High Drama at Wimbledon for Andy Murray

I must admit to being a wee bit tired when I dragged myself out of bed this morning - not quite the usual spring in the heels - perhaps the assortment of wines and spirits last night were part cause. it certainly was for Mr. photogenix @ Grant, who celebrated his umpteenth birthday a day early - we even had a nice young Irish lady from Belfast in the Bar who also had her birthday today.

Took the motorbike and when I reached Palmerston Place, it was a total disgrace with litter bags torn open and rubbish all over the place - this is now a major problem in the City caused mainly by the hundreds of seagulls who descend on the streets in early dawn and also some city foxes and dogs. Council are trying an experiment with canvas type bags which will not tear open. We use sulu bins but they refuse to allow them in the town. BUT - having said that there were folks coming out to re-bag the rubbish - why then, did they put it out the night before in the first place !!!

Not had any word from the Companions as to how their evening session at the Lauder Lodge went after the event at Dryburgh Abbey, and I was also reminded that I had missed the last meeting of the season at Loanhead RA, Honour, Concord and Fidelity on Friday past.

I have had someone on the Blog from Helsinki, Finland, who would appear to be a Freemason, I hope some of my comments have interested him.

Home via The Bush where yet another car seems to have been dumped for convenience - but with foreign number plates it will be harder for me to sort out. So once again I failed to get my man at Midlothian Council - so it will be round the houses once again tomorrow - even if I have to resort to seeking help from our local councillor, Russell Imrie.

Couple of other "wake up" calls made, so now awaiting the reactions.

Last week there was a report in the Edinburgh Evening News that thousands of undelivered letters had been found in a postal van parked at the rear of the main Sorting Office in Edinburgh - seems that the Managers get a bonus if all their mail is posted, so perhaps this helps them. No consolation to the folks whose mail has gone adrift, bad enough that someone sent me three letters to the wrong address, before the recipient had the courtesy to let the sender know.

Spoke with Carol Ann and Dennis in Dubin tonight, still no sign of a job for them having been redundant, their ex boss the dog breeder now has a couple of hundred greyhounds for sale - going cheap ( not cheep). With luck we might be able to meet up over the weekend.

While I was cleaning the motor bike in the sunshine (no mist or rain today) my neighbour had a go at repairing Henry the Hoover, but when smoke started belching out of it we decided to send it to the great Hoover graveyard.

Watching what has been an epic, nail biting game of tennis between Andy Murray (Scotland) and Alex Wawrinka,( Switzerland) now through five sets. Both are very athletic and this must be completely draining for each of the, both mentally and physically. It must be awkward for them as they are close friends who play and train together, and each can read the others game so well. But one thing for certain, without the new roof over the Centre Court this game would have been stopped for the night. Lots of delaying tactics to gain a few seconds breathing space whenever they can. I bet there are many of the spectators in London who might have a problem getting home so late - just as I speak some folks are having to leave the Centre Court but there are still hundreds out in the dark on Henman Hill watching the big screen. MURRAY wins in the final set, 6 - 3, what a stonker of a match , both deserve medals for pure entertainment and the BBC did well by keeping it on all night to the end - beats Eastenders Well Done Andy

So much for a quiet couple of days off midweek, had my summons for another Runcorn Run on Thursday so hopefully it will not be too hot on the motorway - two different jobs for Friday, so the old brain will not get a chance to slow down.

Sunday - was a long day and no church.

Sunday night and controversy reigns - all was quiet till RGB and go Jo appeared and he being a carnaptios diddle . ( awkward so and so) doing his impression of Simon Coward with his waist band so high he is trapping his chest hairs in his fly zip !!
Firstly Robbie McTaggart, is much better behaved than RGB, so young Elaine is doing OK with him.

Made it to the Bar this morning along with new start, young Mr Liam Wilson, god son of RGB - anyway it was not as busy as usual so I ended up doing my usual DIY tasks, chucking things out - and generally causing upsets.

