Ryan Air's secret fuel additive

Saturday a.m. and it was back in The Mercat. Place was in need of a bit of TLC by Jeff to get cleaned up after a really hectic Friday night.
No Tramworks today as all the "workers" were no doubt chilling out after yet another stressful week of standing around holes in the ground , eating their Greggs sausage rolls and keeping their hands in the pockets. The street is beginning to resemble Gaza city after the recent shelling or Mumbi main street most of the time ( old pics) somewhere.

Place started to fill up, and amongst today' s clients arrived Ruud, a Dutchman, who is a pilot with Ryan Air, pleasant young man who was amused by the antics of our orange clothed " Easy jet girl on the door dishing out flyers. However Ruud had a double helping of beans with his breakfast so it was suggested to him that this was how he would get his afternoon flight to Malaga off the ground!!!!

Anyway - made it through lunch - headed home and manged to wash the car alongside my two neighbours , Mike and Willie - with beers to aid . Weather was good enough for the steed of steel to get a wee run up and down the road - air in the hair if I had some !! wee bit colour to the cheeks,etc.
But , back to work - reports to do, and after a visit from Sparky , dinner and feet up - recharging the batteries for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday's work.

Was watching American Idol - these folks are even dafter than our applicants !! which says a lot.

Jeremy has arrived from New York for a weeks holiday, and has timed it right for the finals of the Superbowl tomorrow night, the Steelers and The Cardinals.

Enough for today.

Some more from Musselburgh - Friday night

So, having had to cut things short this morning - called in at Kerrin's party last night at the Ironmills Club, where nearly all the punters from The Sportsmans, plus many others. It was really good to see them all again , Jackie McNamara - Paul and Julie Q - the motley crew of Jess and Cod.

Lisa has just had a baby three weeks ago and Gogs with his partner who was looking radiant and "due" in four weeks - best of luck. Talking of luck, "Old Ian" was being well looked after by Elaine.

Stopped off at the Sporties on the way home - obviously mega quiet with everyone round the road - but they would all be back later when the club closed. But , "big" Michelle was there with Kristen, extremely bright - and would not be run over in her pink clothes - but she did make wee Paul' s night with a cuddle. Wee Paul has been coming into the bar since Graham first took it over five years ago and always has a go on the karaoke -to everyones delight.

A good night ws had by all.

Kerrin's doo and friends

Made it to Musselburgh last night to see princess Kerrin and friends, a full house at the Ironmills Club - will need to explain and add to later .

Found one worker - or was he ?

On the run at the moment, man in the photo is Paddy, one of our former customers from the Sportsman's Bar, who is now digging hols outside The Mercat, But they have built a wire fence to keep them on site , not that it does much good.

went to Musselburgh Last night for the Lodge in Council, however, it was really busy , with a late start and was due to finish even later so i had to sneak ot as there was an ungent repair needed at The Mercat . One of these things i supose,

Been busy and due to head off shortly to chair a meeting and give a talk out at The Bush , then back to town then later on back to Musselburgh , where Princess Kerrin , is having a farewell doo.

Must dash

Lethal Weapon DC 8 - a real animal.

Happy as Larry this morning as I have just tried out our Dyson hoover for the first time since it was serviced and repaired. Brilliant - it is sooking up everything , beating up the dust. I used to threaten to capture the budgie with it !! - just threaten . I am really impressed with the after service by the folks at Dyson UK - it was a wee bit sick, so for a fixed fee they came, serviced it and replaced lots of bits, and having checked out other sites I know that I have had a good deal.

Anyway , having a day in , supposedly to get on with some of my own work , but I keep getting distracted and doing lots of other things - trying to get RGB's motorbike going as the battery is flat (what shape should it be? - an old one). My car is losing oil, but from where? Calls to make and folks seem to be away from their offices or desks.

Had a chat with Carollanne in Dublin - not a happy wee chicken , like lots of us at the moment her hours have been cut back big time - keep smiling !! Hard while the boss keeps turning the screw.

RGB going ballistic as some thieving trophy hunter has stolen his big banner from the front of The Mercat, costing £130 a time we cannot afford these so called practical jokes - so he is going to report it as stolen and put up a reward for it. Seems to be the silly season , as someone up at the college put a dead mouse in the snacks dispenser. perhaps a "Burns" offering.

Had a busy day yesterday , bar was steady all day , visit from Andy (tattie peel) who is job hunting , being a victim of these greedy financial money grabbing so and so's. Surprisingly we a r getting lots of advance bookings for the place, so much so that we could fill it several times over some nights - which is promising.
Forgot that I had over run on my parking in the NCP Morrison Street , but fortunately made it back before the attendant. They are doing a bit more work tidying up - lots of hardcore down , but still not fixed the floodlights.
Eventually got home at 4.30 and in time to get organised and off out again to Bonnyrigg for a meeting of the O.E.S., then seated beside a radiator, and tired, dozed off to get a dig in the ribs as I was snoring. We were even joined by Gordon and Sandra who had come out from the town for the meeting - it was good, cuppa afterwards and then we won six prizes in the raffle - one for each of us at the table - nearly caused a riot.

Shocking bit of news in the paper with the man from Melbourne killing his 4 year old daughter by throwing her off the bridge in front of passing motorists -- may he rot in hell.

Need to get on - do some work and then off to Musselburgh tonight for a Provincial visit.

A winner in The Mercat - that was on Tuesday

Goodness - just where did Tuesday go this week - what a day !!!
Up and off early , not too cold, into town to open up The Mercat and get the show on the road so to speak.
With a couple of Special offers on the go we were pretty busy, from early on , right through and lunch was just hectic. sir Chris @ The laird was held up so it was me and RGB running around till Chris eventually arrived.

