Chilling out - momentarially

11 a.m. on Saturday morning and for once I am still in the house, although, having said that I have been typing and printing stuff for the Mercar Bar and Grill - and will be there later in the day for "Mellissa's birthday party".
Been a busy week at the Inn as they say, once again lovely clients  through the doors and yesterday I had a visit from one of my former workmates,  Alwyn, with her sister and friends  back in the Bar  after an absence of four years , and as she said in the words of Arni  "I'll be back" which was good.

Managed to make contact with the Johnston's of Chobham, who had nice X-mas with the munchkins.

Edinburgh Rugby playing today, time they got a win under their belt - a bit of a morale boost needed.

Nice to see Andy Murray and Bradley Wiggins getting  Knighthoods in the New years honours list, a hell of a lot more effort and dedication by them than the prima donna footballing fraternity.

Have heard from the Karabins and Briggs families in P.A., USA who are up to their proverbials in snow, whilst the "Upside down" folks are sweating off their "****ocks" in the summer sun.

Another day , another dollar - maybe.

X-mas wishes , better late that than never

What a disappointment in not being able to post a blog on X-mas day as usual,  however, work comes first, paid or voluntary !!   and with two twelve hour shifts under our belts the pensioners are now trying to recover after Xmas day.
I think back to a few years ago when we actually had a reasonbly comfortable life,  time to ourselves, holidays (!!!), but now, between helping out, training courses, hospital treatments,  free time and chilling are things of the past.

Christmas tragedies with a triple fatal road accident on the A68 at Pathhead on Christmas eve when three buddist monks, all seated in the rear of a car died while the driver and front seat passenger survived, (we saw the convoy of ambulances taking the deceased to the City)  and x-mas day a family died on the M6 motorway near J14.       I also heard from a friend in the USA whose sister died on X-as eve - so sad.

Life being so contrary/ fickle we had a wonderfull day in the (new) Mercat Bar and Grill,  Whitecraig , on X-mas day with a full house of lovely guests who were were very complimentary about their meal and treatment.  We even had the lovely Alana and family there,  what a surprise to see her after such a long time after she left us at the Mercat to move on to pastures new. Even Lawrence and Sue came down from the town for their lunch- great that they joined us.

News from the "upside down people"  Robbie, Caitlin and Jack,:Scottie; Phil and Debs, who are suffering from the heat in Oz, whilst the "Titanium man"  - Graham Briggs (and Terrie), the Karabins and Co in Westchester, PA, are all under snow.


However - despite the sexy tights I hung at the bottom of my bed (not mine) still being empty, I did get lovely presents  (no socks or underpants) -  Claire and Carolyn, knowing I have a love for gadgets bought me a flexi bendy multi function screwdriver - a mega gadget, and the treat of the year were the tickets for the "Orient express - UK "  superb.

Going to try and have a day off tomorrow,

Just a couple of paragraphs

Only three more sleeps till Santa Clause  pops down the chimney  on X mas day - hopefully he will have either wheels or floats on the sled to cope with the lack of snow and the excess of water.

I did attempt this entry last night but was interrupted in mid sentence, lost the train so hit the delete button -  a handy thing to have,  just a pity it does not work on humans!!    However, tonight, hot off the press, Loius and Flavia won the Strictly Come Dancing Final,  well deserved and brilliant for the lad who had lots of criticism throughout the series -   beats the X-Factor hands down.

Good changes underway at the "new" Mercat bar and Grill, Whitecraig, which is undergoing a facelift, generating lots of good comments from the clientele - comfortable and well worth a visit.  Now a home from home for several customers, enticed by the meringues !! and fine food -  all also on the x-mas day menu.

Wee car still in sick bay, bad time of the year for mechanics.

Thoughts are with the family and friends of Alan McGregor, PM of Lodge St Leonards Loahead, and PZ of RA  Honour Concorde and Fidelity who died suddenly last week - smashing bloke.

Chilling out - no way.

A totally appalling incident currently unfolding at Sandy Hook school in Connetticut, USA, where a gunman has killed at least twenty four children - shocking, and our thoughts go out to the families and survivors.

Obviously I am still in the land of the living, but the words retirement, chilling out, relaxation, do not fit into our current lifestyle which is mega hectic.

Was at a wedding last week with Grant@Photogenix down at Archerfield Golf Club, by Gullane - what a lovely place, and a fantastic wedding and reception for Emma and William.

Helping all week at the renamed Mercat Bar and Grill, Whitecraig,  now working on the principal that if you need a job doing quickly, do it yourself !!!   May take a wee bit longer,  but you also get the satisfaction of doing it, and if it is wrong - no one to blame but oneself.

Down to Tranent to Forresters RA on Wednesday night to see "Young Bert" getting his honorary membership, well deserved as he is a great supporter of all the Chapters in the Province -   but apologies to Kenny Jack as I am in no fit state (too tired)  to make it to his reinstallation at Pitlochry tonight.     And ,  no red wine or anything stronger that coffee for seven weeks, no reason why - it,s a bit of a mystery.

Rumour has it that Santa is due to appear in a couple of weeks!! the way things are we might miss it.