So home - bitty tired -but decided to take "George" the vacuum to bits - with no success - so we have ordered a nice new back back one for the pub.,

Anyway now watching Crocodile Dundee 2, the follow up to last night.

Not wishing to be controversial - but - my man from John Lewis has let me down badly - so it will be a chase me up this week irrespective or not , with Edinburgh John Lewis , the flagship store , losing money.

Our ongoing situation with Edinburgh City Council, is going nowhere fast as the head of HR seems to have adopted his colleagues version of URGENCY - which basically means adopting a Scottish version of "Manyana" - wait till the day after tomorrow, so Mr Barr might well be in receipt of a phone call.

Masses of tributes to the late Michael Jackson, a musician excellent, an entertainer, and a very sad individual . I feel so sorry for him, he has been surrounded with bleeding hangers on for so long - folks who have had nothing more than their own interests at heart. When Elvis Pressly died of a drugs overdose all his enterage knew what he was doing, so I am sure Michael jackson's lot were the same - keep him on a high or sedated and take his money, even when he was broke!!! Bast***rds. Now the gravy train has stopped what will they do ?

Andy Murray has had a rest day so hopefully he will be on the ball for his next match at Wimbledon.

just a comment that Lewis Hamilton seems to be getting no where fast this year, I have no idea how he can drop in the ratings so fast - is it the car, or is it him being affected by all these dolly girls who are after him!!

Off this coming weekend to Dublin by Ryanair - still no idea as to how much luggage I can carry , can I have a Pee on the plane - if so how much, what a chaotic airline. We have a stag night for RGB's pal Philip Quinlin on Saturday and then a last night tour show of "Riverdance" on the Monday.

Our BBC people are getting their bottoms felt over their expenses, just like our MP's and MSP's, yet another organisation on the take.
But to make matters worse, our friendly Sky TV Corp., are upping their prices once more without any consultation with the customerws, just pay up or else - a few years ago they were setting targets and upping the annual charges with prizes for the best sales teams, etc. big day outs and all sorts of incentives for the satff. Just try calling Sky - Sales answer almost immediately - while customer services, and the other departments keep you waiting for hours.

Had enough - Mick Dundee survived and lived happily ever after.

Royal Arch Melrose, unique meeting

Headed for Dryburgh Abbey, via Peebles, Galashiels, Melrose and St Boswells , all well known Border Towns. Galashiels was prticularly busy as it was their version of the Border Marches / annual ride out, and the streets were full of folks out for a good day.

Passed these old petrol pumps, out in the middle of nowhere, but still in use.

Made it to Dryburgh Abbey eventually where there were eventually about 100 Royal Arch masons gathered for the annual unique service and Degree working there. The First Principal of the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland , Ian Fraser, was present with Tom Frost , his Depute , and many members of Supreme Chapter, who had travelled from all parts of Scotland.

The Degree working for the day was carried out by members of Mid and East Lothian Provincial Grand Chapter, led by the Grand Superintendent Alex Moonie, but with Bill Annand taking the Chair for the degree.

The meeting was held in the Chapter house, photos of the old Chapter and a rather hazy one of this afternoon - but the effect is very unique for this type of meeting, which had been organised by Melrose RA Chapter. The Abbey dates back to the 1100's when it was supported by King David 1st of Scotland, and eventually used by Cisterien Monks - it is beautiful now, but must have been a remarkable building in its hey day.

The bodies of Sir Walter Scot , the poet and writer, and Earl Haig are interred here in the grounds, the grave of Earl Haig being a copy of one of the mass graves in which his troops were buried during the 1st World war

Weather was still not too clever - in the meantime Mrs B had been at her friends BBQ in Loanhead, which sadly was a virtual wash out due to the weather. Time someone got this weather sorted out. We would like a summer here.

Headed home via the back roads, wanting to get a photo of Scot's view, but the weather was so bad you could not see anything - it is a very famous view point, featuring in many paintings.

So it was back to base, feet up - Crocodile Dundee 1, and getting rddy for a busy day on Sunday.