There had been a draw for a bottle or bubbly or a lunch for two with customers leaving their business cards, etc in a jar, Januarary winner was Mr. brooks who chose the bubbly - next draw is 27th February.

Headed home via Bookers, with lots to do before heading down to my RA meeting at Laird O Cockpen 500. It was a different evening with andy brown and John McMillan coming down with friends from Crieff (Strathern) to give two rarely presented lectures - really good and much appreciated by all.
Downstairs we had a mini Burns supper , with traditional haggis neeps and tatties dished up by Mrs. B., Jo Jo , and Claire, and a short "Immortal Memory" by George wilkie from Preston Tower RA - again , very well presented and received.

Many people are critical about Freemasonary, sometimes due to ignorance or for other reasons, however it is one of the biggest charitable organisations in the world, fund raising for a multitude of charities. Last night, for example, Sparky was raising funds for marie curie Hospice by doing his sponsored hike up Mount Killiminjaro ; Simon Fairly raising funds with a "whisky trail": Jim Nicol running a raffle at Musselburgh ; our own raffle and to cap it , both Principals from Gorebridge and Esk 42 were collecting ticket money for their forthcoming social funraising evenings. So we need deep pockets or the abilty to body swerve.

So I was ever so tired by the time I made it home, compliments of Sparky who drove.

AND once again - up and back to do the needful here in town - no rest for the wicked !!!

Cruella strikes again , and again , and again

Even had a long lie this morning , possibly aided by the "Jonny Walker Black Label" sleeping tonic last night.
So up and away in this bright and frosty morning ( dammed chilly) to see Cruella the physio to get my back and shoulders done. BUT I made a really bad mistake by saying that my lower legs were sore - my god they were a lot sorer by the time she had finished , well worked but she said that they were really badly knotted. I could hardly walk by the time she had finished, but the good news was that the back was much better and a lot less painful.

She and her hubby, Steven @ Micky told me that Ian Tait, former President of Penicuik Rugby Club, had died of cancer on Saturday after a relatively short illness. He had not been retired for long. Our thoughts are with the family.

Then it was off to the Bush, via the house where Irish Christine had popped in to see Mrs. B.
So did some work at the Bush, then to Loanhead where I traced Mr Gay of Pentland Security Systems in his lovely new office which is about 300 yards from his old one. Alan was going daft as his new phone system and broadband were still not working despite umpteen visits by technicians and many calls.

It was off to see Grant at Photogenix next, his wee dog is on the mend but will soon be getting aqua physio to help build up his tiny little legs. Even his fish were playing up - two were cannibals and eating the others much to his annoyance , and the annoyance of the chewed ones no doubt. Expensive hobby when your pets keep eating each other.

Home - and guess what , Irish C. was still yakking away, one needing their tongue resoled and the other their ears sorted and to stop the head spinning - But - on my arrival she fled.

Loads of paperwork for me today, hours on the computer writing letters, even to my local Member of Parliament - David Hamilton who I have known for years since he was working in the local Bilston Glen Colliery.

Pilot of The Road @ Ricky is back from Orlando, Floriday where they hit Disneyland with avengence, poor Pamela found it hard to keep up with the family - but they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Received an E mail from Dee Dee at the Blue Bay Villas, Dominica, today, very nice, except that it was all in Spanish and made no sense to me - I will need to get my friendly interpreter, Eduardo on the case.

I see that the bookies are delighted with Andy Murray getting beaten this morning - there he was two sets up and blew it in a five set match - he must have been ill right enough as he said after his previous matches.

Enough tonight, working in the morning , then off to Laird O'Cockpen RA No.500 in the evening . Should be OK as I have two speakers coming down from Crieff, and we are doing a wee bit of Burns at the harmony with some haggis neeps and tatties and a dram or two.

Some memories

Sitting watching a Steven Segal movie on C5 "Executive Decision" which is quite intense, usual very serious topic of terrorists; hostages; and the unpredictability of these irrational individuals.

Both Mrs. B. and myself biting our fingernails, toe nails , etc with the suspense - even although I have seen it before.

Anyway - going back to Thursday when I was down in Runcorn, spotted this sign on ladies toilet - what happens if you have a bad stomach ?

Then after my detour to see the Cleaves Cottage, with the Pentland Hills, Carnethy and Allermuir looking good I spotted a Highland cow which looked like me in need of a haircut !!!

Rounding a bend I had a vivid recollection of a incident which occurred many years ago on that road (see pic).

I was on duty in the Police Station at Penicuik when three young girls, on bicycles, came to the door all upset and told us that a man had run naked from his trees near where I pictured and obviously exposed himself to the girls. BUT - these were bright young ladies who had been shown the "Never Go With Strangers" film at school. When they were cycling for help they saw the man pass them in his car and noted the Registered number - but with no pencils, etc. they scratched the number on the pavement with a stone. We were later able to trace the car, and when the owner was arrested, a middle aged bachelor from Edinburgh who lived with his elderly mother, he admitted the offence. He was reported and later pled guilty - We were ever so pleased with the girls initiave, and the fact that our school programme had helped.

So that's me for tonight and so far the World has not been saved !!

Anyway - good man Andy Murray did well and is through to the next round of the Australian Open - he will be well tried soon , but good on him.

The Glasgow Rangers failed in their quest to beat Aberdeen yesterday - bit silly of them !!!! Just how do you get a team of diddies to play well - I personally think that all these so called professional players should hang their heads in shame at the obscene fees they get for their total lack of ability.

Here endeth my lesson for today- and - the world was saved.

Something to celebrate - the pics.

Now that i am sitting at relative peace, the first real chance for several days , I have managed to nearly catch up with the major event of the weekend. Unfortunately Friday nights photo of Jamie with the piper and haggis did not come out well as the flash was not on , but the remainder, from Saturday are OK. Kiera in good form with Claire who had brought in the haggis; RGB, in excellent voice hosting the two dinners .