From ducks to brass monkeys

Wellie weather last week, this week thermal underwear is the order of the day - "dashed perishing old chap" and that is an understatement - anti freeze needed for the radiators, central heating up full blast, and if the worst come to the worst, snuggle up in bed.  So I suppose the "freebie" of the week was the ice scrapers from the bank, while the cool bag from Costco can stay in the wrapper a bit longer. Bargain was the Kilo of Lurpak for £2.99p against Tesco's £5.65 ( or £4.00 for two 500gms ).

Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Band were disbanded after a long and distinguished career, looks as though the Police want bobbies on the beat and not for show !!   Now joining the ranks of the expensive can do with outs -  gone are the days of the "tartan mafia" getting drunk at the expense of the tourists as was the norm many years ago.  Mounted section (horses) were merged with Strathclyde some time ago which has seemingly improved the service.

720 Dalhouse Installation this evening, and St Bernard de Clairveaux Preceptory meeting this afternoon,  which I missed due to my final session of training at the Edinburgh Airport Hilton - life might just return to a degree of normality again as my three months of being up to my ears in training manuals comes to an end for a while.

From the TV,  Strictly Come Dancing was excellent and even the X-Factor was much improved having gotten rid of the rubbish, Jahmene was exceptional.

Looks like the paint brushes and wallpaper paste will be out in a few days at the rebranded Mercat Bar and Grill, Whitecraig,  (formerly the Dolphin Inn), continues to undergo it metamorphosis. Looks like the introduction of a 25 hour day and 8 day week may be necessary very soon.

 

In need or therapy.

For some it has been a bit of a hair curling experience working with me !!!  Air has been blue as I try to come to terms with our so called British workmen  "cash in hand "  "up front", more cowboys coming out the woodwork here than in Texas !!  and hardly any of them capable of organising a "p*** up in a brewery".   That was nice - calming !!!   I was in Booker's once again today and wandering around  mentally sacking everyone who had been annoying me (not Booker's staff)  although I did have a bit of a debate over the prices they have been charging - compared to , dare I say it - "Tesco" ,   who are selling two, 250 gm tubs of Lurpack for £4.00  a brilliant saving of £1.56p over their 500 tub which matches Booker's  so where is the wholesale saving or is this proof that there is a cartelling of yet more items -  Lydl is the same.

Made it to RA 500  Laird O'Cockpen last night for  Sparky Mark's first night in the hot seat,  he did well and the Companions enjoyed a good wee session of harmony afterwards,  I even won the first prize in the raffle,  had the choice of four pies or a bottle of whisky - no prize for guessing which I took.

Absolutely beautiful morning today, cold and crisp with perfect lighting as the sun came up - but my sympathies do go to the many hundreds of families down South and in Wales who are still trying to cope with the horrendous flooding.   BUT there have been some incidents which are mind boggling -  the Landrover driver,  who having seen another Landrover being washed away decided to drive into the same ford, and wondered how he came to also be washed away and trapped -  hope his insurance does not pay up.  AND the flooded building which had been built over a piped in stream.  In the Bible there is a parable about the wise man building his house upon a rock, and the foolish man building his on sand - perhaps there are some builders, architects and planning officials who need to have a real look at their hair brained schemes.
Might even have calmed down a little more in the past twenty minutes.

A fun filled week.

Yet another few days have zoomed by,  and of course we did get the rain (as requested) so most of the builders' mud has gone from the car park at the Dolphin.  New signs were supposed to be up on Tuesday, or was it Wednesday, or perhaps maybe Thursday -  but a sign of the times and British workmanship - we now hope that they will go up on Monday when the Dolphin will change name to the Mercat,  sister pub to the The Mercat Bar in Edinburgh, which as you know is still under siege by the "Blessed" tram works.
Still no progress in getting the wee Smart car fixed,  seems that the mechanics at Mercedes who my friend spoke to have never come across this particular fault -  makes the car perfect for a learner driver, to be able to sit with the engine running, pop it into and out of gear and car goes nowhere - but the heater works !!
Been busy as usual,  made it to Lodge Dalhousie 720  on Tuesday night for Craig Gordon's greeting meeting - full house with about one hundred and twenty present -  Craig has done brilliantly well during his three years in the Chair,  he now deserves to be able to take a back seat for a while.
Out on Wednesday night after a day down here, and again, due to work missed the E Division retired Officers Dinner at Tranent - I am sure they had a brilliant night.
Long day today,   headed off for breakfast at BNI, and as usual a great session, just bouncing - from there to do one of my one jobs for a change so that was up till lunchtime - next, onto the computer - still trying to get mail to a client whose "Firewall/ anti virus does not seem to like me-  then down to Loanhead for the meeting of RA Honor Concorde and Fidelity,  309 -  small group,  but the candidate was someone who I had known as a "wee laddie" when his father was my first Boss here in Scotland - and he is certainly not a wee laddie now- 6'4'' at least.  And now down at the Dolphin putting the place to bed.
Back to the Airport Hilton tomorrow for my training day which will set me up for another evening back here - and on Sunday the darts team are doing a twelve hour darts marathon to raise funds for charity -  as a follow on to the £360 which we raised for Children in Need last weekend.  Must say that the customers are very good towards the various charities locally.
Have forgotton what a weekend is or the meaning of being retired.

A time to gripe - but who can blame me.

Taking a wee bit time out while watching the Scotland v South Africa game at Murryfield and the way things are looking after forty minutes, I think we might well be second again !!  not good for our world rankings.