11th Midlothian Scout Troop, 100 years

So it was a quick change, then up to the Scout Hall, Kirkhill Road, where Penicuik were celebrating their 100th Anniversary. An excellent turnout, despite the poor weather, with lots of ex scouts, scouters, and parents on site, They started with a Flag Break and introduction of guests, including Mr Tait and Mrs Fairgrieve who were scouters through Commissioners - He is 99 years old and still an active member of the Scout guild - a remarkable gentleman. There were presentations of long service certificates, and going up ceremonies for the boys who were moving up from the Beavers to the Cubs, Cubs to the Scouts and Scouts to the Ventures.

I had Barbara there, who I have worked with through the scouts for years and whose son Liam now works in the Bar - RGB's God son. There was Jill McLean, been involved for 20 years and one of my scouts Alistair Sturgeon, the same - parents Alf and Betty Clifford, whose son Lesley, an accountant now manages a staff of around 1000 people.

We even had our MSP ( Mr Purves) and the Provost of Midlothian, Adam Montgomery as guests on site.

On the cricket pitch next door, Penicuik Cricket Club were waiting for their opponents, Kircaldy, to admit that the game would be abandoned then get on with the drinking - that was according to young Mr Jamie Mitchell.

But I had to rush - next stop, Dryburgh Abbey, Melrose, for my Masonic duties.

In the meantime, The British and Irish Lions were being pipped at the post by the Springboks, and Andy Murray was winning his game by three sets at Wimbledon - where the Londoners were being hit by hail stones and rain in thunder storms.

Sat a.m. working

Sat in the house and watched Forrest Gump for the first time, all the way through , a great film , Tom Hanks is a superb actor.

Yet another sleepless night , and up early for another shift at the Mercat Bar. Took the motor bike into town to get parked - which seemed a good idea while it was dry, but not when I had to ride home in the afternoon.

While London , The south, and most of Britain were basking in the sun, we had rain - typical for the Loanhead gala day.

Bar was busy and the young gent in the photo who appeared with eleven of his friends on his stag was enjoying himself. Managed to have his stag to co incide with the Gay Fest in Edinburgh so dressing up in a frock found him some new friends !!

Tram workers are really making a meal of their work - holes in the street are bigger than ever, they must have struck oil or coal !!

Home to get changed for the next part of the day.

South African wine tasting

So, we had a wine tasting with a difference once again. But before I go on, yes I did have a Clansman breakfast, along with Ailsa who had to eat her croissants - much to the amusement of other diners who were wondering what we were up to.

The TV was on so we managed to see Andy Murray win his match before the tasting started, well done, then into the business of the evening led by Tara who was describing each of the ten wines before tasted them - accompanied on this session by a varied assortment of South African foods. Some were just a bit spicy for me, but well received by the others - however, having had my Clansman earlier I was quite content.

We had a very nice cake, accompanied by a Gin Sorbet, made by one of the guests - excellent.

Our professional photographer managed a few shots of the session which will hopefully be used in the promotional video.

Bit of a disappointing turn out but with the weather being so good, tennis and other sport on the TV I suspect a few were otherwise engaged. So there will be no more tastings until the dark nights are back with us again. Just a shame when there are such good wines, good food and company.

Sparky Mark gave me a lift home as he was working early - and once again it was a restless , sleepless night.

Still quite hazy this morning but it should warm up, hopefully we are not forecast to get type of rain they had during the night at Glastonbury.

Lots on the TV this morning about the sudden death of Michael Jackson in the USA, bit of a shock, but now we will have to wait and see what stories come out about the various medications he has been taking.

Need to wish Yvonne a happy birthday today, she, Grant and the dogs will be packing up at Haggerston Castle, and heading back home shortly. I think Grant is 21 again and again on Sunday.

Not sure what the day has to offer, but tomorrow it will be back to work, then zoom home, change, a quick look into the Scout Hall to see what Penicuik Scouts are doing to mark their 100th anniversary, then down to Dryburgh Abbey where Provincial RA are going to work a special degree in the crypt there as part of a special celebration for the Melrose Abbey RA.