Our kilted guests were really smart, and the ladies would have had Robbie's heart fair pounding.

Robert Burns - National Bard - celebrating 250 years

Our Rabbie, ploughman, farmer, exciseman, poet and literary genius will be well toasted today all over the world, a wee dram, accompanied by the customary haggis neeps and tatties (tons of haggis) and many folks will be having their introduction which will hopefully lead to a greater interest in the future. His father has to be praised for having the foresight and dedication to have his two sons educated privately from an early age.
We had our Burns Supper here at The Mercat last night , Saturday, with a smaller group than Friday, only thirty four, but it was great . The food was excellent, the entertainers very good and the general ambiance and company - just right. With burns being so popular in Russia , it was coincidental that our main speaker was Vladivar McTavish (not kidding).
There were several Burns "virgins" in the company who all seemed to enjoy the evening, a young lady from Hong kong 9Lisa) ; several English and a couple from the USA.
Plenty wine to wash down the meal, but the combination of red wine, haggis and creamy cranachan was nearly just a bit too rich.

We eventually made it home to bed at 1.15 a.m. compliments to JoJo who was driving.

Through the west ( in the local of Blantyre), we still have to hear how CeeJay managed to cope with her hormonal gang celebrating Katie's 18th Birthday - big happy birthday , and we hope the Polis were not invited !!!

However we had a wee bit of a longer lie in before heading back into town to do a little work and uplift the car which had been parked up for the night.
Sunday - no workmen on the Tramworks - but their ghosts or spirits were pbviously in a lively mood, just like the witches in Auld Alloway kirk yard - the barriers along the roadwords were knocked over and a whole length of about 100 yards into the main bus lane, bringing Haymarket and the adjoining streets to a halt.
Two guests from the USA , in for yet another meal while doing some IT work in the City have just had their haggis, etc, and are trying out the cananachan - yummy , Carlos Sinde from California and Jeremy Kulbartz - Iowa. Both enjoying their visit to Scotland but working long hours trying to get their job finished ASAP.

Once again - time to halt - perhaps I am off to Matalan, yet again.

Sat. a.m. and in neeed of a physio.

Thursday I was going to head the blog "500 Miles" after the song by the Frenchman , Richard Anthony - way back in late 60's.

Anyway - headed in here to The Mecat for 7 a.m. on Friday and was still here at 10 p.m. and had been working all that time apart from a couple of hours a.m. when I had a meeting with a legal person - by the time I got home the old back was playing up - and having worn a pair of dress shoes with no cushioning my feet, ankles and shins were aching.

Bar was busy most of the day, apart from the usual lull after lunch - but we got hammered as of 4 p.m., and of course it was night one of the Burns Suppers. Place looked great and we had forty six visitors , meal was excellent with , vegetable broth; haggis neeps and tatties with a Glayva sauce; Cranachan and tea or coffee accompanied by red or white wine throughout.
There were toast to the Haggis ; the lassies, replies, Immortal Memory; a piper and a musician - so it looks as though everyone enjoyed themselves.

My turn to sit down and be fed tonight as part of the second session with another forty two attending.

Need to finish meantime

A Day trip to Runcorn, and memories.

Up at 4.15 am, out at the toot beating the larks and off to Glasgow for a pick up from Fraser. Weather was a bit wild and wet, however the M74 was quiet, bit of a change from yesterday when it was closed due to ice, just like the M8 at Erskine where the young Policewomen died after losing control on the ungritted road. We offer her family our condolences.

Due to the quiet roads I was down at Runcorn in good time, where Jill at Reception already had my badge ready - she like the others had had a good x-mas break. The colourful lamb sculpure outside the Restaurant was inherited from Liverpool City where they were all over the city last year, this one has a painting of the nearby Widness Bridge on it.

Christine and Sue in the canteen were pleased with their photo's, and Christine is back on line again , her husband having captured and executed the "wee poor and timerous beastie" which had been running riot in their attic and keeping her distracted.

Northwards, heading straight home, via Moffat and the snowbound Devil's Beeftub, then took a detour through West Linton and onto the Harlawmuir Road, which brought back memories of a massive drugs seizure in the late '60's.

The site was at Cleaves Cottage, where following information from chemical manufacturers, a watch was maintained for weeks on Cleaves Cottage, and when it was eventually raided three student types were arrested along with gallons and gallons of liquid Ecstasy all set to go to the next stage of production. There was loose brickwork in the gable end of the building and in the loft a miniature set of rails with wee bogies and gallons of the liquid in big glass demijohns. When everything was accounted for it was one of the biggest ever at that time in the UK.

Again, talking of memories, Archie the Pole dancer has been in touch saying that he and his father in law, Alan, met Mr. Motivator in Jamaica and ended up visiting his house.

For Archie, we have a compliment for the Standing Order, where one of his young lady bar persons, did a wonderful job on Wednesday, extremely pleasant and helpful - a credit to the management - and even better "Blossom Hill" at under £6 - very good.

Home and ever so jiggered, so I managed a couple of hours kip, so now watching Tommy Sheriden and La Toya jackson about to be expelled from the Big Brother House. Just bseen Terry licking a rancid armpit - just a wee bit gross !!

Delighted with Andy Murry and his win in the land of Oz - I tried to get the match on the car radio but with no luck - keep up the pressure - I look forward to seeing the bookies getting a thumping.

Back to normal in the morning - early start in the Bar, then a meeting in he town, with the 1st of the Burn's Suppers tomorrow night.

Been on the trot all day, kept busy, so now settled and was hoping for an early night due to the early rise in the morning for the regular Runcorn run.

I have been very impressed with Mr Dyson and his team - had a bit of a breakdown with my sookie machine and checked out various sites with all their prices and offers, in the end I went back to Dyson who for a fixed fee have literally rebuilt the vacum cleaner - great , so far two boxes of spares /replacements have arrived and a third and fourth are en route.