Bit more tidying up at the Dolphin Inn this morning,  forgive me for saying this, but now needing a wee rain to wash some of the dirt away from the car park - no excuse now for folks driving by which was happening last week when all the "workie's " vehicles were on site.    This not only interested the locals,  but the lads were checked out by a DSS investigators who are operating in the Edinburgh area along with the Police and checking out all sorts of sites to ensure that the workmen and their vehicles are all legal and above board.  I am pleased to say that all our chaps were legitimate and the officers left with favourable comments.

Obviously the black economy is a big loss of revenue,  however I was appalled to see that Abu Hamza was released on bail once again, and has already started "working" the system again - it is costing the country a fortune with these folks working the system - in itself doing nothing illegal but morally wrong - and our government is daft enough to allow this to happen, time and time again.  You can bet your bottom dollar that if he tried this in his own country he would have been dealt with a long time ago.

Not the tram works again, yes,  I was in town yesterday and the workmen were saying that the safety barriers will be in place for up to another year !!!    so today the Mercat Bar, which sits slap bang in the middle, is really losing out with the rugby crowds as, in addition to the barriers,  the Police are sending pedestrians round the back streets !!    I heard of another three businesses in the street who are already on their knees and facing closure -  well done Edinburgh City Council (NOT)

Just to add to my woes, my central heating has packed in - so it will an early bed and pray for no snow or frost yet.

Time waits for no man

Once again , time is my worst enemy,  although the fact that I cannot guarantee any more to get logged into this site does not help.

Been mega busy with my training course and homework -   busy at the Dolphin Inn between conventional bar duties and emergency work with a shovel and barrow -  we have filled three skips including a large twenty foot one -  so full that the driver could not lift it and we had to empty loads out into another.
Building looking good with the outer stonework all repainted - next job, the new signage  (Mercat), and then inside.
X-mas day lunch look like it is going to be popular again - confirmed numbers and enquiries building.

R A C came to the rescue today when the Tut Tut died on me while scooting into Edinburgh - towed all the way home, so looks like a major problem -  good job I have another one ( Blue Peter style)  parked at the back door.   It was the same RAC man as towed me home in the same car about a year ago.
Mrs B now a dab hand at cup cakes and meringues,  she has made some wonderful cakes for the Children in Need Appeal -  just need to sell them.

Been missing out on my masonic duties,  but I cannot be everywhere as they say - Forrester's worked a Mark Degree on Tuesday;  last night John Lynch was given Honorary membership at Esk 42  RA. and on Saturday night the Grand Superintendent's Dinner takes place at Bonnyrigg.

Tonight I have missed the Retired Police Officers Dinner  (E Div) which has been revived by several of the "younger" retired officers,  well done, and tomorrow there is a retiral doo which I will also miss.
Up at 4.30 a.m. this morning, still staggering by the time I made it to the car, and tomorrow it is a 5.40 am rise for the BNI.  -  So much for being retired !!!!!

Work Goes On - and on

Long run again today, Glasgow, Manchester, and back - as they say, no rest for the wicked.

Having problems with this blog site which does not let me on every day, so with lots of messing about I run out of time, instead of doing my usual wee quickies.
The changes are now progressing at the Dolphin Inn,  outside work slowly transforming the site, so a few more days and it will look a bit different - and for the better.
After a long day - just been told I am now up again at crack of dawn to go to the BNI  - so oops, sorry, off to bed.

Checking in - once again a bit late.

Might not be all that clear, but there is a rainbow in there somewhere.  Captured by Mrs. B. from our back door.   Far too much on my plate at the moment so unfortunately the blog has been slipping more than a bit.
Weather here, must not grumble, having watched the scenes of devastation along the eastern seaboard of the USA, Hurricane Sandy was a nasty piece of work indeed.  We even had relatives in New York who witnessed it all first hand, who are hopefully home safe and sound. -   There was a piece of newsreel about the self inflicted devastation in Libya and an appeal for aid -  under the circumstances  I think we should have been sending aid to New York.

James Bond night at the Mercat last week was a roaring success, full house, good food and nice wines.  We even had three birthdays to celebrate.   To top off the week we made it to the cinema to see "SKYFALL",  excellent and some good shots of our own highland scenery, well worth a second and subsequent viewings.
Much of my time taken up at the Dolphin Inn these days where things are progressing - probably more quickly than the tram works (could not resist the dig), only time will tell.
Bonfire night tonight, lots of banging going on, and RGB has a wee fire going with a box of bangers to cheer up Arron and Amy - which will probably mean that they will not sleep tonight.

I see out that our illegal/ or otherwise immigrants hit the headlines once more -greedy theiving scamming so and so's.  However, with yet another of our M.P.s being caught out at the fiddle, with examples being set, who can blame the populace, home grown or otherwise.

We live in a difficult world

Time just flies by -  10 p.m. several days later and this is "FREE TIME" -  so much for retirement - good job I did not book any holidays !!.

Thinking back - if that is possible,  "Sparky" Mark was installed as MEZ at RA 500, a superb night, well attended which went on way past my leaving. Nice to see a full team of Office bearers for the next year.
It was just unfortunate that the day was also the funeral of Malcolm Mcleod, a member of 720 -  the Lodge being host for the "wake" with nearly three hundred family and friends being present.