Depending on time it will be back to Loanhead / Straiton where we have been invited to a BBQ. OK for a buzzy bee.

Thursday, wine tasting about to happen

Thursday p.m., now on the bus heading for the Mercat Bar and tonight's wine tasting session. This one is South African wines and when in town this morning I collected some of the food specifically for this meal - should be interesting !!
Not an awful lot doing today, just taking in this sunshine which is much needed, although at this rate we will be getting hose pipe bans, etc, soon.

Not sure what is happening at the Glencorse Army Barracks, where during the past two days we have had lots of activity with two helicopters buzzing about - the unusual thing being that one is a big Chinook, quite spectacular to see. Just reminded me that last Sunday morning, very early we saw the local hot air balloon taking off from the Bush Estate - it is very majestic rising up on a quiet Sunday morning and all you can hear is the roar of the burner every few minutes.
This bus is very quiet, makes a change not being mopped by all the High School kids heading home.

Spoke with Sparky Mark, he is not a happy chappie, having to work ( a rare event) in the Gyle area of Edinburgh, but cannot get moving due to all the traffic jams caused by folks heading to and from the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston. With this nice weather the place will be mobbed - and I believe that Princess Margaret was going there today.

Tennis and Mr Andy Murray is due to start his game on Centre Court shortly,we wish him well - one of the big time gamblers was on the radio last night and reckoned he will not win it this year, but will go on to win the US Open in New York !! and this bloke makes lots of money. As does Andy Murray who is now well up inhis match at the moment, leading by two sets.

There is most certainly developments with the tram works - we now have the biggest hole ever outside the pub while the rest of the street is being filled in - perhaps they have taken a tantrum due to the article that was in the paper recently.

Had a nice E mail, from Benny, who was our guide during our visit to China last year, lovely to hear from him, he was such a nice person. He says that things are a bit quieter for him, and many people have been put of by the swine flu, although he has been going further afield with his groups as some of the local border restrictions have been easing off.

On the bus and now coming along George Street, it was heaving with traffic, buses nose to tail, literally dozens of them - and they claim that the trams will ease the congestion - no way. Just passed through St Andrew's Square, and now opposite the Cafe Andaluz where Ailsa @ Miss Talk a Lot works, busy little tapas bar.

Not sure what is happening , but I have now been sat down to a breakfast !!! at 7.30 p.m. so that the young lady who is making the new video of the Mercat can update some shots - am I complaining !! - certainly not , if they give me a Clansman.

Enough for the moment - Sparky mark has appeared, having managed to escape the traffic chaos at the Gogar Roundabout

Alnwick ; Berwick, and sun for a change

Wed night and back at home, tried to get a post online last night but the system kept crashing.
So, we all, Grant, Yvonne, Mrs B and self, headed off to Alnwick, which dates back to 1309, a lovely Border town, and apparently one of the best places to live in the UK. Alnwick Castle is very famous, a popular tourist spot, and has been used in the Harry Potter films, Blackadder and several others. had a wander, found a nice jewellers where Grant bought Yvonne a nice bracelet for her birthday on Friday, it was unusual, a new franchise called Pandora.
managed to get a pint in The Fleece, then back to base where the sun was scorching down.
Nice comfy seat, glass of G & T, and we sat and watched Andy Murray toil to win his opening match at Wimbledon.

Haggerston seems to be very popular with the RAF who hurtle overhead fairly low, so between them, flights heading for Newcastle Airport, and the main line trains passing nearby - it was fairly noisy at times.

Then, we were sitting quietly watching the world go by, when our next door neighbour got into his car and reversed straight out his drive, across the road, and carried on straight into the back of my car - BANG- shunted it about three feet forward - when I spoke to the driver and passenger, they said that they had not seen it at all !!!! Bloody twit. Not sure what damage has been caused till it is checked out.