Big Brother - I was talking to someone today who met Tommy Sheridan several years ago when he was asked to present prizes at a boxing tournament in Poltonhall, Bonnyrigg. he turned up, did his usual "Brother's and Sister's " spiel before the event and then started drinking - so by the end of the first bout he was quite drunk, by the second bout he could could not get into the ring and was just left, sitting "hammered" in his seat. Good one Tommy.

I see that Mr. Motivator, Derek Evans has made a comeback - he is a brilliant bloke and I spent every morning for a week with him,his wife and Anthea Turner and an assortment of TV stars in Torremolenos, Spain, when they did the breakfast show from there. Somewhere , there is a photo of a younger and fitter me with Mr. Motivator - so I will fish it out and try and scan it in. We would head for the beach very early, get incolved with the show, chat to the stars, but I was also helping them sell their T shirs, hats and marketing stuff. Mr. M and his wife were great - just sat about chatting - poor Anthea had a problem when some yobs in her hotel flung her into the pool.

So today, headed to the Bush to sort out some work next week - doing a talk to staff there end of next week. Stopped off to see the "likely lads" in their motor workshop - daft Pit Bull wants to play but always ends up biting.

Down to the plumbers merchants for yet more bits and pieces for the Bar and of course Sods law by the time I got to the Mercat they needed something I had not bought.

Back to BB, watching them on the Bucking Bronco's, which reminded us of the trip we took through to a massive Prince's Trust fundraiser at Strathclyde Park, by Hamilton. There was a great turn out with groups in from all over Scotland - wee Mandy who was with us did a Bungy jump - no way was I , but they had these automatic bucking bronco's - so bold me climbed aboard and with the first twist shot up into the air and off - Mrs. B. and the rest were poorless , just took the micky out of me, it is not as easy as it looks. If I remeber rightly I also went on a swing boat, then a roundabout thing and was so ill I said i would never do it again.

Went looking for Alan Gay at Pentland Security Systems, very strange, van outside, but office was empty and looking vacant , with all calls going to a paging service - but I have work for him !!!!!

Grant @Photogenix , busy as a bee, wee dog back to the vets on Friday for more work on its rear legs - poor soul, but seems to be a real character - his tropical fish are eating each other in their tanks - so his having to do some swopping to get some that are not cannabils.

Went to see Dougie Sneddon at his five star snack bar on the A7 at Gilmerton, for a cuppa and a roll with sausage - unlike Mrs B. and her pal Carol who were in "The Dome" in George Street, paying through the nose for burgers and stupid prizes for wine - fortunately they were sensible enough to head along and see Archie the pole dancer at The Standing Order and got their coffee and Blossom Hill there.

Next stop was B & Q at Hermiston Gait, big problem getting black paint and a suitable wood primer, but I managed - then with my Diamond Card and gift vouchers made a big saving on my purchases - I like B & Q as the staff are really good, mature, quite expert and do interact well with the customers.

Unlike - the folks at NCP Car park, Morrison Street ( yes - once again) - oh what a carry on, they were actually making an attempt at filling in the holes and puddles - but where were the experts, looked like a cowboy on the tractor. they had tried to close the car park, which caused a near riot this morning when permit holders were being refused entry - so they shut half the place . From what I saw they could have got away with shutting a quarter of the place a day and doing it properly - holes at the entrance were filled in - just - man with yellow coat looking like he had been recruited from the Tramworks - waving his arms, probably trying to keep warm.

Into the bar where I had to rescue the kitchen staff who were looking for wellie boots to help them cope with the flooding from a pipe - but "have no fear- Stuart is here" - leak duly sorted so that I could get off home ( hope that Sparky Mark is paying attention - and not lying in a full chiiled out position).

Interesting bit in the paper tonight - an African, ( a former member of a guerrilla faction who had been abused in Africa) has been running riot in Edinburgh stealing from females and in possession of a weapon . Since when has "being a fomer member of a guerrilla faction been a plea in mitigation !!! - so his stupid lawyer wins no points for that description - hence his being banged up in the pokey.

Tuesday and a cold morning again

Bit of a change today - decided to experiment and take the MacEwans 101 bus for a change - big mistake !! Stood in the cold, Cossack hat on to keep the head warm and let three red buses pass before the wee one came. Bad day Tuesday one of the ladies said, bus was full before it even got out of Penicuik, then, then , then we got stuck in a long tail back and after 30 minutes were still in Penicuik - so seventy minutes later I was running down Morrison Street, only one and a half hours later than usual to get the place open !!
BUT - not only that , there was no one working in the kitchen, just me on my own till help appeared - so instead of help, two customers popped in looking for a breakfast. Sleeves up - off I set and sort of got the microwave wrong and blew up the beans - so I went back to the conventional pan to heat them, so after that the customers were perfectly happy with what they got - and help DID appear.

Started on my "to do" list - finding out what I need for next week, or whenever. Then off around the block on various messages.
Royal Bank of Scotland, who as we know are biggest corporate losers, are still getting it wrong - made a big boob with some of our pay ins, staff all over the place to direct you to the correct counters - but not enough folk serving.

"Smelly" Gillian in Frasers was saying, like lots of others that the place was quiet - BUT THIS IS JANUARY - and it had been like this every year - irrespective of whether there has been a credit crunch or not. I see that Gordon Brown and Mr Darling are getting slagged off once again - quite rightly , these guys are the so called best in the world, powerful economic leaders and experts - but they - and their so called contemporaries from around the world have still managed to cock it up.

Anyway there is now a new No 1 in the White House, Barack Obama, - his speech this afternoon was good, well received, and he could prove to be good for all, we wish him the best of luck for what is a tough job and a target for every fanatic and fruitcake on the planet. Lots of historical references and comments on global warming - perhaps he has an understanding of what is going on.

