaos.
Just thinking , with the time difference, it will already be Christmas day in Oz , so all the best to Rob and Caitlin.
Time to go look out a pair of stocking for the bottom of the bed !!
Just thinking of Carolanne and Dennis, they will have 200 plus dogs to feed and seranade on x-mas day, just think of the chorus, and they could play them the video of "101 Dalmations".
Saw Grant @ photogenix today - very busy, and having fun and games with the "twa dugs", his fish tank, and lots of work - I am sure Yvonne will accept her pink champers tomorrow with good grace and say that \Grant was correct when he said that hairdressers mistakes grew back in two weeks !!!
Had a bad morning , UNISON called, total cock up - and laywers, going off on holiday do not give a toss !! So I hope that the Directors and Management of the Social Work Department of Edinburgh City Council, have a nice x-mas - NOT.
Headed to town, me to The Mercat with presents, and Mrs. B. to my favourite shop, Matalan, where their pre x-mas preview was taking place for the sales.
Home, and manged an hour in the garden to tidy up a bit, but now to the TV, trying to cure this cold, have seen two versions of the Christmas Carol, a brilliant short Shrek cartoon , and now being inflicted with Eastenders.
Thought I might get an early turky dinner, however managed a nice Chinese which Graham and Jo Jo @ HM managed to get back in time for.
Just thinking back to years past when we loved to go down to the watchnight service, then home , wee drink, and maybe open a single present before bed. - Nowadays, the services are not safe as all the drunks try to get in for their annual prayer and to cause chaos.
Just thinking , with the time difference, it will already be Christmas day in Oz , so all the best to Rob and Caitlin.
Time to go look out a pair of stocking for the bottom of the bed !!
Yet another nocturnal note
4.45 a.m. and apart from the sore back; neck, head; throat, cough and general aches and pains it has been a "good" night so far !!!
Just up for a Horlicks and Ibuprofen and I am back to get the rest of a sleep, no need to rush about early doors today.
I see Graham is in the same boat , he has been at the Lemsips , great thing this self medicating - but what else do you do with the cold, apart from hot toddies !! Damm - I sat last night , for the sixth in a row, "dry" apart from glasses of water and never gave the hot toddie a thought. There was a bit in one of yesterdays papers saying that of all the so called old wives tales, and home made cures, hot toddies were the most effective - so , perhaps tonight!!!! - just need to pick a good malt - NOT - cooking whisky in the toddies.
Watched my friend Rab. C. Nesbitt last night , just a bit near the bone at times, but absolutelly brilliant - he is a very good actor Gregor Fisher, takes on lots of straight roles very well. He played a Detective recently and was believable.
So now - to bed - to sleep - perchance to dream. ( Shakespeare I think)
Just up for a Horlicks and Ibuprofen and I am back to get the rest of a sleep, no need to rush about early doors today.
I see Graham is in the same boat , he has been at the Lemsips , great thing this self medicating - but what else do you do with the cold, apart from hot toddies !! Damm - I sat last night , for the sixth in a row, "dry" apart from glasses of water and never gave the hot toddie a thought. There was a bit in one of yesterdays papers saying that of all the so called old wives tales, and home made cures, hot toddies were the most effective - so , perhaps tonight!!!! - just need to pick a good malt - NOT - cooking whisky in the toddies.
Watched my friend Rab. C. Nesbitt last night , just a bit near the bone at times, but absolutelly brilliant - he is a very good actor Gregor Fisher, takes on lots of straight roles very well. He played a Detective recently and was believable.
So now - to bed - to sleep - perchance to dream. ( Shakespeare I think)
Tuesday 23 December 2008
Surprising what you see on the way
So, having mentioned the Cathedral last entry, I did have a photo of the high alter but somehow managed to delete it !! Sorted. having taken a couple of pictures , without the flash on , I discovered that they did not allow such acts within .
Now, this morning , after yet another shocking night i was up sharp and had another little run to the "skip" to empty the boot again, then down to The Bush to distribute seasons cheer, Popped into the local Tesco, which was not all that busy.
All changed and headed off to the town with Mrs B. who was dropped off at The Mercat, where after being locked out for two hours the staff had got in , I think they thought that the Christmas fairy would get help for them. I headed off , and on passing Lothian and Borders Police HQ at Fettes Ave., spotted lots of activity as the fire brigade were sitting at the roadside and an ambulance by the sports field. Next , the Air Ambulance helicopter appeared and landed beside the road where after a few minutes they transferred a patient into the ambulance.
Just as I headed off two pleasant young Policewomen appeared on their trusty mounts, I got a smile rather than a clattering !!
Stopped off to see Uncle Walter, Mary and Sheila at Bangholm for a cuppa and a catch up - ended up with a big bag of apples which David @ fiance will use to make apple tarts.
left the car and walked along to the crematorium, passing this cheery little snowman on the way.
There was large crowd present for the funeral of Thomas Moffat Ross, some having travelled considerable distances. The Korean veterans had a guard of honour and a standard bearer present in view of Tom's background and involvement .
Stopped to pick up Mrs. B and headed home - back to Tesco's to get the things I had forgotten this morning , before settling for the night, watching all the golden oldies on Christmas Top of the Pops; and then, my hero, role model "Rab C Nisbet".
Monday 22 December 2008
Todays Pics
Now Tuesday I think, although I was a bit muddled last night and had the buckets out a day early.
So , up early , bit of a panic trying to get messages to lawyers, etc, and with the big PC knacked I had no means of scanning papers , so it was a quick run to town to get stuff faxed.
Then loaded car up with more rubbish for the skip, should get a day pass - before going to see Grant @ Photgenix for a blether.
Back to town, parked and used the bus pass to head for the shops stopping to have a wee look at the Ferris Wheel in Princes Street gardens next to the Scott Monument.
John Lewis did not have what I wanted so i bought a potato masher for the pub !! nice gift, before going to see "smelly" Gillian at Frasers.
Was walking back to the Mercat and passing St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Place,which was all lit up so I went in , it was beautiful, and the choristers were practicing for the Evensong, what a lovely building and to think we pass it nearly every day, the alter is stunning and there are some remarkable paintings on the walls.
Into the Mercat for dinner where we were joined by Mark and Kia, hence these other two shops and shots of Kia with me and Ann and Sparky.
No choked with the cold, chesty , etc. but need to head to town today for the funeral of Thomas Moffat Ross , our Provincial Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch.
Sunday 21 December 2008
Another awe inspiring day - QQQQ
Up with the larks, at 2.45 a.m. having been thumped in the ribs by Mrs. B who had been awakened by a car alarm sounding outside - however, after staggering around the bedroom in a daze I peered out into the stormy blackness and heard nothing !! So how difficult is it to go back to sleep - for me very.
Next - after several false starts, I was up and on my way at 7 a.m. and into The Mercat, beaten by Claire.
Started to set up when "Oor Willie" arrived ( Sir Christopher) who had forgotten to brush his hair and put on his gel !! Seems that he had made a late call last night and got the Upside Down boy, Robbie out of his bed to wish him a happy birthday.
Place was fairly quiet today so after a few breakfasts served to Dutch ( lady had three eggs) ; Canadian and English visitors , I took to my true vocation and decided to tear up yet more cardboard and bag some rubbish . This led to me filling up the car with rubbish for the skip.
Back in the kitchen, young Chris, sober after an early night - no bad influence (joking) as Neeve or Niamph has gone home to Newry for X-mas , wee bit discussion over my suggestion that they cook sausages in gravy with cheese - so I think my chances of being a trainee chef will be minimal to zero.
Headed home early - but via the Council yard to dump rubbish in the skip, this was one of my father's favourite haunts - he never let me head down there on my own , always volunteered to help and invariably brought "things" back home. Today was no exception, as I picked up a good box for my tools, the workies even got a brand new sat nav complete with discs, books, cables, etc.
Home for dinner, and enjoyed an hours escapism watching the movie about the Robot who helps rob the bank, even E.T. later.
had a long session on the box , researching Freedom of Information Legislation and European Bill of Human Rights, wrote to my MP, (again), and fired off some E mails to old addresses but with little luck as they came back undelivered..