Nice dinner, then we sat and watched a movie, pleasant evening had by all. Including the dog who was not actually drinking the cider, just licking the ice cold glass.

Awake early due to the bright summer night, breakfast and up to a great welcome from the two dogs. Had a wee wander, and was surprised to see how stagnant parts of the so called ponds were within the site - I would think, that with a few days heat they might smell a bit , or even worse. Did not seem to effect the wildlife there, moorhens, ducks, swans, etc.

Decided to head for home to get on with some jobs, so bid our farewells, and headed north on the A1 - not sure what was happening in the Berwick are, but there were ten Police Patrol cars either static, watching, or patrolling on about a ten mile stretch - so they must have been waiting for someone / something. Interesting . Took a detour through Berwick on Tweed, which is quite similar in a way to Alnwick.

Home for mid day, sun had just burnt off the haze and it cleared up to be a super afternoon, spent catching up with gardening and car cleaning, etc - a good job done.
Even met Bobby Watson again , just after talking about him - could have easily headed to the pub with him for a pint.

RGB and Sir Christopher made it to Perth for the flying lesson, and Captain Biggles suffered from air sickness, but it was good , a flight down to the Forth Bridge and back round Fife - so next session already in the diary, probably in a Jumbo jet!!!!

Watching the TV documentary about the five celebrities who spent three days out in the streets of London as homeless persons - The Marquis , James , was a real pain in the bum who cheated and packed in after a couple of days.

Big carry on in the Scottish National Library, where one of the managers had gone round removing Saltire flags and pieces of tartan from offices saying that they are intimidating !!! Hit the front page of a national daily paper.
Need to try and sort out the photos.

Up , up and away

Nice run to Haggerston Castle yesterday afternoon, sun was shining, so it was drinkies on the decking. Nice dinner then the rain came on, a quick splash, but by then we were comfy indoors so a quiet viewing of Mama Mia, kept us amused.

The two dogs, Jazz and Miri are constantly on the go, hard to get a photo of them.

Lovely morning, nice in the sun with a cuppa, forecast looks not too bad, so we may have a run out and then watch Andy Murray later on starting his Wimbledon challange. Hopefully we will not have the same grunting from them as we had from the ladies yesterday.

RGB and Sir Christopher are going to do their Biggles impression later this morning , hope they enjoy themselves.

Father's day over, but I did get a wee treat

Monday a.m., back in post at The Mercat - Sunday was busy , so much for father's Day - in here earluy as usual, however, not quite as busy as normal so no need to get stressed - couple of big groups, one from Rotherham, and about twenty girls from all over England.

Home via Bookers to top up to bar, one of the suppliers having failed to deliver on Saturday.
Ready for a wee snooze when RGB and Go Jo decided that we were allgoing out for dinner - so quick change and we went over to the Craigiebield Hotel, nice and near - Brie starter, then a streak for dinner, couple of pints and bottle of wine. Met several folks we had not seen for ages, then popped along to the bowling club, where there was a final of a triples competition taking place. Nice day , couple of glasses and then home to get the feet up once again. RGB had disappeared down to the Crown where he met up with bobby Watson and John Sheerin - rubgy men through and through.

Must congratualte Claire, who won the ladies championship for the second year running at Newbattle Golf Club - still have to see her in person, but she should be back to do lunch today.

Police are hunting me , to get my interview for the Personal licence for the bar - with the new Licensing act coming into force in September this year - they are runoff their feet trying to get everyone licensed in time.

Taking ourselves off to Haggerston castle this afternoon to team up with Grant , Yvonne and the dogs for a couple of nights - might even attempt to fill up the glass recycling bin !!!

Women Drivers , bowmen, and fanatical fans

Usual Midsummer Night's Dreams, lying wide awake and nowhere to go - not exactly true as there is all ways work to be done in the Bar , even in the middle of the night.