Obviously we were happy to see Andy Murray cruise through his tennis match, but he was disappointed that his opponent had to withdraw due to a back injury. Keep going Andy.

CeeJay looks like she will have her hands full this weekend, Katy now 18 and a big party planned for Saturday - one hundred and forty eighteen year olds - big nightmare !!

Headed back to town to drop off supplies from the Cash and carry, fortunately the Traffic Warden had the loading bay area clear so I was able to get relatively near the Bar which was busy enough - even had time to chat to a couple from South Carolina and persuade them to try haggis, neeps and tatties - with a steak chaser.
Then out to Bonnyrigg to a meeting of Lodge Dalhousie 720, which was well attended and as usual a well worked degree took place.

Headed home and, sadly, am watching Big brother again - it's been very funny, with Ulrika slagging everyone off in Swedish, but the producers are putting the English translation on the screen. We think that Ailsa @ Miss Talk a Lot ( friend of Laird Christopher) looks like Ulrika but with dark hair.
Wednesday - have lots of my own things to do before next week, and with a full day away South on Thurday need to get my finger out.
Got a problem with the wee lap top, Tam had the same problem, but he cannot remember (YET) how he resolved it !! so I will have to wait a bit longer - daft machine continually connects / disconnects / connects, etc. to the wireless network. No problem in the pub, but here at home - pest.

A cold and sore nose

So, still on the go but not for much longer - a fine red liquid is beckoning and then it will be early to bed.

So this morning I spoke far too soon - seventy five minutes after they started work , our local hero's

found themselves in a flurry of snow - so snow stopped play, off to Greggs then onto their bums once again. Our lot outside had a wee problem with rain water filling up their hole in the road faster than they could empty it. Bit like the car park - needed a bucket to bale out. So after a short break they came back, then stopped again at 11 a.m. for another tea break , on their build up to the lunch break. A time and motion expert would have heyday.

Our Dutch lads reappeared this morning for breakfast before heading back home to Amsterdam this afternoon, seemed to have enjoyed the City, Edinburgh Castle, etc. Another couple had been to the Edinburgh Dungeons and said it was superb.

Had an appointment at the E.N.T. Dept at the hospital, little did I know what I was in for !! It was a Greek Doctor, very pleasant until he decided that he was going to stick a camera up my nose - not a good idea, and as he was struggling he squirted anaesthetic up my nose and into the throat, still no luck, so I had to wait for a while, dribbling terribly, however after ten minutes it all worked and he had a wee look down my throat - end result, no problems so still no reason why I cough and have a sore throat all the time. Suppose I will need to stick with the red wine remedy !!

So with a runny nose I set forth again , stopping off for a peer through the windows of the old fire station at Lauriston, which is now a museum and packed with old machines, pumps and all sorts in the exhibit cases I could see.

Too early in the day to pop into The Western Bar or Burke and Hare's for a drink !! Both are rebound for their lap dancers, etc. popular part of the City for stag groups. Mind you with me still dribbling from the Dr.'s ministrations I might not have looked out of place !!!!!

On the way down Morrison Street I spotted Martin who used to have the Indian Restaurant in Penicuik, I saw him in the local paper last week, fined £10000 for "inadvertently" employing illegal immigrants !!!

Popped into Murray's Tool Store, Morrison Street, which has been there for years, a real shop full of shiny toys for boys. I used to go there and buy a few spanners at a time for my old toolbox, the staff are right on the ball and the shop is never empty.

Back to The Mercat, then collected the car from the NCP car park where someone had attempted to fill in the puddle at the top of the steps this morning with the hardcore.

The ski slope at Hillend Park looked nice in the snow so I took a run up and managed a couple of snaps, one with three snowboarders in action. The ski slope, opened in 1966 is very impressive, really steep gradient and fortunately has the two ski tows which run all day every day. The views from the top of the hill over the Lothians and Fife are amazing. Then , on my usual run through Lowries Den, it was looking quite scenic - it's one of these stretches of road that changes every time you drive down it, and through the seasons can be very impressive.

Currently, Mrs. B. is watching America's Next Top Model, she cannot get over how much these girls cry, most of them are mediocre looking and were it not for the talent of the make up artists, hairdressers and photographers they would not get a second look in the street where there are hundreds of better looking young women, who have no wish to flaunt or expose themselves. This lot behave like immature adolescents and I reckon that our late dear departed budgie, Bluey, was brighter then they all are put together.

Laurence was saying this morning that our friends in the USA are far to involved with the inauguration of their new President , Barack Obama , to do very much about the 250th birthday of our National Bard, Robert Burns, coming up on 25th . Not to worry - Burns will still be remembered in another 250 years.

Back to the chair and hot hat

It was a bright 2.45 a.m. this morning when I ended up back downstairs, another restless night, so into the chair again , wrapped up with the old hat on to keep the napper cosy - and there I remained till 6.30 a.m.

Really a sad soul last night sitting watching Dancing on Ice, followed by Celebrity Big Brother, it is actually quite interesting seeing them playing off against each other - the remaining eight will not be walking out and losing their appearance money - I could cope with three weeks in there for the money they are getting - laughing all the way to the bank. Hell mend the girl who walked out and lost her fee.

Now in the Mercat Bar, and the "Tramworks" folks are fair banging away outside, looks as though two days off has given them at least an hour,s energy - will see how long that lasts.

NCP Morrison Street, still in darkness with the swimming pools and lunar surface - perhaps a 4 + 4 course could be laid round it.

So - The Royal Bank of Scotland has made the biggest loss in Corporate history (banking), I have not heard how many of their senior staff are lined up in the dole queue following their obvious mismanagement and incompetence. I see that a lawyer has lodged a complaint against the bank for selling shares when they obviously knew how bad a state things were, a fraud.