Sparky called having returned from a hike in the Moorfoot Hills, where he was nearly blown away in the gales - silly bugger -- hope he does not get blown off the top of Killiminjaro.
So RGB and Jo Jo @ HM arrived back, after an Indian meal where they even had to return a bottle of Chateauneuf Du Pape which was corked - meal was fine and 2nd bottle excellent - so now time to get our feet up for a bit - and watch "Casualty" of course.
So now we head into the last few days leading up to this season of goodwill and peace to all men.
Next - after several false starts, I was up and on my way at 7 a.m. and into The Mercat, beaten by Claire.
Started to set up when "Oor Willie" arrived ( Sir Christopher) who had forgotten to brush his hair and put on his gel !! Seems that he had made a late call last night and got the Upside Down boy, Robbie out of his bed to wish him a happy birthday.
Place was fairly quiet today so after a few breakfasts served to Dutch ( lady had three eggs) ; Canadian and English visitors , I took to my true vocation and decided to tear up yet more cardboard and bag some rubbish . This led to me filling up the car with rubbish for the skip.
Back in the kitchen, young Chris, sober after an early night - no bad influence (joking) as Neeve or Niamph has gone home to Newry for X-mas , wee bit discussion over my suggestion that they cook sausages in gravy with cheese - so I think my chances of being a trainee chef will be minimal to zero.
Headed home early - but via the Council yard to dump rubbish in the skip, this was one of my father's favourite haunts - he never let me head down there on my own , always volunteered to help and invariably brought "things" back home. Today was no exception, as I picked up a good box for my tools, the workies even got a brand new sat nav complete with discs, books, cables, etc.
Home for dinner, and enjoyed an hours escapism watching the movie about the Robot who helps rob the bank, even E.T. later.
had a long session on the box , researching Freedom of Information Legislation and European Bill of Human Rights, wrote to my MP, (again), and fired off some E mails to old addresses but with little luck as they came back undelivered..
Sparky called having returned from a hike in the Moorfoot Hills, where he was nearly blown away in the gales - silly bugger -- hope he does not get blown off the top of Killiminjaro.
So RGB and Jo Jo @ HM arrived back, after an Indian meal where they even had to return a bottle of Chateauneuf Du Pape which was corked - meal was fine and 2nd bottle excellent - so now time to get our feet up for a bit - and watch "Casualty" of course.
So now we head into the last few days leading up to this season of goodwill and peace to all men.
Saturday 20 December 2008
Come dancing final, and memories.
Just watching the final session of this nail biting competition which brought back a few memories, just for Big Archie.
When I was just a slip of a boy, my mother decided that I should go to Scottish Country Dancing classes held in the Scout Hall at Juniper Green , by Currie. Me, I hated being there, the only little lad being pursued by the girls who all wanted a boy to dance with . Eventually I just went and locked myself in the toilets with the result that the dance teacher told my mother not to send me again.
In later years, while a Cadet in Durham ( about 18) it was decided that the cadets should learn ballroom dancing so that we could get off our bums and mix with the guests at the annual ball. A professional dance intructor was brought in and she had a hard time working with guys with two left feet - anyway , I enjoyed dancing with her , gliding round the floor just like twinkletoes, no mishaps, etc., except that i could not dance with anyone else. She later explained that she knew where my feet were going before I moved, that way she could get her feet outr the way before I stood on her toes.
Next best , I took part in a "twist" competition at a wedding in Morpeth, did a strip twist to Chubby Checker's " Let's Twist Again - so obviously I won , and was awarded a half pound tin of tea as the prize . Suppose thats why they call them Tea dances.
Since then , it's safer to sit on the sidlines and watch.
Belated Happy birthday Rob ( upside down man ) from all here in sunny Scotland. Graham did remember but was just a bit late !! So we hope you had a good day yesterday . Graham , after half a glass of wine has just had a wee dance - getting carried away by the brilliance on the TV - he was Not Not quite in the same class.
When I was just a slip of a boy, my mother decided that I should go to Scottish Country Dancing classes held in the Scout Hall at Juniper Green , by Currie. Me, I hated being there, the only little lad being pursued by the girls who all wanted a boy to dance with . Eventually I just went and locked myself in the toilets with the result that the dance teacher told my mother not to send me again.
In later years, while a Cadet in Durham ( about 18) it was decided that the cadets should learn ballroom dancing so that we could get off our bums and mix with the guests at the annual ball. A professional dance intructor was brought in and she had a hard time working with guys with two left feet - anyway , I enjoyed dancing with her , gliding round the floor just like twinkletoes, no mishaps, etc., except that i could not dance with anyone else. She later explained that she knew where my feet were going before I moved, that way she could get her feet outr the way before I stood on her toes.
Next best , I took part in a "twist" competition at a wedding in Morpeth, did a strip twist to Chubby Checker's " Let's Twist Again - so obviously I won , and was awarded a half pound tin of tea as the prize . Suppose thats why they call them Tea dances.
Since then , it's safer to sit on the sidlines and watch.
Belated Happy birthday Rob ( upside down man ) from all here in sunny Scotland. Graham did remember but was just a bit late !! So we hope you had a good day yesterday . Graham , after half a glass of wine has just had a wee dance - getting carried away by the brilliance on the TV - he was Not Not quite in the same class.
Get my reward in heaven - if I am lucky !!!¬
This is a bit of a follow up to last night when I was distracted somewhat - but as I am watching some heavenly bodies in the final of Come Dancing - the same could apply tonight.. so there I was yesterday , slowly going downhill from Bar Manager at The Sportsman's ; ( on work experience); then to the mercat Bar, where I had to start all over again , as barman /waiter ; now still progressing downhill , with even less chabce of ever gaetting paid, trying my hand in the kitchen - where I invariably end up in the sink - and today It was outside , bagging rubbish and tearing up boxes - I wonder how far I can really go with this Company under the expert tuition of my Son !!! We are obviously forgetting that there is still the job as doorman - so being the oldest doorman in Haymarket, complete with glasses, hearing aid and stick, hopefully no one will want to hit an old man!!! although as I am getting more grumpy than ever they might just.
Our three happy lads, Jamie @ Shrek': Christian@ ze fokker; and David, were all taking the micky out of me.
The two dogs are owned by Grant @ photogenix, big one is Jazz, who has just acquired this baby brother last week. The wee one is only ten weeks old, the runt of the litter, and with buckled back legs - still a bit tiny to cope with his playful pall who eats his grup and bashes him.
Thursday while down south, and wearing a white polo shirt , I was mortified half way though my visit at Runcorn when I realised that i had dribbled tea down the front of the shirt , which was badly satined - it was nearly as bad as walking about with ones fly undone !!
Had a hellish night, last night - restless, sleepless, etc, so it was up early and off we went to hit the cash and carry once again and then to the Pub - Mrs. B. headed off to the shops while I went sunning myself out the back, sorting the rubbish as Jeff our hardy cleaner was struck down with the dreaded "bug", as was his dearly beloved missus.
Of course , it would not have been the same if we had not forgotton to get stuff at the C @ C., so I Went back with Graham Allan Snr . - wee run out for him and interesting as he had not been there for years.
Not sure where lawrence went wrong - but he did say he had put a comment on last nights blog - but it has disappeared into the ether.
Two massive fires in Edinburgh last night, one at 8 p.m. in Victoria Street ( Cushie's) and the other at 9 p.m. 9n Frederick St. involving big pubs - town was chaotic with most of the City Centre closed off, sixty plus firefighters, and one building still burning eighteen hours later. what a night to have a fire, restaurants fully booked, bars busy, and one of the pubs was about to bring the "Alex Harvey Band" on stage.
Sunday - up early and back to my work experience
Friday 19 December 2008
Long Day - wild day - interesting.
Friday night , been out all day and now just trying to find a few words.
Headed off at 7 a.m. to Bookers, and then to The Mercat Bar, but with the over zealous traffic wardens no point in getting there even a minute before 9.30 a.m. - do so at your own peril.