Took the car as I had a load of stuff to pick up later in the day, and having done so I was heading back to the Morrison Street Car park when I saw a car in front of me turn left into Morrison Street, into the face of three lanes of oncoming traffic. Ran round from the car park in time to see a traffic warden about to book her, but I think he realised she was in a "bit of a fix".

Headed home, where our local Bowmen (Penicuik Archery Club) were taking part in a big competition, changed days from the old branch and piece of twine, or even the Red Indians, now they have all these balances, sights, etc, fascinating watching them , and there must have been competitors who are on the national squad.

Having had the Oasis Concert, along with its associated trouble, fights, drunkenness, etc., in Murrayfield, the local paper ran an article about past concerts at Murrayfield over the years, Cliff Richard, The Who, etc. quite interesting - just wonder what some of these fans are doing now?

Mrs. B. was up town on her wanders and met Ray @ Grandad Leydon, wife and family, nice to see them and know that they were well.

Young RGB and Jo Jo were at a BBQ today, for Caroline, her sister, who was making up for missing out last year because wee Amy was quite ill - now that things are improving she was making up for it - so hopefully all went well.

Not sure who I write to to complain, but Mrs B. is not happy about this weather - here we are heading for midsummer - and the weather is crap - despite all the predictions we have rain and it is overcast - but I am sure we had this forecast a couple of years ago from the folks who were doing all the Greenhouse Gas predictions.

Word from the Johnston's of Egham, garage is progressing, looking forward to Dublin in July, and where are we doing in October / November ?

Certainly an important Job !!!

Into town and went in to help out in the Bar, but had had a quick look into the Voodoo Bar where Sam the Joiner and Alex (the Boss) were renovating - an understatement as the place was a real tip, and had to be seen to believed. They were planning to have the place open again tonight- but I think the punters will need to help out.

Over at the Mercat, staff were fine so I had a coffee with Jani next door - he had a letter from the Edinburgh City Council Building Control Enforcement Section - as did everyone in the block. Seems that some one has complained about a satellite dish on the roof, five floors up and hardly visible from the ground. But it had to be treated seriously, nothing said about the other three on the front of the building, or the two on the roof in Palmerston Place. Now trying to find out whose it is so that the Council has order its removal.

Off to George Street for my meeting of Supreme RA, on the way in there was a new banner on the wall outside, with the same motto as the lovely one on the stage beside the organ.

The organ is now being restored before the Edinburgh Festival starts, it is a majestic instrument.

Downstairs ,the Temple was filling up, however there were not as many as usual, but this is expected for this meeting.

Good meeting, then it was a quick cuppa and off to get the car and head home.

Looks like fun and games are about to commence as the Metropolitan Police are starting their criminal investigations into the M P's expenses claims. Our local Paper, Edinburgh Evening News, has a four page pull out tonight about the claims made by our local M P's during the past four years - no wonder they are queuing to get elected.

Will Button win at Siverstone this weekend? wait and see.

Thursday was not as quiet as I had expected.

Not sure if I am fully recovered yet - but from what ? managed a good sleep on Wednesday , no doubt the red wine - which was not so good (part poured down sink) and the Snow Goose whisky, all helped. Did not realise that the Snow Goose Whisky should be served from the freezer as it changes the complexity / taste completely. RGB was not amused when he came home and found me and Mike over the back drinking his tipple , which is not yet on the UK market, while watching the football, New Zealand v South Africa.
However, had a good sleep, um again with the larks, a few chores around the house and then went for a good swim and a session in the steam room. Much needed as i was all tight from the long drive.
This eventually led me to an 80 minute session with Cruella - who was happy as Larry !! No way was this going to be a relaxing massage - she found every knot in my back, shoulders, neck, and legs - more knots than a sailor's workroom , I was put through the mill - It seems that with the weather being so bad on Wednesday , and the van sitting high I was having to tense myself all the time to keep it under control, anyway I now feel much better.