We also lost one of our regular customers in the Dolphin Inn this week, suddenly and on the morning of the funeral of his own brother - very, very sad - we will miss both him and his banter.

Watching an old episode of "Spooks" which just hammers home the fact that the UK,  USA and "The Western World" generally the are in a constant state of alert from attacks by Al Queda, from both external and internal sources. BUT having said that, we cannot anticipate the actions of the irrational independents who appear from time to time - no time to relax.

Not quite on the same theme, but our scrap metal thieves and tinky types are still active, even to to point of switching number plates on their vehicles to avoid detection -  nothing is sacred.

Tonight the Government announced that we were out of the recession,   what a load of rubbish,  the banks are making a fortune , the public are losing a fortune and major Companies are announcing job losses - just who do we believe -   it would be nice if everybody just told the truth for once and started working together.

With those few thoughts I retire for the night.

Lost in Space - and Hoaxers galore

What a grey day (so far),  and despite the forecast , not a bit blue in the sky -  no wonder folks are keen to get away to the sun,  the downside being the fact that we have to come back again - unless there is a bit of luck with the lottery.

So, busy as usual, but a couple of interesting snippits.
Lady calling herself Karen Kelly phoned the pub asking where her copy of the xmas  menu was, stated she had called a couple of times asking for it - which was news to me as there was no record.  As she had left no contact number I did the usual check and obtained the number 08006783393 - which I thought was a bit strange, so I did a "Google" search and discovered that there were lots and lots of entries regarding this number. It is a hoax / nuisance caller who is phoning all over the UK, leaving messages and the return calls seem to be going to a Hospital in Glasgow.  These is a list of similar numbers, all used by these pests - so be aware,   bearing in mind that there are also Premium Rate numbers which cost several pounds a minute when you call back, all going into scammers pockets.    If you do not know or recognise the number, IGNORE IT, they will call back.  Same applies to "E"mails.

I went to the "49 Wine and Whiskey Club" monthly lunch on Thursday at the Roxburgh Hotel, Edinburgh,.  My lunch companion was a lady from Bonnybridge, near Falkirk,  the hot spot  of UFO activity in the UK for many years, with numerous sightings reported over the years, including the alleged landing of a craft.   She was telling me that her Aunt filmed some activity several years ago, handed the film to the authorities for examination,  but when it came back to her, sections of the film had been deleted -  most suspicious.    This was the town who called a public meeting to discuss the sightings and sent radio messages into the "ether" inviting the Aliens to send a representative - sadly there must have been something else on that day, or they got lost, as no one attended.

Tramwork tensions

Quite a sad turn of events today, especially having had a nice start in the morning with a wonderful quiet, calming coffee in the refurbished Waldorf Astoria (The Caley Hotel), just perfect.   BUT  having left there en route to Jessops in Shandwick Place I passed two of the tramworks workies outside  the Coral Bookies shop who, from the telephone conversation they were having, had a hot tip for a horse,  further along the street I took the above photo.  This obviously was not a good move as the two chaps then followed me along the street, demanded to know why I was taking their picture and to put it bluntly things got a bit heated, with various comments about the lack of work and progress being done to progress the tramworks.  The blokes were certainly not happy about being photographed and said they were on their break.  At one point I thought they were after my camera, but I am getting past fighting in the street.
This is a multi million £ project, causing serious loss of revenue to all the businesses in the street, yet there were only four men, two doing pyhsical work and two with measuring devices - on this stretch of road -  there were more men standing with hands in their pockets and sitting in vans - WHERE WAS THE SUPERVISION.   The whole project has been a joke from start to finish .  One shopkeeper I spoke to in this section said that his revenue was down by 33% in the past year - but he was just managing to cope with the support of his parent company -  BUT what about the small businessman who, in some cases is taking home less in personal wages than the idle sods being employed!!!!! -  God help them if they ever considered being self employed.
 

Rambling of the Wyze One

So the rains came down and the time came up -  but being wise, my house is built upon the rock and will not budge, nor will I need an Ark like the late Noah!!!

Had a morning in the house,  interrupted regularly by these offensive and intrusive cold callers -  I did think that once on the Callers registry they were all supposed to stop,  but it seems to be getting worse.  I have regular text messages on my mobile telling me how much money I am due with this PPI banking thingy,  however,   I knoiw I have nothing due,  and a friend in the financial world ( a contradiction in terms) was saying that these folks only have your phone number and no more information - just another "Ugandan" style scam,  run, like the others by predatory elements within our so called civilised society

Young Mr Murray had better get his finger out and win another major or he will be losing credibility - however, we did say that about Paul Lawrie when he won the British Open Golf a few years ago - and he has worked away at his game, making a good living and picking up some nice trophies on his way.

Craig Levine must be thinking his jacket is on a shakey peg after last Friday nights Scotland game against Wales ,  maybe that is why tonight's game is on "Council TV" as no one is prepared to pay the exhorbitant fees BSkyB are charging for their so called service.    Bit of a rip off - and each year they try to force a few more pennies from the household kitty.

Not too sure if I would like to emulate the chappie who just set the skydiving record over New Mexico, breaking the sound barrier in the process - good job he was tucked up in a sealed space suit - if it was me making that jump, I think the  saying "adreniline is brown" might be proven.