Managed to get unloaded and parked up and headed back to help out. As it was I ended up in the kitchen, doing my bit with Claire and Jamie making neat little packages of vegetables - then into the sink - so it was a case of "hands that do dishes".
Our new chef , Christian ( French cahppie from Paris originally) appeared to assist with lunch, his nickname will be "Ze Fokkers", it was a case of "ze fokkers" are in the oven , "ze fokkers are nearly ready", etc. Quite a character and very pleasant - it was a good laugh with the banter between him and Jamie @ Shrek.
We had plenty bookings for lunch so I had enough plates to wash - Jack of all trades.
Had to head off to George Street ( via the smelly girls shop) to a meeting of the S.G.R.A.C. of S. chaired for the last time by Charles Woolridge Gordon of Essellmont, First Grand Principal, who is now the Grand Master Mason, and will hand over to Ian Fraser at the next meeting . Had a blether to him outside before the meeting - he is really nice and we had a great time in India last year. There was a good attendance, with members present from the USA and Africa also. Did my usual party trick of nearly dozing off during the meeting - nearly !!
Anyway - headed back to the Mercat where it was bouncing, bodies everywhere, but just a bit too noisy for me so I left for home. The weather was terrible, blowing a gale but the rain had stopped - we were not as bad as through the West where there was a lot of flooding .
After some dinner I headed out to post a few more x-mas cards and ended up having a catch up session with Barbara, Micheal, Liam and briefly with Lauren who was doing computer things.
Barbara used to have a Cup pack but helped me with the scouts and even went to France with us on our first trip there - lots of stories to tell in due course.
We had a few cards ourself, and it was good to get the ones with the notes inside letting us know how folks were , Izzy from Longniddry ; Grant Ritchies who we have not seen for years, and a few others including Chandana in Liberec.
Getting no peace to write as I am watching "Die hard 2" at the same time, great movie.
Headed off at 7 a.m. to Bookers, and then to The Mercat Bar, but with the over zealous traffic wardens no point in getting there even a minute before 9.30 a.m. - do so at your own peril.
Managed to get unloaded and parked up and headed back to help out. As it was I ended up in the kitchen, doing my bit with Claire and Jamie making neat little packages of vegetables - then into the sink - so it was a case of "hands that do dishes".
Our new chef , Christian ( French cahppie from Paris originally) appeared to assist with lunch, his nickname will be "Ze Fokkers", it was a case of "ze fokkers" are in the oven , "ze fokkers are nearly ready", etc. Quite a character and very pleasant - it was a good laugh with the banter between him and Jamie @ Shrek.
We had plenty bookings for lunch so I had enough plates to wash - Jack of all trades.
Had to head off to George Street ( via the smelly girls shop) to a meeting of the S.G.R.A.C. of S. chaired for the last time by Charles Woolridge Gordon of Essellmont, First Grand Principal, who is now the Grand Master Mason, and will hand over to Ian Fraser at the next meeting . Had a blether to him outside before the meeting - he is really nice and we had a great time in India last year. There was a good attendance, with members present from the USA and Africa also. Did my usual party trick of nearly dozing off during the meeting - nearly !!
Anyway - headed back to the Mercat where it was bouncing, bodies everywhere, but just a bit too noisy for me so I left for home. The weather was terrible, blowing a gale but the rain had stopped - we were not as bad as through the West where there was a lot of flooding .
After some dinner I headed out to post a few more x-mas cards and ended up having a catch up session with Barbara, Micheal, Liam and briefly with Lauren who was doing computer things.
Barbara used to have a Cup pack but helped me with the scouts and even went to France with us on our first trip there - lots of stories to tell in due course.
We had a few cards ourself, and it was good to get the ones with the notes inside letting us know how folks were , Izzy from Longniddry ; Grant Ritchies who we have not seen for years, and a few others including Chandana in Liberec.
Getting no peace to write as I am watching "Die hard 2" at the same time, great movie.
Thursday 18 December 2008
Away at the toot, driving Graham's motor today, so it was just under the speed of sound most of the way, braking for the occasional Police car and avoiding puddles, spray - and taking a bit of a battering in the wind. Fortunately, but the time I reached Runcorn the weather was clear and dry.
Jill was waiting at Reception and had forewarned the troops that I was due, plus having my roll all ready preordered in the canteen.
Lorraine was happy enough to see me, but Kelly and Cathy were choked with the cold, needed their hair brushing and were not keen on posing. However, no such problem with the terrible two, Sue and Christine @ Dick Turpin's Sisters. Caught Christine showing off her pair of "big jugs" and had a real laugh while they made my piece and cuppa. Christine has a mouse in her loft, so she will not go up to use her computer, what a feardie - "wee poor and timerous beastie - thees got a panic in thy breastie " as Quoted by Mr. Robert Burns.
Lorraine was happy enough to see me, but Kelly and Cathy were choked with the cold, needed their hair brushing and were not keen on posing. However, no such problem with the terrible two, Sue and Christine @ Dick Turpin's Sisters. Caught Christine showing off her pair of "big jugs" and had a real laugh while they made my piece and cuppa. Christine has a mouse in her loft, so she will not go up to use her computer, what a feardie - "wee poor and timerous beastie - thees got a panic in thy breastie " as Quoted by Mr. Robert Burns.
Headed back, again at the toot, and apart from about forty miles of atrocious weather from Gretna north, and then found Glasgow traffic crawling westbound.
Home via The Bush to see Alan and then into the house, where I collapsed into bed for a well deserved snooze.
Downstairs, Mrs. B. had visitors, Irish Christine and her young charge, Charlotte, daughter of her neighbour Heather. The young lady was delighted see the x-mas tree and had a long discussion about her letter to Santa Clause, and her Sunday sessions helping her dad Charlie to bake in the kitchen.
Sparky has just arrived, soft soaping Mrs. B. to make sure he gets some dinner on X-mas day when he finishes work, and to leave his stocking ( black silk which he says he did not find in his pocket) for Santa to fill.
Enough for the meantime.
Raring to go
I cannot say that I am bright as a button , but I am as fit as I will ever be at this time of day - back is sore though.
Had a message from Jeremy Wattles in USA to say he will be over to Edinburgh for at holiday at the end of January - he might have finished the book he kept promising to write while he was working with us at both The Sportsman's and The Mercat.
Little Princess ( Kerrin) is a bit older this satureday , she and the girls are going ice skating tonight and coming to see us at The Mercat for dinner, hopefully their tiny bots will not be too damp with falling down.
I used to be a keen ice hocky fan and went to all the home games at Murryfield, great night, plenty of fighting on the ice between edinburgh and the Fife Flyers when they met. Took a young Kenyan lad, David , one day - he did not know what ice hocky was and had never seen ice - he sat there terrified, wrapped up in balaclava, scarf, etc, with only his white teeth shining in the dark !! Same visit he went up to seee Penicuik House after a snow storm , took loads of photos and later discovered that his camera was not working - by which time the snow had melted.
Back to skating , when I worked in Durham we used to go alternate between the skating and the dancing on a saturday night - timing it so were at the opposite venue to the fighting, those were the days of the bovver boys with their big boots on.
And the cinema in Durham had gas lights a and double chummy seats !! Those were the days.
On a sadder note - another old Mason / companion Alexander Chambers passed away in his sleep yesterday - RIP.
Had a message from Jeremy Wattles in USA to say he will be over to Edinburgh for at holiday at the end of January - he might have finished the book he kept promising to write while he was working with us at both The Sportsman's and The Mercat.
Little Princess ( Kerrin) is a bit older this satureday , she and the girls are going ice skating tonight and coming to see us at The Mercat for dinner, hopefully their tiny bots will not be too damp with falling down.
I used to be a keen ice hocky fan and went to all the home games at Murryfield, great night, plenty of fighting on the ice between edinburgh and the Fife Flyers when they met. Took a young Kenyan lad, David , one day - he did not know what ice hocky was and had never seen ice - he sat there terrified, wrapped up in balaclava, scarf, etc, with only his white teeth shining in the dark !! Same visit he went up to seee Penicuik House after a snow storm , took loads of photos and later discovered that his camera was not working - by which time the snow had melted.