Home, a wee snooze in the chair and it was changed , onto the 141 bus and down the Old Original Hotel, Roslin, for a "Gentleman's Dinner" along with about seventy members and guests of the South East of Scotland Licensed Trade Association ( S E S L T A ). All the usual hooligans were there and I was joined by Grant @ Photogenix, Gordon (Mr Peacock) , Sir Christopher, Andy our Chef, Alan , a Polis from Livingston, and four others at the table. The meal was very good, served by Mr Harris Junior and the team. RGB was chairing the evening in his Role as President of the S E S L T A , did his thing with his usual grace and humour and introduced the two speakers who were both comedians, one from Aberdeen and the other from Tranent ( obviously wearing the yellow shirt). Both were excellent, different styles completely , and the place was in an uproar - superb entertainment.
Anyway , a good night was had my all and it was up the road and a collapse into the old scratcher.
Heading off to the Mercat Bar shortly , then a meeting at 2.30 p.m. of Supreme Royal Arch Chapter, Freemason's Hall , George Street, so that will keep me out of mischief.
There is a big lump of dead trout defrosing on the bunker - so it looks like we will be having one of Sparky Mark's catches for dinner tonight.

Only 707 miles to Birmingham and back !! A dawdle.

Managed three and a half hours sleep, woke at 1.40 a.m., and dozed for ages, then fell asleep and at 4.45 had a mad rush to get up and out. Through to Glasgow to see Fraser and then headed south. At this stage it was chucking it down (raining) and continued to do so, with some horrific road conditions between spray and a light mist, most of the day , and only cleared about 4 p.m. when I was north of the Border and heading home.

Yesterday, going to Dundee I took the Ford, and was taking my time, doing 70 mph and was left standing by most of the motors on the road, this morning I took the big motor and was going a "bit faster", but even so was passed by a number of motors, including the obligatory white van man who were most certainly doing well over 100 mph. They were lucky not tgo get nailed by the unmarked gre Police saloon car - who was preying on victims in the Thelmell Viaduct area.
Couple of accidents on the M 6 but they did not hold anyone up, whereas the many roadworks which have sprung up all have the usual 50 mph signs and Police cameras, - but no person working - dashed pest.

Drove straight south to Birmingham and entered from J 6, and it was actually very straight forward to get where I was going, passed straight though The Bull Ring on the A 34, although I popped out an underpass about 100 yards from my turn off and had to go on a bit and then take a detour to get back to where I was going. Turns out this lab was not far from another I had been to some time ago.

About turned with little delay and headed back north through real bad rain for Runcorn - where on arrival I discovered that Jill had gone on holiday with my permission - wait till I see her. In her place was Nicky, who had strict instructions not to let anyone in - so Lorraine had to get off her botty and fetch me.
Again , I wasted no time and was soon back on the road heading North to Glasgow. The rain continued to pour down and it was surprising how many cars were crawling along in the slow lane causing havoc to the lorries who were pushing on. There were also a couple of abnormal loads which took up two lanes slowing everyone down to crawling speed.

Reached Glasgow, in and out to beat the rush hour traffic and then home on the M 8 - which realistically in this day and age is a disgrace of a road, considering the volume of traffic on it., long tail backs coming into Edinburgh, possible added to by the numbers making for the Oasis Concert tonight at Murryfield, which fortunately is creating havoc at The Mercat where they are getting hammered with customers. I did offer to detour into the town and go and help but RGB sent me home - perhaps an early father's day present !!!

On the A702, spotted the horses and foals, so I stopped and managed a snap of the brown foal, but the black one was refusing to oblige. In the next field, father and son (Highland cattle) were grazing, and they were a bit more photogenic, although I did not ask for their autographs. I think "Dad" needs a wee visit to my Turkish barber and have his eyebrows trimmed and ears set on fire !!

Home , tired, 707 miles, which realistically is not sensible for a single day's run !!! but fortunately I was fine all the way , perhaps the two cans of Red Bull helped a bit - but not recommended.