Australian Open tennis now underway and if Andy Murray can win it , William Hill 's the bookies are in for a real hammering - so they will be hoping that his nerves get the better of him - I wish him well.

Mr. Bob , has been on the E mail so it looks like another early rise on Thursday and off to Runcorn again via Glasgow - that will keep me out of mischief for the day - better remember to take the photos for Christine "two jugs" and Sue. Kelly and Co will get laldy for giving me the cold - still coughing , plus I have a visit to the E.N.T. Dept this afternoon - old age !!! catching up.

RGB was due for Jury Duty at the High Court, but was cancelled yesterday due to the lack of cases - but will no doubt be recalled later.

Now time to get on with my DIY jobs while there is other staff on and before we get busy.

Lost a day somewhere - Sat

Now Sunday afternoon but what happened to Saturday - just flew by.
Friday night was a restful night, nice juicy steak, bottle of wine + !! and watched movies, however late on RGB announced that I would be needed early rather than late on Saturday !! so up early , sore head and kind of wabbit.
No Tramworks !! all quiet on the western front - and in the street. Weather was wild and windy and I thinks folks were having another duvet day.

Managed to survive till 2 p.m. then home for a nap, and woke up to the sweet dulcet tones of Irish Christine and hubby Joe, who had popped in to see Mrs. B.
Quick scurry around, shower and then picked up by Jo Jo @ HM and we headed off back to The Mercat where a few souls were coming in to see Iona before she heads back to Townsville in the Land of Oz for a break. Theme of the night was Hawaiian dress and several managed to make the effort. Kiera Murphy had brought a two of her budding comedians with her, and David in the kitchen had produced a lovely sweet and sour chicken dish with sweet rice.
The Cossack at the door was just a bit mixed up but RGB took pity of him.

Home , once again a trifle tired, but no rest for the wicked , up and away early again - shock to the system when eleven Dutchmen walked in at 9 a.m. - but we coped, they were happy and even reappeared at 1 p.m. for beers and to watch the Dutch football on Setanta.

Shrek @ Jamie decided to give me a hard time, so that kept him amused, and in fear of his life for a wee while, while RGB and The Laird @ Sir Christopher kept the peace. Chris's Grandad is a bit poorly in hospital having suffered a slight stroke and is not happy about being so restricted.

I see the "upside down boy" and Caitlin have been on the net, but I am also curious to know who it is in Italy who is also a regular ?

Anyway - a quiet day, cold and with snow back on the hills, so now home, feet up for the evening.

Friday Busy - mid day Part 2

So - my day progresses - by this time nothing better to do than be more and more annoyed by the Tram - "persons", but there was a lot of noise from the mechanical digger - which I watched for a bit and it even toils to get through the surface.
Met this pleasant "citizen of the City of Edinburgh" who was telling me that he has been observing the Tram Project since it started and he was anything but complimentary, he says that the initial budget estimate of £52.6 million is nearly gone and that the new revised estimate will be £1.2 billion !!!!!!! which no one will admit to. He has hundreds of photos, been to dozens of meetings and like me is totally incensed by this wanton waste of public money.
So, having gone for a walk, I stood and while talking to two others watched the crane driver at Haymarket who became totally freaked at the thought we were talking about him doing nothing for so long. he got out his cab, picked up a shovel ( and no longer do they use big ones, they are all tottie ones), jumped down into the enormous excavation , prodded the gravel a couple of times and got back into his digger to sit idle once again.
My companions at the time were the lady from the Water Board who had no idea what he was supposed to be doing - just said that he might be waiting on part to be delivered - so where was the so called Service Delivery Manager.
My other friend was non other than paddy of the paddy and Pauline duo from the Sportsman's Bar - just great to see him and looking so well. He had been paid off before x-mas and then , today he has got a new job - WHERE ? - with the Tram people - Carillion - so I gave him some tips on how to cope with the boredom, keep himself warm when standing idle, and the name of a good accountant.

So I then hear that from the Musselburgh end, things at the Sportsmans are ticking along , Brian has lost his voice so that pleases folks, BUT , our friend Big George has now lost the plot, been barred from every pub and is now due a court appearance for an assault on a barmaid !!!
Shame when at one time he was a decent bloke, but that is what drink and gambling do to you.

Back to the Mercat where our young German lad, Andre Gerstmann from Berlin was in for his lunch and to say farewell as he was away home. He has been in every day for the last week during his stay here as he enjoyed the company, banter, food and drink.

BUT serving a table the lady recognised me and , of all people it was Eunice Simpson with her husband Tom and daughter Louise, formerly of Floorcraft, Penicuik. We had known them for years but had lost touch when they gave up the business about fifteen years ago, and believe it or not Mrs. B. had been talking about them just a few days ago - brilliant. Louise is a regular so we can now expect to and Eunice to come back, perhaps for the Burns supper on the 23rd.

Mercat was fairly busy with Jamie @ Shrek and Lady Claire working their magic in the kitchen, Sir Chris,( The Laird), young RGB and Iona form Oz on the floor ( and me of course).
We eventually got away home where I had an online chat with Carolanne in Dublin - seems, that like here, things are a bit quieter and they also are having to tighten their belts. BUT , the problem is worldwide - and so far I have heard nothing to indicate that the greedy so and so's who were so incompetent and caused this have been dealt with by their masters. and HBOS - biggest loser of all.

Been doing a little research into the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Act as it looks like I might needing to shake a stick at some of the incompetents in the HR Dept of the City of Edinburgh Council.

Friday busy - Morning 1 .

Awake half the night - Mrs. B. was a bit like a jumping bean , so we were up early and on the road by 8 a.m.