James Bond comes to the Mercat Bar on Saturday the 27th October,   a birthday party turned into a theme night with everyone dressing up, meal and wines - should be good.

Old acquaintances

Bit unusual,   even more time off so I headed to Lothian and Borders Police  HQ  this afternoon for the AGM of the RPOA meeting,      and was so pleased to meet one of my ex team,  Ben Kelly,  who I have not seen for at least four years.

Meeting was well attended with about fifty members present - very good,   but for me it was good to meet up with a few of the members, and then Ben, who along with Phil Cronin , Neil Forbes and Raymond Hall have organised a dinner for E Div officers at the Elco Club, Tranent on 15th November  - well done boys -  I look forward to seeing all there.

Two days of being on the loose

What a difference a couple of days make,  time off and into town on my travels I ended up on the first trip back at Ocean Terminal where some visitors were tied up at the quayside - the "Searcher" is one of our own customs ships, doing a great job stopping the smuggles, and flow of illegal immigrants,  however if the European Bureaucrats get their way we will soon be swamped with benefit scavengers walking through the front door with their blessing. 

The warship was the French Naval ship, FS Latouche Treville  D646, possibly dropping off a new consignment of onions at the local fruit market, although I not seen any "Onion Johnnies" out on their bikes recently.

Tied up in the foreground was the Norwegian diesel electric submarine S303,  it looked very small compared to the much larger British and US subs we regularly see on newsreels.

Now,  having driven past the Gogar tram depot on numerous occasions,  I stopped yesterday for a look at our gleaming fleet of trams, now out of warranty, probably rusted to the rails with seized wheels, while the tram workies in the City eat their Greggs pies, stand at the cashline, and drop their odd change into the "help me " buckets outside the shops and businesses which they are slowly strangulating out of business.

Still no sign of any recompense from the Edinburgh City Council;  the rates folks,  and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has been conspicuous by their silence -  I just wonder what the true scale of personal loss is related to this project.

I spoke to one businessman today who has been getting rates demands which he cannot pay, he has asked for the City Councillors to take a walk through the West End to see the extent of the deprivation being caused and the empty premises  -  only thing being that the Councillors would benefit by additional allowances claims if they made the visit - probably more than the businesses would take in the day. 

Still in one piece and with my clothes on.

Contrary to all belief I have not expired,  just so busy that there are not enough hours in the day for me at the moment.

Last week I spotted the "Naked Rambler" as he headed southwards on the A701 at Milton Bridge heading towards Peebles, and I hear he has now crossed the Border into England with no arrests since leaving HM Prison, Edinburgh.  Had he been walking out from Penicuik in his naked state I might have assumed that he had been a victim of yet more of the Tesco daily diddles/ conundrums.  Which of course was fun when one of the young Tesco ladies decided to interview me for an in store survey - she soon learned why it is that I take ages to do my shopping as I try to fathom out what really is the best buy,  but I suppose the same would happen if I were to shop in any of the other big supermarkets, as they all operate to make a profit and the shopper is forever the loser. 
I did end up challenging staff about misleading labelling on the Fairy Liquid display, and he did admit that they did not have the goods for sale !!!  I see that the Fairy product has been toppled from its place as No 1 in the  market,   the company even changed the formula without letting the public know.
We have had some lovely customers at the Dolphin Inn, even a Ruby Wedding anniversary which went brilliantly well, while the Mercat Bar still suffers from the tramworks -  BUT, BUT,  there is a rumour going around that the present works might be completed in five or six weeks ( pigs might fly).

Time on fast forward once again

Biggest disappointment tonight was not being able to make it to the Mercat Bar for their whisky tasting evening, however, old age, the need to recuperate and a backlog of work - plus another early rise more or less decreed that common sense should prevail.   BUT,  I did have a wonderful 1997 LINKWOOD  cask strength single malt on Tuesday night which went down a treat.

Was at a meeting yesterday when we were discussing the sophistication of the thieving travelling folks who are targeting the region, using new vehicles, rented vehicles, wearing High Viz gear and moving from one target to the next with apparent impunity as folks are not reporting them to the Police.

Worse still are the two females who are dressed as Policewomen and gaining entry into the homes of the elderly where they are stealing cash and valuables.

Basking shark seen off the coast at North Berwick  by one of the previous owners of the Dolphin Inn - good job that they live on plankton.

Last entry I was sitting in the eye of the storm -  because it hit us later in the night with flooding in Haddington, Musselburgh,  however, it was a minor deluge to that which hit  the North of England,  Yorkshire, and Wales which tragically led to the death of the young couple in Wrexham who drowned in a flooded stream trying to rescue their dog.

Quadruple roll over on the National Lottery on Saturday -  Do I feel lucky !!!!!

The Eye of the Storm

Could say that I have no idea what the fuss is all about -  weather warnings,  poo hoo-  however I will not speak too soon. 
While other parts of the UK have been buffetted and drookit by winds and rain, we have been quite fortunate so far with only lightish rain and the occasional gust of wind.  BUT the forecast if for much worse to come, so we must be sitting either on the edge of this weather front or bang in the middle of it.  I  hear that a lady was killed in Kew Gardens, London, by a falling branch,  not so good.
The weather is so unpredictable,  two glorious days, apart from the morning frosts and having to scrape the ice from the car, then this.
Not a lot to report other than working hard at the Dolphin Inn, where there is big panic - we have run out of the home made meringues -  so Mrs. B will need to get her skates on .   They proved to be very popular over the weekend.