Back to skating , when I worked in Durham we used to go alternate between the skating and the dancing on a saturday night - timing it so were at the opposite venue to the fighting, those were the days of the bovver boys with their big boots on.
And the cinema in Durham had gas lights a and double chummy seats !! Those were the days.
On a sadder note - another old Mason / companion Alexander Chambers passed away in his sleep yesterday - RIP.
Wednesday 17 December 2008
Spoke too soon
Still awake, last act on the show was a bit of a let down - a stage full of drag artists !!! Mrs B not amused, but for a life long fan of Cliff Richard what do you expect, me I remember Hank Marvin many years ago on the Palladium doing a rendition of "Tonight" on a 12 string acoustic guitar , he was brilliant.
And to Cee Jay - thanks for writing , try "StuartBlaikie@aol.com"
Just thinking about the night that Malcolm Graham dropped by to see me, he was hungry and Mrs. B. offered him a sandwich, so I went, got a serving dish with a cover, etc. and when he opened it up I had put the live guinea pig on a slice of bread with salad, Malcolm was mortified!!!! bit surprised.
"Pretty Woman" on the TV - superb movie - she was gorgeous .
And to Cee Jay - thanks for writing , try "StuartBlaikie@aol.com"
Just thinking about the night that Malcolm Graham dropped by to see me, he was hungry and Mrs. B. offered him a sandwich, so I went, got a serving dish with a cover, etc. and when he opened it up I had put the live guinea pig on a slice of bread with salad, Malcolm was mortified!!!! bit surprised.
"Pretty Woman" on the TV - superb movie - she was gorgeous .
Took a day off
So , there I was this morning , sort of knackered but having gone back to bed I dozed off and managed another three hours snooze. having come to it was a wild rush as Mrs. B. was already up and ready to get the bus to Edinburgh, but being a typical male, next to no hair I was washed , dressed and ready in a jiffy. So armed with my Bus Pass and wonky lap top off we sped on the big red bus.
We parted company in Princes Street, so while Mrs B went her way I stopped in to see Gillian, (smelly girl at Fraser's) then headed for PC World. Here a helpful chappie prodded and poked at the wonky keyboard with a screwdriver, simple really , and machine was back , good as new. tapped his worldly wise mind for some hints - looks like I am really stupid when it comes to these instruments, then back I sped. Popped into the Mercat to get my instructions from Claire and Jamie - so that's Friday morning sorted. Quick cuppa and then bussed along to the Standing Order where lo and behold first face I saw was Auld Archie who joined me for an update on matters masonic !! with news of Mary and Sarah (wee one) who has the cold and has been freezing since she got back from Oz. We were joined by the young Pole dancer, Archie Jnr. looking smart befitting his position as Manager of this illustrious Establishment.
Mrs B. arrived full of x-mas joy, and having spent a hectic few hours browsing in "the big shops". and was happy to start gossiping with the lads. This being a bit strenuous it was necessary to tack a little "vino tinto" , good for the heart and the long awaited and promised steak and chips.
Archie let it slip that he likes the "tales of yore", of gore and of misdeeds, so I need to get the thinking cap on.
In the meantime we discover that Tracy, currently at home and looking after baby Austin and the "talented stage star , Camryn" is going caravanning at the weekend with seven young men !! MMMMMMMMM.
Anyway, headed home, tired and needing a rest - lovely E mail from Mary again in the USA confirming that we were now reconnected. The upside man and women are still in fine form in the land of Oz - been peeking.
Just watching the Royal Variety Performance on the TV , it is probably the best I have seen , Sir Cliff Richard with the Shadows , its a pity they could not have put old footage of one of earlier performances on in the background, Rhianna, some brilliant comedians and for once we were able to see HRH Prince Charles laughing his head off, Leona Lewis - exceptionally talented.
Time to call a halt, up at 4 a.m.
4.30 a.m. bit of Deja Vu
It has happened again , wide awake at 2 a.m. and no birds to listen to other than Mrs. B., who was also very restless.
Computer now playing up - Dell Inspiron 1720 so it will be going back to see the man at PC World about its sticking keys. Currently using an external keyboard.
But two good things at least this morning , very nice message and photo from Mary Kief in PA who Graham used to live with many moons ago. Here son is now 21 and was the reason Graham stayed over there to look after him after Camp Merryheart in Hacketstown. That's where Briggsy also went and then ended up staying , getting engaged and married.
Last time we saw Mary, Wayne and the children , must have been about ten years ago when we went to their house on New years day and had steaks, done on the BBQ in a blizzard - just wonderful. So we will keep in touch again.
Nice wee comment on the end of yesterday's blog from Maureen, Craig and baby Cameron in Renfrew.
Mr Archie , Pole dancer, spotted the comments about SODS and has invited me on his next brewery trip which will be to the Harvieston Brewery in Alva, makers of their famous "Bitter and Twisted" , which he suggested was appropriate to me !! no offer of a job, but he may well get a visit later today - me and my bodyguard.
Reason for being awake - between Edinburgh City Council and now UNISON 's bloody bungling and their grossly incompetent staff and managers our life is still being made a misery - now into month FORTY THREE of our ongoing SAGA - It is worse than "War and Peace", and all brought about because an idiot Manager listened to some tittle tattle and did not have the common sense to pick up a phone and ask a simple question. So the battle rages on.
Made it to 720 Dalhousie Bonnyrigg last night, there were supposed to be either two or three candidates for a 2nd , however for various legitimate reasons they all had to call off at the last minute - but it did give us a bit time for a roll and a cuppa. Sparky and I left fairly early as he has been ill since Sunday, not the drink he says, just this latest winter bug.
So now, after this therapy session I will try to get a couple of hours sleep. Tomorrow will be a different kettle of fish - 4 a.m. up and then on the road to Glasgow and Runcorn again. And tonight we are supposed to be at an OES Installation at Bonnyrigg so I had better not be late.
Computer now playing up - Dell Inspiron 1720 so it will be going back to see the man at PC World about its sticking keys. Currently using an external keyboard.
But two good things at least this morning , very nice message and photo from Mary Kief in PA who Graham used to live with many moons ago. Here son is now 21 and was the reason Graham stayed over there to look after him after Camp Merryheart in Hacketstown. That's where Briggsy also went and then ended up staying , getting engaged and married.
Last time we saw Mary, Wayne and the children , must have been about ten years ago when we went to their house on New years day and had steaks, done on the BBQ in a blizzard - just wonderful. So we will keep in touch again.
Nice wee comment on the end of yesterday's blog from Maureen, Craig and baby Cameron in Renfrew.
Mr Archie , Pole dancer, spotted the comments about SODS and has invited me on his next brewery trip which will be to the Harvieston Brewery in Alva, makers of their famous "Bitter and Twisted" , which he suggested was appropriate to me !! no offer of a job, but he may well get a visit later today - me and my bodyguard.
Reason for being awake - between Edinburgh City Council and now UNISON 's bloody bungling and their grossly incompetent staff and managers our life is still being made a misery - now into month FORTY THREE of our ongoing SAGA - It is worse than "War and Peace", and all brought about because an idiot Manager listened to some tittle tattle and did not have the common sense to pick up a phone and ask a simple question. So the battle rages on.
Made it to 720 Dalhousie Bonnyrigg last night, there were supposed to be either two or three candidates for a 2nd , however for various legitimate reasons they all had to call off at the last minute - but it did give us a bit time for a roll and a cuppa. Sparky and I left fairly early as he has been ill since Sunday, not the drink he says, just this latest winter bug.
So now, after this therapy session I will try to get a couple of hours sleep. Tomorrow will be a different kettle of fish - 4 a.m. up and then on the road to Glasgow and Runcorn again. And tonight we are supposed to be at an OES Installation at Bonnyrigg so I had better not be late.
