On Yer Bike!! must be joking

Those who have already checked today will have wondered what was wrong ?   4 30 a.m. and the computer was playing silly "people" , on a go slow and wasting my time as I was getting ready for the road.
On yer Bike  a Government Minister has decreed, and is suggesting that 10% of all journeys made by 2020 will be by bicycle - he must be joking !!!  and that was me today with a six hundred mile trip in the offing.
Headed off to Glasgow at 4.45 a.m., and was stuck in the office there for an hour doing paperwork, before I headed South on the M74, and in rubbish foggy weather,  but as I progressed southwards the sun came out and by the time I got to Risley it was a lovely day ( no rain or flooding).   I was then due to head over to Huddersfield but had been listening to an ongoing traffic incident on the M60 ring road which was affecting the M62 so I had to make for my destination through Central Manchester, which should have been straightforward,  however, due to badly signed roadworks  in Manchester I ended up getting "geographically embarrassed" (lost), and had it not been for an elderly "black" gentleman I would probably still have been going round in circles.
First time I have been through that part of the world, Oldham and onto the A62, up and over the moors , which are affected by snow in winter,  some very quaint little towns in the valleys and into Braithwaite to the Company I was looking for.
Apart from the first five or so miles back to the M62 motorway the roads were fine, and the run back to Glasgow via the M61 and M6 was good.  
The incident on the M60 must have been bad as there were still restrictions ten hours later.

Despite the floods the drought continues, which it will as we need months and months of rain to replace all the missing ground water, a problem which has been getting worse over the years - continual increased irrigation, thousands of new new houses, all drawing on both surface and underground reserves, what do folks expect.  But one lady last weekend wanted her husband to take her to see the drought area, and en route observed that there could not be much of a problem as the canals were full!!!

Must be nearly summer - hailstones and rain again

What a wonderful morning yesterday, sunshine and a couple of my favourite views were looking superb.
So obviously it was a day to go bowling !! names out the hat for a four bowl pairs competition at Penicuik Bowling Club, (mine was second out) so it was onto Rink 1, nice afternoon, BUT not for long, cloud came in and then there were hailstones (again) just like last week.  Never the less we fought valiantly but eventually lost by two shots at the final end. Need to polish the bowls and try again next week.   I did have the opportunity to go back into the  draw to make up for odd numbers but being cold and with a night out it was time to exit stage right.
Missed out on the Penicuik Sevens tournament which was taking place in the Public park, good crowd who appeared to stay for most of the day.

Headed off in the evening to a private engagement party at Gorgie Mills Bowling Club, Westfield, Edinburgh, what a nice club, big clubhouse, and known for two of its members,W. Dyet and A. Marshall BEM, who have played all over the World representing Scotland, ie, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, etc for many years.
We were there to see friends , Paula and Malcolm who had announced their engagement, a good crowd of family;y, ( her niece, Mya, only ten, was a charming young lady who had a long and mature conversation with us), friends and work colleagues, with a wee disco and buffet.   Being the driver for the night I had a go at a couple of these so called energy drinks, "Monsters",  very pleasant, however, paid the price by not being able to sleep - bouncing over the ceiling,  and with all that energy found myself up dancing (like a young thing) - so, this morning stiff and sore with a bad back!!  Might need to get the zimmer out again. 
Now having to check the car which was making ominous rumblings on the way home - adding to my woes, having had to replace a new tyre yesterday which had been badly damaged and was too dangerous to drive on.

Dolphin Inn was busy last night, one of our young regular diners (with Grandad) was in with friends for her 21st Dinner party - which hopefully went well,  we will no doubt find out this afternoon when we get to work.

Big disappointment for the hundreds of travelling fans who flew to Dublin to see Edinburgh lose narrowly to Dublin for a place in the finals of the Heiniken Cup - hard luck.   RGB's friend Philip took the opportunity of a cheap seat on the empty Dublin - Edinburgh flight to come over and see him, so they may, or may not have behaved last night - only time will tell.

Bit of haze - musthave been good.

Ever so confused - again, as the format of the blog has returned to the old format ?

Anyway, it is like winter again, dashed cold, raw, with rainy spells between nice sunny periods - and no hose pipe ban here.