Had a nice wee E mail from Bennie, our escort /guide who looked after us a few years ago when we visited China on a Cosmos/ Archer's tour.  Nice when folks keep in touch.

First meeting of the new season at RA 500 tomorrow night,  missed an Installation at Dundas on Friday with being at work,  so that gives us a month before we get Sparky Mark installed as the MEZ and I lose my title of IPZ.

Our not so eco friendly travelling folks (tinkies) at Smeaton have been having a ball, doing their bit for atmospheric polution, by generation large plumes of smoke - probably from burning cables, or tyres.
We even had a rather audacious  car theft, two in fact, when intruders entered two houses in Inveresk  during the day, got car keys and stole an Audi and a Mercedes,  plus a third high value vehicle not so far away, same time -  so the moral of the story, do not leave your house doors unlocked and the car keys where they can be easilly found.

A pet, but still a tragedy

While working at the Dolphin Inn on Tuesday there was great activity in the field at the rear of the pub, with Police,  Firemen, and a variety of marked vans .  Not intruding, there was great speculation as to what had happened, a disused mine shaft perhaps,  collapsed sewer, and so on -  however we learned the next day that a springer spaniel dog, being walked by its  owner, had fallen into a sewer drain and been washed away.  It transpired that the drain cover had disappeared, presumed stolen by increasing number of scrap metal thieves who are operating freely in the country.
One of our clients had remarked that he had driven over the moors into the Scottish Borders and on the road the all drain covers had all been stolen, a hazzard.
Back to the local drain, the dog is still missing, presumed dead.
BUT - what of the scrap metal -  unscrupulous dealers are obviously buying the metals without question , might even be flogging it to the Chinese or Indians  - yet another example of our Foreign aid contribution.

Invasions of privacy - not just Prince William and Kate

If I was to walk along the street naked, I could not object if someone took my photograph and sold it to the media,  however, I would object if I had gone out well away form the public, seeking privacy, to discover that a photographer had followed me for the sole purpose of trying to get a picture of me. 
The same must surely apply to the recent much publicised incident whereby a photographer stakes out a private secluded dwelling or stalks the inhabitants with the sole purpose of getting a "scoop" - and of course this is what happened to Prince William and Kate (his wife)  whilst holidaying at Vicount Lindlay's  home in the Provence of France.

There is no way on earth that a cameraman, sitting 300m away with a telephoto lens can conceivably claim that he took pictures with the participants consent - and then to tout them around the International media for personal gain -    I am delighted that the French courts have agreed to back the complaint made by Prince William, and look forward to seeing the paparazzi getting their come uppers.
    

Edinburgh tram debacle - is it pananoia

Now - a sight for sore eyes,  three guys alert, interested and totally aware and interested about their surroundings - yes - of course I am talking about the Meercats,  not the three men allegedly working on the site of the ongoing tram debacle which is now strangulating the business community in the West End and Haymarket areas of Edinburgh.  Local traders already having suffered losses from similar disruption three years ago, are now into a year of this current catastrophe with another year to try and hold out !!  time to ask the Edinburgh City Council and the Chamber of Commerce for the true statistics of the failed businesses so far.

 

I wonder what the tourists might think of the City when they pass boarded up buildings in the new "Ghost town" once the trams eventually come in on their seven mile journey from the airport.

What was more interesting,  having watched the several spoof videos on U Tube, was the black and white video about the "Demise of the Edinburgh Trams", a ninety minute fascinating documentary about the tram system in Edinburgh, dating back from the late 1800's till it finally closed in November 1946.  At one time there were forty seven miles of tram lines around the city running as far out as Colinton, Port Seaton, Fairmilehead and Granton -  just amazing footage and well worth a "gander".

Murdered by a maniac - Policewomen doing their job.

Being back on line the most horrific event in the past few days to effect me has been the murder of the two female police officers, Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes in Manchester where they were lured to their deaths by a hoax call to a burglary.    Obviously not all details are being made public, but I find it very strange that the suspect Dale Creegan, who was also wanted for interview in connection with the murders of father and son, David and Mark Short a short time ago, walked into a Manchester Police Station a short time after the policewomen were killed and surrendered himself - why ?
Was he afraid that he might be shot and killed himself by the Police seeking him ?   Has he set up an alibi which the Police might have to disprove? Is he out to seek publicity as a serial killer and a "cop killer"?   BUT - what is worse -  he will get legal aid and the best defence lawyers available who will also benefit from the publicity - how despicable !!!  just horrendous .
I do not think that we need to arm the Police any more than they are at the moment,  there has to be a change in public attitude to stop these thugs and scumbags - might even be a need to rethink the abuse of the European Bill of Human Rights and even consider the reintroduction of Capitol Punishment.    There seems to be a slow erosion into the value of human life - we see and hear in the media of killings every day around the World, in Eastern Europe, in Afghanistan, in the USA, etc and with the continuing influx of immigrants into the UK, this may also be a contributory factor.