Dropped Mrs B. off as she had a meeting , then went to view the "Martian lunar landscape" at the Morrison Street Car Park. Some bright spark should open a shoe shine bar on the footpath exit - they would do a roaring trade. Then into the Mercat for a quick chat and then flashed the bus pass and my big red taxi whizzed me back along Princes Street.

I thought I was being really thoughtful in trying to meet up with Mrs. B. but as they say, the best laid plans , etc., she had been and gone, along with her Toy Boy , Wattie . So, never stuck I headed up to the Standing Order where the trio of Denny's were on site, The Auld yin , the big yin and the tottie wee yin ( Archie Snr. Archie the Pole dancer and young Sarah). This was the first i had spoken to the wee one since she came back from the Upside down land of OZ , however, she will be away back there again soon to start her next year at University in Stockton, which coincidentally was a town my late father stayed in on several of his trips. But my peace was shattered as Mrs. B. arrived and joined me for breakfast.

Soon back on the trail again , popped in to see "Smelly" Gillian at Frasers, and had a my squirt of "Allure Pour Homme", before venturing forth into the Tramworks zone. I really think they need to change the name from Tramworks - to the "Tram Project for the Idle - sponsored by Mugs".

Outside the door of Fraser's there were six men looking at a pole !!!!! - then there were twelve men in a huddle at the junction of Queensferry street and it was not Celtic F.C. !!!

Our illustrious digger drivers were behaving true to form, the one in he photo - just chillling out, the next one who I recognised from his regular wanderings along to Greggs the Bakers. So between Frasers and The Mercat there were possibly thirty men in yellow jackets, note , the word working was missing as there would maybe be six actually looking as though they might eventaully break sweat if they were not careful.

Passed the scene of yesterday's disaster when a mains water supply was burst, cutting off the supplies to local businesses - fortunately Scottish Water have liaison folks on the job and things were remedied fairly quickly.

Talking of yesterdays events , the pilot of the American Airlines plane did a fantastic job when he brought the damaged plane down in the Hudson River - bloody marvellous. I am one of these folks who sit and listen intently to the safety lecture and think that in the event of a problem how will the pilot find a bit of water !!! But to prove a point here was one great guy, and no spring chicken either. I remember the last big crash in the USA many moons ago when a plane came down in the Potomac River while coming into Washington DC. On that occasion, in the middle of winter the river was frozen over and many of the passengers drowned and suffered from hyperthermia, the hero's on that occasion were the helicopter pilots. My friend, J.K. Kilcullen was a Detective in Washing DC and he was involved in processing the fatalities.

Heading for Part 2.

Not the best day out

Rainy day,

had a quick run down to see Grant at Bonnyrigg, his wee dug is recovering from its surgery to straighten its little legs, now it needs som TLC, physio and a few swimming lessons. Vet did a good job and hopefully it will recover and have a life.

The man from John Lewis, very pleasant chap, came to see us, nice chat !!! not sure what will happen next.

Headed down to Peebles for a wander - not quite the best day, streets were quiet as were the shops and we ended up in one which (when a house) was frequented by John Buchan, the author of "The 39 Steps" when he was a boy. Made the mistake of going into The Tatler Cafe which was not the best of experiences, no atmosphere, not a word of conversation from the waiter who stood and read his paper, although to be fair the place was clean and tidy. Food was Ok but the frozen peas and carrots were just a bit "a dente". So that place is now on my list of "places not to go".

Home, sat with feet up and watched the cookery programme , some of these chefs are brilliant, I wonder how they would rate my cheese and pickle toasted rolls !! however, time waits for no man so it was up and off to Corstorphine for the RA meeting. This was as part of a Provincial deputation with a dozen from from Provincial there. So as they say "with a little help from our friends" the meeting and degree working for two candidates took place.

Manged to get a good "Burns" man, George Wilkie to volunteer to do a bit for me after my next meeting on the 27th when I have my two guest lecturers from Crieff followed by some traditional Robert Burns,

Obviously at home now, busy day tomorrow.

An evening for Freemasons

There is not much point is talking about the early part of the day, Costco ; Bookers ; a wee look at the Tramworks , where if these guys had been employed to dig the Panama Canal, it still would not be open - even the navies who dug the Crinan Canal did a better job, and without all these modern mechanical shovels, etc.

So tonight I headed off to Dalkeith for a meeting of Esk 42 RA, and sadly not a big attendance due to illness - mainly the "man flu". But what was more disappointing was the non arrival of the expected Deputation from Port Glasgow, due to domestic problems.

The meeting and Degree working was excellent, with the Esk officers being assisted by some of the visitors - but I am sure tat the Candidate still enjoyed the whole night.

The surprise of the night was when MEZ John Wright called his two regular visitors, Malcolm Turner, Past Grand Supt of Renfrew and Duncan Gemmel, Past Depute Grand Sup of Renfrewshire to the floor and awarded them with Honorary membership. Both were really surprised at this great honour, and I am sure that they , like us were also disappointed at the non appearance of their Port Glasgow companions.

Our Provincial Supt elect, Alex Mooney was present so he was able to congratulate the latest Hon Members to his Province.

I was able to do a bit advertising to l;et the Companions know about our visiting lecturers to 500 on the 27th Jan - so hopefully I will get a good attendance.

So that was me today - briefly

Best laid Plans etc

Headed off to Tranent, collecting Andy KP en route and had a wee skate around the Granada car park due to black ice. Sat and waited and waited at Tranent but with no sign of life I dropped andy off and headed up to Bonntyrigg and went to a 720 Committeee meeting . Transpires that there was no meeting at Tranent because there will be a Burns Supper there on Saturday instead.

News on the TV is quite depressing, yet another toddler brutally assaulted by her parents; the murder of the young lad down south who tried to foil the armed robbery at his father's post office; the missing Madelaine McCann - who we all hope is still alive.

In Edinburgh we have a young wife who appears to have been brutally murdered and cut up by her husband, her head found in a plastic bag , the event having taken place some two years ago and she was not even reported missing by anyone.