Tuesday 16 December 2008
A few inane Ramblings , but on reflextion
Being a creature of habit , which I suppose can be very boring , or extremely boring , I normally - when I am in at night sit with the lap top , do some silver (or should it be nearly bald) surfing and then write the blog . However, yesterday, after my trip to the Nurse to get some more of my very valuable blood extracted, and having been upstairs playing catch up and tidy up for about six hours I ended up just sitting watching a late Movie on Ch. 5 and to hell with it - had a couple of wee "Highland Park's" to lubricate this constant sore throat I have.
I did consider writing , but thought that as I had done nothing exciting I might just have reminisce about the past - however after my usual restless night and on reflection a few things came to mind.
My Passport - thanks to the SIA "losing / misplacing "it in their obviously rubbish mail system I had to get a new one, which has since arrived so , Sandra and William should or might not be pleased that I am going on holiday with them - in the meantime the SIA "found" the original in their system so I have spent £79 for no reason and been subjected to grief.
Talking about the SIA - looks as though they have actually granted me a Licence (not here yet - but according to their tracking system - in the post) so I can now go and get a job as a Door Steward if I want !! We had to get them to comply with the law as regard to supervision in The Mercat, but I am sure that Archie will let me go and practice along at the Standing Order.
Standing Order, we started a beer club there several years ago S O D S ( Standing order Drinking Society) which was a pukka club / group who enjoyed real ales and it did very well with trips to small breweries, lunches, and an annual Burns Supper. However, when RGB left and moved on the group sort of folded , so we formed M O D S - based at the Mercat, just to keep in touch, but being away from the centre of the town and with only a couple of real ales !! But we were planning on having a x-mas dinner last weekend, however time beat us , so hopefully we will have something after the New year for the faithful few.
Back to the loft / attic / office - I was trying to catch up with about four months of paper work, and get computers to work - fat chance, I have one deceased desk top which has lots on the hard drive I need to recover, a lap top with VISTA - which is doing my head in as it is not compatible with half the stuff I have and my little Palm , Dell Axim, which has hundreds of addresses on it and I cannot get it to sync with anything - while in the meantime it's battery needs replacing or kept on constant charge.
Amongst the paper work there are books and documents going back over TEN years , why ? why? do we keep all this junk. There is stuff up there going back to boxed wedding presents ( 38 years old) , enough brand new Edinburgh Crystal - Millennium, Thistle, Decanters, etc - to stock a shop; old videos , books, magazines ( just in case I want to look back), train sets , and literally hundreds of photos - bloody hell , even my good hi fi system !! Maybe one day it will get sorted again !!!
Then there I was walking about in a bit of a blur this morning - my specs are always filthy, chipped, etc, so when I looked closely, these ones had soup on them having been stuck in my shirt at dinner time and me without a bib - is this a sign of old age !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did consider writing , but thought that as I had done nothing exciting I might just have reminisce about the past - however after my usual restless night and on reflection a few things came to mind.
My Passport - thanks to the SIA "losing / misplacing "it in their obviously rubbish mail system I had to get a new one, which has since arrived so , Sandra and William should or might not be pleased that I am going on holiday with them - in the meantime the SIA "found" the original in their system so I have spent £79 for no reason and been subjected to grief.
Talking about the SIA - looks as though they have actually granted me a Licence (not here yet - but according to their tracking system - in the post) so I can now go and get a job as a Door Steward if I want !! We had to get them to comply with the law as regard to supervision in The Mercat, but I am sure that Archie will let me go and practice along at the Standing Order.
Standing Order, we started a beer club there several years ago S O D S ( Standing order Drinking Society) which was a pukka club / group who enjoyed real ales and it did very well with trips to small breweries, lunches, and an annual Burns Supper. However, when RGB left and moved on the group sort of folded , so we formed M O D S - based at the Mercat, just to keep in touch, but being away from the centre of the town and with only a couple of real ales !! But we were planning on having a x-mas dinner last weekend, however time beat us , so hopefully we will have something after the New year for the faithful few.
Back to the loft / attic / office - I was trying to catch up with about four months of paper work, and get computers to work - fat chance, I have one deceased desk top which has lots on the hard drive I need to recover, a lap top with VISTA - which is doing my head in as it is not compatible with half the stuff I have and my little Palm , Dell Axim, which has hundreds of addresses on it and I cannot get it to sync with anything - while in the meantime it's battery needs replacing or kept on constant charge.
Amongst the paper work there are books and documents going back over TEN years , why ? why? do we keep all this junk. There is stuff up there going back to boxed wedding presents ( 38 years old) , enough brand new Edinburgh Crystal - Millennium, Thistle, Decanters, etc - to stock a shop; old videos , books, magazines ( just in case I want to look back), train sets , and literally hundreds of photos - bloody hell , even my good hi fi system !! Maybe one day it will get sorted again !!!
Then there I was walking about in a bit of a blur this morning - my specs are always filthy, chipped, etc, so when I looked closely, these ones had soup on them having been stuck in my shirt at dinner time and me without a bib - is this a sign of old age !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just for Jill
I really should have an E mail address for this young lady golfer , however, she, being a regular reader should pick this up.
God willing and with a good tail wind I will be down in Runcorn on Thursday morning , so will you check with the usual ladies, Lorriane and Cathy ( she who rhymes with "The Taming of the , etc" that they have received a message, one of my E mails came back as address unknown .
And, please speak to the terrible two in the canteen to make sure they keep a hot roll for me in case I am held up in Glasgow or en route. You will get your reward in Heaven !!!
God willing and with a good tail wind I will be down in Runcorn on Thursday morning , so will you check with the usual ladies, Lorriane and Cathy ( she who rhymes with "The Taming of the , etc" that they have received a message, one of my E mails came back as address unknown .
And, please speak to the terrible two in the canteen to make sure they keep a hot roll for me in case I am held up in Glasgow or en route. You will get your reward in Heaven !!!
Monday 15 December 2008
Some party pictures from Dynamic Earth
Just thought I should add a few pictures from Saurday night's bash , and in no particular order. There was the fancy tables, some of our group, Janet and the ladies from Lasswade Sports Centre, a young man who was either very thirsty ( possible signs of a diabetic !! or was it straight vodka), myself with friends and a bit of a fashion bloomer - or is this the female equivalent to belt and braces ? 
Sunday 14 December 2008
Another good night for many
Sunday night and I was having a few more connection problems, however it turned out to be that the wireless router was down - so now back up and running.
Back to Saturday, we headed off to the function at Dynamic Earth, which is a lovely futuristic building, in Hollyrood Road, Edinburgh, built on the site of the old Hollyrood Brewery, and opposite the Scottish Parliament building. This was a party night and there were about five hundred people present from different organisations - there for a meal, drinks and disco. During daylight hours it is a modern natural history and experiencial facility - very interesting. Anyway, it was beautifully done up, tables were lovely. We were with Graham, Jo Jo, Sandra and Gordon and about eighty odd folks from Jo Jo's work. There were all sorts of table decorations, crackers ( bit rubbishy), hats, poppers and balloons. The balloons (photo) were the ones which you blew up and let go then they flew up into the air and buzzed about before falling into someones dring - good fun. But mine exploded on me, nearly had a heart attck.
In the course of the evening we kept bumping into guests at the other tables who we knew, even Janet Mooney (wife of Alex who was on the blog on Thursday) and Sheena McKenzie , both fron Bonnyrigg with their pals from Lasswade High School Sports Complex.
The meal was very good, served up at the toot, and there was an ample supply of wine and drinks - oddly, there was not a drop of Rose wine in the building.
So - we had a super night and then got ourselves home with the aid of "Scoot" our mini motorcycle taxi service.
Once home we actually sat down and watched a re run of the final of The X-Factor, good result for Alexandra.
It the meantime, same time of day, but in Falkirk, Sparky Mark who has been away for a doo with his pals at the gas board. They had a corporate party at Stenhousemuir Football Club and watched the game before hitting the town , all were staying at Travel Lodge for the night. Sparky and others did a few pubs and then to a club before going back to the hotel, where he had problems getting back into his room. He eventually went to Reception and discovered that he was in THE WRONG HOTEL, so he had to get a taxi back to the correct one, at 4 a.m.