Listened to BBC Radio 2 all day as I get fed up with all the adverts on the Commercial Stations. Bit of a carry on in Belfast last night with the locals and the Albanians living there. I just cannot believe that the Deputy Minister, Martin (Bloody IRA Bomber) McGuinness, had the nerve to come out and condemn the so called Racist attacks after what he was responsible for for years. It would appear to be the work of a very small minority, but so were the bombings !! - and the greater community has rallied round to help these folks. On the other hand, had we not opened up the barriers in Europe for so called free trade and passage, there would not have been all these folks housed in the middle of deprived areas with high unemployment. One caller said that they are inundated at Bangor every day with them coming in to beg, then hitting the local supermarkets to stock up. This lot are not even bothering with the lower paid jobs so they are not depriving the locals of work.

Michael Martin , had some wonderful tributes from the MP's today before he left - turns out that a year ago he told them to put their house in order with regard to the expenses system, but they ignored him - hell mend the lot of them.

From a Penicuik perceptive, have to say that Brian Sibson, The Butcher, who was excellent has shut up shop, he could compete any longer with the local supermarkets - he was a well known local whose business will be a loss to those who did appreciate good meat.

A day trip to Bonnie Dundee

Nice morning, bit of a long lie before heading off towards Dundee. Over the Forth Road Bridge, then decided to take the scenic route along the A91 towards St Andrews, through Auchtermuchty, a nice run, not as fast as the motorway but nice and steady.

Eventually came up over the hill and had a lovely view of Dundee before crossing the Road Bridge, built in 1966 and 7365 feet long, the longest in the country at the time and built to save a round trip of fifty miles. There was a massive oil rig in the Harbour obviously being worked on.

Lots of roadworks around the city centre so I had to go round a few roundabouts, the long way, till I eventually got to the Tayside Police H Q in Bell Street. Short stop and then headed off back to the Perth Road but stopped at the car park by the River Tay at Discovery Point.

The Ship, Discovery built in 1901, with a bulkhead twenty six inches thick, which Captain Scott sailed to the Antarctic in is a popular visitor attraction. At the end of the 19th Century there were around three hundred sailing ships trading out of Dundee harbour, and more from Perth Harbour further inland along the Tay.

On the side of the walkway nearby is the bronze plaque commemorating the non stop flight of Mercury, a seaplane from Dundee to Alexander Bay, South Africa, a distance of 6041 nautical miles. The plane left on 6th October 1938, and to save fuel was lifted into the air, piggy back style by a much larger seaplane. Pilot was DC Bennett and the 1st Officer Ian Harvey.

Near to the plaque is the Alexander Fountain which was presented to the City by the Lord Provost and named after Alexander Bay where the plane crash landed.

To the west is the Tay Rail Bridge, built in 1878, however there was a terrible storm on December 1879 when the centre spans collapsed while a train was crossing taking the train and passengers to a watery grave.


Headed home the quick way, along the dual carriageway, over the Friarton Bridge at Perth and onto the M 90 south to Edinburgh and Penicuik.

Home, for a quiet day, managed a good swim and a session in the steam room, but then ended up at The Bush, going apoplectic with folks about the cars lying around, semi abandoned, following yet more complaints. They have a cheek, knowing that they could not do the same on their own door steps - but happy to do it around their workplace.

Tried to get a hold of someone at Midlothian Council, via the switchboard - to discover that they had retired some time ago unknown to some of the staff - how many more are AWOL.

More on the Tramworks, the former boss of TIE, Willie Gallacher, who quit after seven and a half months is to get a bonus of £41, 000 ( £270 a day) from the public kitty. His bosses say that he did a good job while he was there !!! I am sure he blooming well knew he was in for a bonus when he packed in - yet another greedy sod working within the system.

AND despite that there are calims that the 1st phase of the works are nearly finished, there are tenders out for a company to start 6000 metres of new work with the utilities in Leith. Leith Walk still has 60% of the work to do despite being in a state of constant upheaval for over two years.

No bowling tonight, despite the fact it is a nice evening - had to get my jobs done, and feet up before my Runcorn and Birmingham run in the morning