Not to ignore the tragedy in Gaza and Palestine with the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel - just where will it all end.

Just listening to the media - it strikes me that they have a great deal to answer for, they jump onto anything and everything without any consideration for the end results, Their coverage of this so called credit crunch has probably done more damage than good, folks are scared sh--less. if they want to do any good have a go at the greedy buggers who have made a mint out of this, because you can bet your bottom dollar someone has. And this costant harping on at The Royals - over what " sooty" and "paki" - what planet are they living on - PC gone made. And to cap it all Tony Blair gets a medal from George Bush - press will have a heyday tomorrow.

Day 2 - Tramworks - plus

Up with the birds, or even a bity before them today and then into town .

Correct - NCP Morrison Street - their flurry of activity was most certainly a flash in the pan - no floodlights repaired - still pot black and place like the swamplands.

So into the Mercat - then about 8 a.m. the Carillion / Tramworks guys appeared for their attendance money !!! and that is nice about them . I was on the door handing out flyers and just observing their actions or lack of them. We had two blokes who just stood and talked to each other though the fence for about 30 minutes , not even pretending to work; my digger driver did a little maintenance work on his machine. A third friend of the aforesaid couple, he was worse , he actually walked up and down the street for over an hour with his leggings under the arm - others started the early trek to Greggs, and passed me on three occasions with his food supplies and that was before their lunch break.

One man actually managed to put his spade into the hole, but when his phone rang he proceeded to march up and down the street chatting away for about 15 minutes before he left the area and never came back.

Spoke to one of the "Bosses" and asked for a job application, told him that i could work for about 10 minutes every hour, and given a mobile phone could cope with the boredom of standing doing nothing. Some of these blokes want eyes in the back of their head so that they can see what is going on when they are actually "working". They opened a hole in the road yesterday, about a foot deep but that was that, hit a concrete plate and stopped, so that is one for monitoring.

On a more mundane note, just because I was wearing one of the pub's Orange coloured cagoules Jamie was calling me the "Easy Jet" man. Pleasant young German lad has been in past three days while on holiday , he likes the boor, food and friendly banter, took himself up to the Edinburgh Castle and nearly died off when the one o'clock gun went off. If he had sat on the barrel he could have been the first German astronaut.

Spotted young Ashley formerly from Imarni's, she is home on sick leave having badly damaged her wrist doing a massage treatment while working on The Norwegian Dawn cruise ship. She says her job is super and has already sailed round the Caribbean , the USA and up the west coast of Canada.

Another of my former colleagues died the other day, Bruce Tyson from Tranent, I can remember when he was the local Bobby in Ormiston , and there was no crime !!! He dealt with everything on the doorstep and without any paperwork - sadly the bosses went by statistics and said that as there was no crime in the village there was no need for the Bobby so they shut the local station and moved him.

Edinburgh City Council have gone bonkers with their PC thingy, various jobs have all been renamed, librarians are to be called "audience development officers" - now just where does that come from and what the hell does it mean !!!

Off to Tranent to the RA tonight with Andy KP - will give the opportunity to start and put the word out about the 27th. Dalkeith Wed and Corstorphine on Thursday.

Graham's Burns supper is proving to be popular for the 23rd Jan., he has his speakers and entertainers all sorted.

Missed out on Andy Murry's tennis recently, and he is going a stormer, bookies are in for a real hammering if he wins the Australian or any of the next Open tournaments - good man.

Day one Tramworks - West maitland street

How could I have missed out on his outstanding specimen, Hammy the squareman !!! resplendent in his regalia.

So with a bit of a rush I headed off to a meeting at the Bush, which led to some more work over the next couple of weeks. collected RGB's motor and then into town, a bit later than I had expected. Into the car park, where last weeks activities were obviously just a flash in the pan - as nothing else has happened since.

BUT , trying to get in or out down the steps was sort of difficult as this totally inconsiderate van driver had parked right up to the top of the steps which meant you either had to swim for it or take a cut through the bushes. Twat.

Then , into the fray - day 1 of our roadworks outside the pub , and there he was , a picture of still life, sitting in the cab of his little digger, arms folded, not a care in the world and nothing to do - so there he sat for two and a quarter hours, true, and he even had a pal to stand beside him for an hour and a half before he was moved on. not sure what that little quiet spell cost in the way of hire and wages. His pal over at Haymarket was just sitting in his cab but having a wee birl round now and again to see what was going on.

then - we had the first hole in the road, what a carry on , dig a wee bit, then several bosses arrived to have a look!!! Along the road there were about eight at one time - but I suppose when they have no idea what is under ground they have to be cautious !! so currently being nine months behind schedule doubtless it will be longer and cost even more.

So while they sit on their bums and do nowt - getting paid, we have to send staff home and try to cut costs.

Biggest winners are Greg's The bakers with a constant trail along the street and the mobile phone companies, as our "workers" have lots of free time to call their friends, accountants, and no doubt investment brokers.

There is actually a Service Manager for this job - Steve, and I am sure he will be scunnered with all the complaints - no doubt being well compensated for putting up with all the hassle, along with his colleagues in the fancy coats and ear muffs

Explanations

S

Some of saturdays pictures, we have RGB presenting Sir Chritopher with his Certificate as a Laird in an estate in Caithness now being the proud owner of one square foot of the estate - so he must be treated with due respect as a Highland Gent.

The Squaremen, a mottley crew if ever, taken at the annual installation at the edinburgh Masonic Club.

Then we have two Italian brothers, Jani, who owns Galie's next door to the pub , really nice bloke, works hard - and finally Kate, my other masseuse who works from Imarni's at Haymarket. Kate is just a wee bit gentler than Cruella @ Sabrina, however Sabrina is there to get my back sorted and does it well.