Today, ever so tired, but I had a wonderful - !!!!!!!!!! session with Cruella (Sabrina) who was working on my back and trying to untie knots in my shoulders, bloody sore.
Then it was off to Costco and Bookers to do some shopping which I had to take to the Mercat Bar, where I retrieved Sparky Mark. There were two shy boys working in the kitchen, and not the two who were under the cooker !! ( so for my callers, including Archie the Pole Dancer, keep trying).
Delighted to see Chris Hoy win the Sportsman of the Year Award, once again I will repeat the offer we made when he won his Olympic Medals, pop into The Mercat Bar and we will give you your dinner.
So , that will do today, may get some more pics tomorrow. Watching thsi detective programme, Wallander, it is the most boring I have seen for ages.
R.I.P. - Thomas Moffat Ross
Sadly, on Thursday night Thomas Moffat Ross died in hospital in Edinburgh.
T.M. Ross was the Provincial Grand Superintendent of The Provincial Royal Arch Chapter of Mid and East Lothian.
He had been quite ill and literally house bound for the past two years , but he did manage to come to my Installation in 2007, and since then he has made very few public appearances.
He was an excellent ritualist in his day and will be sadly missed, at the moment there is no date for his funeral which will doubtless be well attended.
T.M. Ross was the Provincial Grand Superintendent of The Provincial Royal Arch Chapter of Mid and East Lothian.
He had been quite ill and literally house bound for the past two years , but he did manage to come to my Installation in 2007, and since then he has made very few public appearances.
He was an excellent ritualist in his day and will be sadly missed, at the moment there is no date for his funeral which will doubtless be well attended.
Saturday 13 December 2008
Today's Quiz
Well, I had a morning in the house waiting for contact with Cruella, and eventually heard from her to be told that my torture session is put off till Sunday morning - in the meantrime my back had eased enough for me to stop swearing all the time.
Popped into town to collect the "Sunday Roast" for the pub and a couple of other wee tasks, and en route have spotted a disturbing tell tale stain on the road indicating that the car engine is dropping "something" which it should not.
While in the Mercat managed to get this picture, just wonder who it is and what are they doing!!
It's a bit like when you were little and hid your head in a cushion , ostrich style thinking no one could see you!!
Lawrence has suggested that I keep an eye on the weather forecasts as they have been a bit off recently - either the met people have been drinking , or their intruments are wonky - it used to be aey old style when you looked out the window, or liked your finger and stuck it up in the air to see what way the wind was blowing.
So then it was home to watch an old movie, "The Sting" , excellent, and listen to the left footed diddies on the football pitch - Mr. Gordon Strachan is not a happy chappie, and I would think that neither Walter Smith or Ally Macoist are either.
Now all dressed up and ready for tonights function - God help my liver, and all those who sail in her !!!!
A good social
Well, now Saturday a.m., have been up for a while with a sore back, so now waiting to try and contact the wonderfull Cruella !! to get some work done on it.
Obviously I survived the trip to the hospital, where all they did was take blood, tell me to behave, but I need to go back for another go with the old tube down the throat - ugh !! just gagging at the thought of it. Headed home, starving and managed three rolls with bacon and egg before I felt fed. Bit much but I enjoyed them.
Spoke to Gordon Leitch on the phone and discovered that it was his birthday (again) I am sure he has several each year because he likes to get presents., Anyway he wa being treated to luch at the Caledonian Hotel by his daughter.
Had a nap p.m. which is not like me, but feeling rough, anyway , up, up and away ( just like the Lone Ranger) and headed into town to meet up with Gordon and Sandra (photo) at the Edinburgh Masonic club where there was a social on. The traffic heading into Edinburgh was murder, got held up in the City, tried several detours and made it the long long way round, and a bit late. Gordon was trying to keep seats as the place was heaving, being a "Life members Night".
Anyway we settled down and there were two cabaret acts, a female singer, Jenna Highfield from Durham, and a comedien, Paul Phillips - an Irishman from Blackburn. Both acts were excellent and it was a nice blend. The resident band , The Kenntones, do well considering that they were in their heyday in the 60's and 70's - .
Chips and Bingo - you cannot beat it, but I did win a bottle of gin in the raffle.
Met Linda and May (photo) in the hall, they were at both the BBQ and the recent ball we were at, with May's husband Jack being in the SESLTA.
So we headed off home, the town is a nightmare late on , crowds milling about and police cars zooming left right and centre. I think that the poor motorist is at risk from the fruitcakes wandering about.
I had meant to say , either yesterday or Thursday that writing E mails is one thing , but sending cards / letters is another - it is nice to see the response to the annual x-mas card with the wee note in it, and to get cards or follow up phone calls.
We had a call from Catherine and Andrew in Blantyre with an update on how the children and grandchildren are doing - a nice message from the illustrious Mrs Norma Graham, a letter from former Scouting friends Rae and Margaret who I met years ago at Gillwell when I was doing my Wood Badge training - the are more active than ever, but that's what keeps us young.
So, once I stagger downstairs, a few jobs to do, then into town and tonight we have a nice dressy up dinner being held in the Dynamic Earth Centre, Edinburgh, which should be nice.
Friday 12 December 2008
RA Strathearn No 34
Not got long this morning as I am off to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary , for next weeks appointment , which has been brought forward. Starving at the moment as I was told to fast - see if I get inthere and it was not needed I will perhaps have a nibble at a nurse !!
Thursday was a busy day , popped down to The Bush to see the ever industrious Arlene and Alan (but he was missing). Off round th street, but tried three different post offices and could not get near them.
Then headed off to Crieff for a meeting with the Strathearn RA No. 34. Arrived early so found out where the lodge was, then went for a coffee and into the sweetie shop for a bag of boilings.
Was in the Lodge as soon as the doors opened and found it was like the proverbial "Tardus", looked nothing from the outside but was quite big on the inside. The place is steeped in history, the lodge , St Michael's No 38 having been formed on 27th December 1737 when the Duke of Perth was installed into the chair as RWM. The actual chair that was used is still in the building and I have a photo to go on later. The Duke of Perth was involved in the "45 Rebellion" involving "Bonnie Prince Charlie".
Their little museum on the top floor is full of facinating bits of old masonic regalia, books, photos, etc.
The actual Temple is beautiful, well decorated and with a facinating wall mural.
The actaul RA Degree was superb to watch , worked differently to the way we do it in 500, so the trip was well worth while and instructive, so I am looking forward to their next meeting when they plan do do a couple of bits of Ritual I have never seen done on the floor.
Off to the hospital now
Thursday was a busy day , popped down to The Bush to see the ever industrious Arlene and Alan (but he was missing). Off round th street, but tried three different post offices and could not get near them.
Then headed off to Crieff for a meeting with the Strathearn RA No. 34. Arrived early so found out where the lodge was, then went for a coffee and into the sweetie shop for a bag of boilings.
Was in the Lodge as soon as the doors opened and found it was like the proverbial "Tardus", looked nothing from the outside but was quite big on the inside. The place is steeped in history, the lodge , St Michael's No 38 having been formed on 27th December 1737 when the Duke of Perth was installed into the chair as RWM. The actual chair that was used is still in the building and I have a photo to go on later. The Duke of Perth was involved in the "45 Rebellion" involving "Bonnie Prince Charlie".
Their little museum on the top floor is full of facinating bits of old masonic regalia, books, photos, etc.
The actual Temple is beautiful, well decorated and with a facinating wall mural.
The actaul RA Degree was superb to watch , worked differently to the way we do it in 500, so the trip was well worth while and instructive, so I am looking forward to their next meeting when they plan do do a couple of bits of Ritual I have never seen done on the floor.
Off to the hospital now
Thursday 11 December 2008
Licensed Trade ball, Assembly Rooms
In case anyone is interested, I have now got all the photos from the recent S E S L T A (South East of Scotland Licensed Trade Association) Ball on Photobucket.