Made it to the theatre last night to see Chicago, everyone seemed to enjoy it although my own recollection is a bit hazy, lesson to be learned, is to go for a meal and drinks after the show and not before it !!! not that I am complaining, pleasant afternoon starting at the Standing Order where the big Pole Dancer was working, then down to Lloyd's Bar at the Omni Centre, before the show.

Managed to get to Loanhead this evening to the final meeting of RA Honour, Concorde and Fidelity - 305, where numbers were a bit low due to other competing meetings elsewhere throughout the Province, but it is the quality that counts, not the quantity.

A work of art by young William

I wish I could make a cup of latte like this,  our poor customers have to cope with my version of a latte but Billy does an excellent job, and as a bonus there is a lovely wee biscuit.

However, more news,   big congratulations and well done to Kia Monk who ran the London Marathon and raised £27,500.00p,   well done and thanks to all his colleagues at J.D. Wetherspoons pubs around the country who supported his efforts.

Watching the news this morning about our latest douple dip recession,  talk of price increases in the shops, etc., which was interesting when we had a visit fro  the Booker's rep a couple of days ago who tells me that Bookers are freezing prices for three months - if they can, why not the big stores ?

The so called cheap deals at Groupon might be great if you "strike while the iron is hot",  but if you do not take up the deal then Groupon, rather than the shop, hotel, etc., keep the money.    We had one and when we arrived there was not enough staff to deal with us so we left and have since lost out on the deal.  In another case, we had the voucher and the shop closed due to illness - lost out again -   not always the bargain.

Off to the theatre tonight to see the musical Chicago, hopefully a good night to be had by all - and with my planned run to Risley tomorrow cancelled till Monday, no excuse for not staying out late.

Old fuddy duddy

All change, ever so frustrating - having been out of sorts for a few days with the dreaded flu type bug, and now on my feet again  - I log in to find that the layout of this site has changed so I have just spent a few extra minutes searching and sussing it out.   Maybe it is an age thing, but perhaps not - personally I like things simple and straight forward,   but then again I keep harping back to the Tesco store, where, after weeks of getting used to the layout and being able to scoot round quick time, they rearrange the shelves and you have to start searching again - that is a sales gimmick, not sure what this is. (perhaps progress !!)

Now, having wasted time letting off steam about this I now find that I am running out of time again before I get fed and watered and then head off to RA 500  Laird O' Cockpen and their annual visit by Provincial Grand Chapter.
Sorry , but need to dash - again.

Odds and ends in weegie land, etc

Things have been a bit hectic these past few days, between working and then out and about in the evening - Tuesday night I ended up at at Lodge 720 Dalhousie Bonnyrigg where there was a full house (about 100) for the last meeting before the summer recess. Had to go collect the wee Tut Tut as the big car decided to collapse on me - front suspension is not quite in the right place.

Wednesday night, back to Bonnyrigg for the last meeting of the O.E.S., and again a very good attendance (about 70 brothers and sisters).
Thursday I headed for Glasgow with RGB for the lunch meeting of the 49 Wine and Whiskey Club, being held in the Green Room at the Concert Hall, a very nice venue.
Not sure what was going on, but thought our tramworkers had really excelled themselves, but all these workmen appeared to have vacated a new site they were working on, unless they were waiting on the Chippie to open !!
Lunch at the 49 Club was excellent, accompanied by two wines from the Club's own cellar - the presentation was by Tennants so we had a new Pear and Ginger Magners, and a bottled Tennants Export to sample first.

They say that "there is always one who lets the side down" so having had a lovely meal, the bold Aaron was spotted with his bag of crisps !!

We had lunch and ended up in the Station Bar at Cowcaddens (did not realise that there was once a railway station there), a busy little bar, where we waited till our Off Peak tickets were valid again - was spotted by my friend BDunk- who thought he was seeing things, me being in Glasgow so I received an appropriate text last night.

Up early this morning for the weekly meeting of the BNI - TGI at the Marriot this morning, busy as usual and then off to the Dolphin via Penicuik. Heading out I spotted the Police at the entrance to Tesco where they were stopping access to everyone, perhaps they were investigating the "Daily diddles" !! - will have to wait and see what the gossip is about the incident.