Try the new blogs, apologies

Have not the faintest idea what is going on here,  this blog was closed to me a few days ago and i started a new one on StuartBlaikieplus1@blogspot.com,   this also shut down so if I cannot get back in I will  start a new one on StuartBlaikieplus@blogspot.com.

Hope this makes sense - more than google have been doing.

Blogging problems

Once again I will try to write, but if not try the new blog by looking at StuartBlaikieplus1@blogspot.com - but hopefully new one on StuartBlaikieplus@blogspot.com will work  " Yet more happenings in the life of me and my friends (budgie deceased)

Certainly not the brain drain in Haymarket

Back on my high horse again about the tram works in Edinburgh  - here we are paying staff on the off chance that customers will venture through the works, but where are the workmen, all gone home early or on a lunch break !!!   And one of our nearby restaurants was shut down when the workmen burst a sewer and flooded the recently refurbished premises.

Interesting to note that one of the former Directors of the tram company - who retired during the earlier stages of this tremendous fiasco, has just been appointed to oversee the Scottish Police Service - (non Political remit of course) - diligent dedicated officers beware.

Going Chirpy cheep cheep at Edinburgh Zoo

Need I say any more ?

Monkey business at Edinburgh Zoo

There are several different primate  enclosures within the zoo complex, housing many different breeds and sizes of monkey - entertaining to say the least especially at feeding time with the chimpanzees, where we also had a short lecture and a Q & A session with the  keepers.

Panda bears at Edinburgh Zoo - 2012

Its been a very busy week, lots of visiting with the family, and end result, either not enough time or too tired to sit and write / play catch up in the evening.

So obviously, from these photographs we made it to Edinburgh Zoo, and having followed the instructions we pre booked a slot in advance (free), although the zoo do say that a very limited number of tickets are available at the main entrance at opening time.

Weather was not too clever, however there was plenty of cover under the trees as we walked around and many of the exhibits are in purpose built houses.

We arrived early for our visit to see the panda bears, and were taken with the earlier group, which was fortunate for us as lady panda had come out to play, while Mr. Panda (sunshine) was being a bit of a lazy B!!!  still in bed and no doubt munching bamboo.    Mrs p. was doing fine, smiling for the camera, however she decided to have a lie down so all the subsequent visitors would see was her back.

The outside enclosures are really good so at some stage it will be nice to see them out in the fresh air.

One of the other popular exhibits is the meercat centre where we timed it nicely to see the keeper feeding them with live crickets, certainly kept them on the hop chasing them around

A Day out in Peeblesshire

Something different today, still raining, so we headed off in the car through Peebles and stopped of at Keilzie Gardens where we popped into the Osprey Centre.  The duty Volunteer, a lovely gent spent ages with us telling us about the recent three chicks who have now left the nest along with the parent birds - packed their cases and headed for Africa.   What a marvellous project this has turned into and well worth a visit next year when the birds hopefully return.

Headed off again, and having not been on the road for many years we headed south through the moors to St Mary's Loch - which unfortunately was rather misty.

From there we passed the old AA Box and headed up the side of the Meggat Reservoir,  built in 1968, and which on a daily basis supplies enough water to Edinburgh to make 300 million cups of tea and 100 million baths !!!    Headed over the shoulder and down a very steep hill to join the Talla Reservoir  Road, and eventually to Tweedsmuir and the A701  (Edinburgh -Moffat) Road.

Into Broughton where we stopped for coffee, and with the rain clearing had a wee look at the beautiful garden there - a private garden, laid out each year by the family, and again, well worth a stop when passing.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2012 - part 2

The little pony mascot was retiring after the performances, twenty six year old so off to pastures green for a well earned rest.

When we left the tattoo the royal Mile was unbelievable, just totally awash with folks, thousands heading out and thousands queueing to get in for the final performance - the High Street shops and bars, etc must have made a fortune during the festival, unlike the West End, Haymarket and York Place which has been decimated by the tram works - it will be interesting to hear from the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce how many businesses have folded due to the tram works.

Bit of walk, lovely evening to get the bus home,  a very long day and really ready for bed.

Last night of the Edinburgh Military tattoo 2012

On the move - lots going on so finding time to write is hard.   Saturday we had a long day in the town , wonderful Scottish themed wine lunch at The Mercat bar,  but had to behave as we were heading off to the last night of the tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.

Despite the light rain the crowds were in good fettle with just about a total sell out, and as the performance progressed the rains eased off and the sky cleared.  A magnificent setting for an excellent performance.   A few pictures here and another four to follow.

Edinburgh Fringe, nearly over for this year (2012)

During this days wanderings around the town, a few pictures of the acts on the streets.

After five days of technical difficulties

At long last things have clicked back to norm -  no idea why I could not write any news for the past few days, computer would not let me in .

Took myself off to Risley via Glasgow on Monday to do one of my jobs, perhaps I should have stayed at home as i was suffering a bit by the time I got home -  guy in a Nissen TVR did my head in as he was on his mobile and dropping from 80 to 60 mph in the middle lane -  once again - with the hand's free systems available for under £40 who do these folks not use them - perhaps the answer is to crush a few cars when the drivers are caught.

Tuesday and Wednesday ended up doing a bit of the office wallah tasks at the Dolphin Inn, bit frustrating not being as able as I was.