To find them, look up Photobucket, and then where it says search images , put in "sesltaball"
and it will ask if that is what you mean and then click on it - good hunting.
To find them, look up Photobucket, and then where it says search images , put in "sesltaball"
and it will ask if that is what you mean and then click on it - good hunting.
Esk 42's new Hon . Member
With Mark, headed down to Dalkeith to the regular meeting of Esk 42 RA.
There was a good turn out with a small deputation from Colinton and Currie RA No. 431 who were over to see one of theire past M.E.Z.'s Bill Annand receive Honorary Mambership at the hands of John Wright, MEZ, Esk 42.
It was a very nice and dignified ceremony and Bill, who is also the Provincial Scribe E, was over the moon. he was pleased to pose for these photos and you may see the reason why he occasional;ly suffers from ringing in the ears !!!
Also present was Malcolm Turner the Immediate Past Grand Superintendent of Renfrewshire, accompanied as usual by his "bodyguard " Duncan Gemmell. Malcolm was found deep in social conversation with Alexander foster Mooney, Provincial Grand Superintendent Elect of the Provice of Mid and East Lothian. As is normal in masonic circles they share many common bonds, (in this case it is whisky !!!) - but both are dedicated masons with vast experience, known throughout the length and breadth of the Country.Freemasons are renowned for their charity, and her is the perfect example, a Welsh , "gent of the road" found loitering , was brought in for some food and refreshment !!
Actually it is Bert Waite, Scribe E of Laird O'Cockpen 500.
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Teamwork and computers
I will do the photos first in case I run out of time.
For once I manged to get Claire and Jamie in the kitchen , working inharmony, and very hard, having just finished a busy lunch time and then were in the middle of seving up a meal for twenty two chappies from the Licensed trade having their annual x-mas gentlemans lunch .Out front were the four young ladies, Lorraine, Iona, and our two new starts. Caught leaving was Richard @ DVD who has just come back from working in Dublin and is helping us out . He was up at the Standing Order for a long time before he went "abroad".
Anyway - as expected , have run out of time and am now away to collect Sparky Mark and head off to the Esk 42 RA at Dalkeith.
Tuesday 9 December 2008
99 and still counting
Happy birthday to Chris's grandad who is 99 today, and certainly fit enough to pass the 100 mark - the family are all up at the house for a party.
So it was up all day, on the go, out and about in Penicuik before getting the McEwans Bus into Edinburgh . The bus trip was a riot as a very strange, super hyper Welsh bloke got on with his friend, and he would not shut up, started to pester an old man and at one stage looked as though he was going to pinch his suitcase. I think he was an adult version of one of the attention deficit disorder sufferers. He was going on about writing a book, called twelve chapters, with twelve chapters and twelve pages in each chapter - but managed to work out that 12 times 12 was 148 !!!
Took a wander into Fraser's to see Gillian, (one of the smelly girls), and also the lasses on the Clarin's counter then headed along to The Mercat Bar where Jamie@ Shrek @ Gregory the jailer was working in the kitchen - not too happy as he had heard of his latest nickname.
Headed out with Mrs. B. for yet another meeting with "The Council" , the bloke we saw was very nice, doing his job , but again we find evidence that others involved are not - really bloody frustrating. So it was homewards, for anther chat on the phone with our man from UNISON. At this reate we will all have beards, zimmers and have forgotton what the whole thing was about by the time someone decides to come up with a resolution.
In the excitement !! I had completely forgotton that I was to phone Grumpy Graeme the rat catcher who was going to come and sort out Mr Mouse - so no doubt it will be the patter of tiny feet again tonight till he can get in and do the business.
I had a Provincial visit to take part in at RA Forresters, Tranent, so despite being nearly asleep on my feet I headed off where there was a good crowd in attendance - however, after a shortened meeting I beat a hasty retreat rather than stay for the x-mas dinner. I need to behave his week as my appointment at the hospital is now on Friday.
Sparky Mark called to say that he had saved lives and worked very hard on Monday night, even doen overtime - so he will be really stressed and need to lie in a dark room for a bit longer - and tonight he had gone for a moonlight hike in the Pentlands to keep up his training schedule.
Kind of jumbled tonight , but so is my head, so its time for bed,
So it was up all day, on the go, out and about in Penicuik before getting the McEwans Bus into Edinburgh . The bus trip was a riot as a very strange, super hyper Welsh bloke got on with his friend, and he would not shut up, started to pester an old man and at one stage looked as though he was going to pinch his suitcase. I think he was an adult version of one of the attention deficit disorder sufferers. He was going on about writing a book, called twelve chapters, with twelve chapters and twelve pages in each chapter - but managed to work out that 12 times 12 was 148 !!!
Took a wander into Fraser's to see Gillian, (one of the smelly girls), and also the lasses on the Clarin's counter then headed along to The Mercat Bar where Jamie@ Shrek @ Gregory the jailer was working in the kitchen - not too happy as he had heard of his latest nickname.
Headed out with Mrs. B. for yet another meeting with "The Council" , the bloke we saw was very nice, doing his job , but again we find evidence that others involved are not - really bloody frustrating. So it was homewards, for anther chat on the phone with our man from UNISON. At this reate we will all have beards, zimmers and have forgotton what the whole thing was about by the time someone decides to come up with a resolution.
In the excitement !! I had completely forgotton that I was to phone Grumpy Graeme the rat catcher who was going to come and sort out Mr Mouse - so no doubt it will be the patter of tiny feet again tonight till he can get in and do the business.
I had a Provincial visit to take part in at RA Forresters, Tranent, so despite being nearly asleep on my feet I headed off where there was a good crowd in attendance - however, after a shortened meeting I beat a hasty retreat rather than stay for the x-mas dinner. I need to behave his week as my appointment at the hospital is now on Friday.
Sparky Mark called to say that he had saved lives and worked very hard on Monday night, even doen overtime - so he will be really stressed and need to lie in a dark room for a bit longer - and tonight he had gone for a moonlight hike in the Pentlands to keep up his training schedule.
Kind of jumbled tonight , but so is my head, so its time for bed,
It took a mouse
Quite surprising what starts a line of thought , triggers memories, etc.
So, when I was lying awake at 2.30 a.m. I could hear the patter of tiny feet up in the loft, our mouse is back , or a mouse is back, seeking some heat as it is -6 C outside at the moment. So I thought back to when as a small boy , probably about 4 yrs old and living at cockburn farm, about a mile from balerno Village where my father worked as ahead dairyman.
The farm was owned by Alix Buchanan-Smith, who later became Lord Balerno, and was a very respected member of the agricultural fraternity, having studied in the USA, etc. His brother in law was Richard Austen Butler, (RAB Butler) well known Conservative MP and intrumental in developing education.
However, I digress, in the summer when the harvest was on, they used to bring in the big traction engine, to drive the threshing machines, and as the crops were cut by the horse drawn cutters the barly was but through the thresher to collect the grain . Obvioulsy the fields were full of filed mice who nested in the corn / barley, and as the cutting took place hey were stunned or killed. So , young master Blaikie (me) used to go and collect all these dead mice and take them back into the farm. On this particular day I was in the dairy, where you could drink the fresh milk as it came off the coolers and then into the milk churns, or through to the tanks before bottling - all done by hand. There I was in the so called sterile dairy, with rows upon rows of little dead mice all laid out on the floor when RAB Butler came in looking for Sir Alix !!! I think he took it all in good humour, however, just think what would have happened if it had been these days.
Being a sort of active and wild wean, I was forever falling foul of Sir Alix, often being marched off the farm , over the bridge and given back to mother with the instructions that I was forbidden to return. I am sure my parents were delighted - not. I even fell into the sewrage sludge pond one day, and had to be rescued to save me from drowning, was hosed down and taken home where it took sever days of baths to eventually get the taste and smell away. Bet they were pleased when we left Cockburn Farm and moved to East Kinleith Farm at Currie - but that is another story.
Happy days - now , that poor wee mouse up in the loft will be hunted remorselessly for keeping us awake.
So, when I was lying awake at 2.30 a.m. I could hear the patter of tiny feet up in the loft, our mouse is back , or a mouse is back, seeking some heat as it is -6 C outside at the moment. So I thought back to when as a small boy , probably about 4 yrs old and living at cockburn farm, about a mile from balerno Village where my father worked as ahead dairyman.
The farm was owned by Alix Buchanan-Smith, who later became Lord Balerno, and was a very respected member of the agricultural fraternity, having studied in the USA, etc. His brother in law was Richard Austen Butler, (RAB Butler) well known Conservative MP and intrumental in developing education.
However, I digress, in the summer when the harvest was on, they used to bring in the big traction engine, to drive the threshing machines, and as the crops were cut by the horse drawn cutters the barly was but through the thresher to collect the grain . Obvioulsy the fields were full of filed mice who nested in the corn / barley, and as the cutting took place hey were stunned or killed. So , young master Blaikie (me) used to go and collect all these dead mice and take them back into the farm. On this particular day I was in the dairy, where you could drink the fresh milk as it came off the coolers and then into the milk churns, or through to the tanks before bottling - all done by hand. There I was in the so called sterile dairy, with rows upon rows of little dead mice all laid out on the floor when RAB Butler came in looking for Sir Alix !!! I think he took it all in good humour, however, just think what would have happened if it had been these days.
Being a sort of active and wild wean, I was forever falling foul of Sir Alix, often being marched off the farm , over the bridge and given back to mother with the instructions that I was forbidden to return. I am sure my parents were delighted - not. I even fell into the sewrage sludge pond one day, and had to be rescued to save me from drowning, was hosed down and taken home where it took sever days of baths to eventually get the taste and smell away. Bet they were pleased when we left Cockburn Farm and moved to East Kinleith Farm at Currie - but that is another story.
Happy days - now , that poor wee mouse up in the loft will be hunted remorselessly for keeping us awake.
Monday 8 December 2008
Well done both Fiona and Kevin
Having recovered from Saturday night, and had a quiet day yesterday , it was yet another day in the house, but with pen in hand writing letters, etc. Makes a change to typing everything, and it let me give the fountain pens a bit of an airing. Hardesd bit is not having an automatic spell check !!!!
Mrs. B. took off on the big bus, makes life easier when the return fare is less than one and half hours parking in the City Centre. I see from tonight's Edinburgh Evening News that due to the chaos caused by the ongoing tramworks there have been so many parking bays lost that the Edinburgh City Council are down over £1.5m on lost revenue from parking and fines !!! At this rate the City will go down the tubes along with the Bank of Scotland.
So - eventually , I had a run out and popped in to so see my long time friend and Best Man , Graeme Mackay @ grumpy futtuck - the rat catcher. Good to catch him at home for his dinner and get all his news. Latest being hat he is aGrandad again , this time another girl, born two weeks ago to Fiona and Kevin, baby Paige - lovely name. However - there was a story to this birth, Fiona went into into labour and was rushed by Kevin to St. John's Hospital into the labour ward - but being like her dad, not wanting to part with anything - just hung onto the baby. BUT - Kevin was due for a final interview to join the Police in Edinburgh , so this also being very important, he had to get M in Law over to sit while he went to Police HQ. When he got there, shattered having been up all night, the panel discovered what his predicament was, rushed the interview, and then as he was leaving to rush back to the hospital told him he had been accepted and starts in February - well done and congratulations. In the meantime , of course, baby Paige had popped onto the scene - typical women , cannot wait for anyone.
Reminded me of when RGB Junior was born , Mrs. B. had planned on doing some knitting in the labour ward !! Sent me home and there I was washing the car when the Polis were shouting at me from the Office window to move my but and get into the Elsie Inglis maternity , but he was well ahead of me - and has never changed since.
Now, things to get on with, "a tout a leur"
Mrs. B. took off on the big bus, makes life easier when the return fare is less than one and half hours parking in the City Centre. I see from tonight's Edinburgh Evening News that due to the chaos caused by the ongoing tramworks there have been so many parking bays lost that the Edinburgh City Council are down over £1.5m on lost revenue from parking and fines !!! At this rate the City will go down the tubes along with the Bank of Scotland.
So - eventually , I had a run out and popped in to so see my long time friend and Best Man , Graeme Mackay @ grumpy futtuck - the rat catcher. Good to catch him at home for his dinner and get all his news. Latest being hat he is aGrandad again , this time another girl, born two weeks ago to Fiona and Kevin, baby Paige - lovely name. However - there was a story to this birth, Fiona went into into labour and was rushed by Kevin to St. John's Hospital into the labour ward - but being like her dad, not wanting to part with anything - just hung onto the baby. BUT - Kevin was due for a final interview to join the Police in Edinburgh , so this also being very important, he had to get M in Law over to sit while he went to Police HQ. When he got there, shattered having been up all night, the panel discovered what his predicament was, rushed the interview, and then as he was leaving to rush back to the hospital told him he had been accepted and starts in February - well done and congratulations. In the meantime , of course, baby Paige had popped onto the scene - typical women , cannot wait for anyone.
Reminded me of when RGB Junior was born , Mrs. B. had planned on doing some knitting in the labour ward !! Sent me home and there I was washing the car when the Polis were shouting at me from the Office window to move my but and get into the Elsie Inglis maternity , but he was well ahead of me - and has never changed since.
Now, things to get on with, "a tout a leur"
Sunday 7 December 2008
Time to recover and reflect
In need of a wee rest after yesterday's antics !!
Took the photo of the pink sky as Mrs. B. left on the bus to go to town , had a coffee in the Cledonian Hotel to pass time before going to The Mercat Bar to join in the nights festivities. Lilian appeared but was lost in the crowd, so their tongues had a break before they eventually met. Gordon Leitch arrived along with the long lost Derrik Mills, both P.M's of 151 - We had just been asking about Derrik as he has been AWOL for ages. then lost in the crowd was Archie Snr and Mary - apologies from Mrs. b. who was horrified to learn they had been in the bar for an hour without seeing them - the lads are hopeless at passing on messages. Archie (Pole dancer), Robert and all got settled in with their drinks. The magic kitchen team of Claire , Jamie, David and Lauren prepared a feast , with a beautiful rich and mild curry . Kiera Murphy - resplendent in Santa suit started the comedy show, backed up with two other new faces, which was very good . Mrs B. was lucky enough to get a run home to Penicuik with Tam and Catherine who were dropping Sir Christopher's ma off at Fairmilehead - thanks Tam.
Later in the evening the musician ended up with a guest appearance from RGB jnr. did not quite bring the house down , but nor did he empty the bar !!
In the meantime , Sparky's ma had given us a run to the Lodge at Bonnyrigg where we were joined by Grant and about another 150 brethren for the Installation of Alex McBeth.
The installation ceremony was excellent and then this was followed by the Festival of St John (meal), speeches and entertainment to which about 130 stayed for - great night. From the gathered throng our musicians appeared, comedians, and the harmony was 1st class - aided by a copious supply of alcoholic beverages. You will see that the laid back golden oldies in the band used a variety of methods to wring tunes from their implements - .
We eventually managed to get a taxi at 3.45 a.m after standing in the freezing cold for a bit - and if Grant had had his way we would have been out all night
Just watching a re play of the x - factor and the group Il Divo have just sung a brilliant version of Amazing Grace, complete with a piper - very very moving.
So home, and of course the obligatory fried egg role and cuppa before bed - crashed out cold.
Kind of delicate this morning , but Graham and Jo Jo appeared, it is her birthday today - so happy one Miss. We made her open her presents - nice bottle of champagne (high maintenance this girl).
Then Caroleanne called for a chat , seems that Swift Stuart (greyhound) won again this week - and we are getting some photos sent through of Swift Mercat.
I see that Jamie @ Shrek, has a new persona - the jailer Gregory, in the animated cartoon - The Tale of Despereaux !!! no doubt he will give me some stick about this.
So next job now.
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