Thursday - tasks at home before heading for the airport to collect the Johnston's of Cobham -  B.A. flight was an hour late and then traffic into Edinburgh was a nightmare.  Mercat  Bar was jam packed, big party on downstairs and full house upstairs,  lots of Hearts supporters, who later suffered a defeat at the hands of Liverpool,  but only thanks to an own goal.

Today,  bus into town, wandered up the High Street, St Giles Cathedral  where there had been a fire in the wee stalls outside in Parliament Square ( Signet Library - see photos), the Whisky Heritage Centre,  into the old reservoir which is now a weaving and tartan centre;  into Hunter Gardens,  down the Playfair Steps and eventually back to base at the Standing Order where Tracy and the Pole dancer were on duty - dad (old Archie) present and in good form.

Home - snooze on the bus - knackered - but tomorrow is another day.

Might even find to have a rant for a change

Especially when I read about all this Foreign Aid we are pumping into India  each year, and they, as a nation could buy and sell us, not counting their disclosed wealth - probably with the monies which float back and forwards through the untaxed black banking market.  Even the Indian Government have said that they do not want our Aid, and the way things are going they will be turning us into a satellite state.   Next daft move is for them to send their own space probe off to Mars - why ?   What a waste of money when they could use Skype for free and give NASA a call to see how the Inquisitor is getting on !!  and download photos off the web.

We have Mr Hazel locked up down south for the alleged murder of his step daughter, took the Police four searches before they found the body wrapped up and hidden in the attick, but then again, not knowing how obstructive the family and friends were, it could have been hard.  BUT based on umpteen similar incidents around the Country over many years, the family are first suspects and the home searches are crucial.   We now hear that the family were known to the Social Services also.   BUT what does gall me is the fact that the accused already has legal aid and has one of the top QC's representing him - how do these folks get this kind of aid ?    We already have Luke Mitchell up here who has run up a legal aid bill of over £660000.00p so far and is not  finished yet -  MUGS - look in the mirror.
This morning I heard of a former soldier,invalided out the Army, living is subsidised rented accommodation, because he cannot get a Council house in Edinburgh, has applied for several houses and two were given to Eatern European immigrants !!  and in London a similar family are housed in a £1.5million home, on top housing benefit of £26000. p.a. - they trashed the house causing £65 k worth of damage -   MUGS -  look in the mirror.

Slightly different theme, we are told that our school authorities are no longer to sell off playing fields as we are to encourage more "competitive" sports.  Meantime my neighbours are practicing night and day on their trampoline,  not sure if I should take the opportunity to practice my trap shooting as they bob up and down over the fence !! - just a thought - and the archery club in the park are helping speed up our future sprint stars.

Just having my ears abused by a young lady on XtraFactor - who, sadly is lacking in the ability to communicate in our mother tongue and murdering what was once a beautiful song - time we had basic English as a prerequisite for entry to the  UK.
Enough for the meantime - need to calm down before I head south in the morning

There are workers and there are workers - but

had trip into town today, and ended up in Shandwick Place again , one of the sites of our illustrious tram works -  curiously I heard a couple of tourists talking who thought it was a great idea having a tram running in from the airport - they obviously have never had to live with this upheaval.   However, I did see one of our workers  (lazy B.), on time and a half or double time, hard at work texting on the phone -  BUT along the road spotted the humble bumble bee (buzy B) hard at work gathering pollen -  and from what I have heard recently there is a severe shortage of honey and knock on effect of beeswax also,  but at least the wee soul was working. 

Marketing Strategies, devised by Dummies

Our beloved City Father's, who certainly do not have appear to have the faintest idea what is going on, sitting in their Chambers with heads tucked comfortably up their external rear orifices, are very upset that the City of Glasgow is hosting an open bus parade for the Gold medal holders from the Olympics.  Now - just take a wee look at these photo's and ask yourself how an open top bus would get along through Haymarket into Princes Street with the roads in their current state.  This is West Maitland Street (spot the Mercat Bar) and through to Shandwick Place, and they wonder why businesses are struggling and going bust - even the tram worker's impromptu Fringe demonstration of using pick and shovels really did not attract much of an audience.  

Juggling at the Fringe

Popped into Edinburgh today for a wee wander up the High Street - which was totally mobbed with lots of the Fringe acts and hundreds of tourists -  outside the Tron Church an Israeli artist had set up for his act which involved both wire walking and juggling .  He was really good, involved the large audience and even managed to get a young German visitor to climb up onto his balancing props - she managed very well and impressed everyone with her "bravery".
You will see in the background on the top photo the Gold Post box, repainted to commemorate the Gold medal won by Sir Chris Hoy at the recent Olympics.

A day out in the Scottish Countryside !!

We have a troupe of dancers from the USA who are performing in the Edinburgh Fringe, staying in the apartments above the Mercat Bar and dining in the Bar.

Between shows they took the opportunity to journey into the wilds of East and West Lothian seeking to find the secret elixir of life!!  the reason for our very existence in this beautiful country.  So, aided by the navigator of the year (RGB), minus his map and compass, but aided by his "nosing" beak - it was not long before the boys found the Glenkinchie Distillery, near Pencaitland - which is actually a superb visit in one of Scotlands most Southerly distilleries.

Duly watered the bold boys headed west to Livingston to the Alechemy Brewery where copious quantities of the real ales were consumed by all - I think they all looked a bit younger when they got home.