Tonight is the relaunch party of the Mercat Bar, bubbly for all and entertainment, so I may well end up there later on.

Edinburgh's first Rock and Roll half marathon

A fine way to spend your Sunday morning, and five thousand runners agreed as they took part in Edinburgh's first Rock and Roll Half marathon around the city.
RGB, Scott and Alistair joined the throng and managed to get round the thirteen and a half miles in under two hours thirty minutes - well done.
There were bands sited at every mile marker and if you wished, (as in the USA) you could stop for a bit of a dance, etc, however our trio plodded on valiantly.

There are a couple of sites which have hundreds of
photoes of the runners.

Football, just a game, Scottish Cup or not.

Win some, lose some, and sadly Celtic lost out to Hearts today - 2 - 1, following a penalty a few minutes before the final whistle, so it will be a Edinburgh final with Hearts and Hibs playing in the Scottish Cup - a busy day ahead.
Unfortunately we did not have Sky TV (too expensive) in the bar, but we listened to it on the radio - however hopefully the final will be on Council TV - or we will have to make special provisions.

Dolphin Inn was busy today, and as I was doing a favour I was kept on my toes helping out, must not complain.

Penicuik Bowling Club opening 2012.

Marvellous afternoon on the green at Penicuik Private Club where I have been an on / off member for over thirty seven years. Brilliant turn out for the opening with eight full rinks in play - that in itself made for interesting play as all were off their normal swings/runs.

Opening speech by the President Ian Finlayson, who was taking the post again to honour his brother who should have been there but sadly died before he could accept the role.

His wife Jan, the "First lady" had the priviledge of throwing the jack and rolling the first two bowls of the season, and considering that she was a non bowler she did remarkably well.

We were originally told that we had ten ends to play, however, as the steak pie dinner was not ready we had to play another two ends, and of course we were hit by a passing hail storm - ended up chittering on the green - but usual SODS law, we were all in the clubhouse and having a lovely dinner when the sun came out once again.

Brilliant afternoon, nice to see the old faces once again, and hopefully I will have a good year ahead of me.

PS. our rink won the kitty for the afternoon - damn fine splendid.

Mentality of football fans

So football fans wonder how they get a bad name, this flag was displayed on the fencing outside the Royal Hotel, (in the Precinct) , Penicuik, at 8.15 a.m. this morning, and the supporters were already in the Hotel, doubtless getting tanked up before the game this afternoon.

I spoke to one man passing ( former Provost) and his comment was, "no doubt the Hearts fans will have a similar flag" !!!!! which I did not see as being very constructive.

Personally, I think it is a disgrace.

A sight for sore eyes (maybe not)

Spot the white man !!! - this was submitted by special request, and for once it will not be me getting the red face (oh peely wally man). This was the scene last Saturday night, a very pleasant way to drink a glass of red wine - and for the cultural few it was possible to keep the wine at "room temperature" by keeping the stem of the glass in the hot tub, and rather than let it cool when heading back into the house, it had to be consumed in situ.

Grant - in the tub, has just called from Palma, Majorca, where he has popped over for the weekend to surprise his Dad who is on a celebratory cruise and now on a stop over - nice wee treat for Dad.

Busy day yesterday, wee job in town, home on MacEwans bus to the doorstep from West End, in and out the house like a yo yo and ended up back at the Mercat Bar with my DIY or James Bond (Odd Job) suit on - never a dull moment.

Happy but unsmiling bunny

Now very happy as my phones and Internet are now working - arrived home to find a telephone engineer up the pole at the bottom of the garden (where else) however he did explain that the fault was actually a corroded cable underground but he had been able to get me a new "pair" - good man.

Not smiling yet as I had another trip to see my dentist who pulled out another of my troublesome teeth, a bit traumatic, but not as bad as tying a bot string to the tooth, then the door handle and slamming same - but I felt nothing until the jags wore off. Now we have to wait and see whether a third tooth has to go !!! soon be living on bread puddings, soups and saps. Good job we have moved on a bit from the days when you had to pedal the drill that the dentist used !!!, and the rubber mask with the terrible smelling "laughing gas" you were knocked out with, horrible and frightening.

I see Edinburgh Council is on the rack again, spending a fortune on adverts saying that Edinburgh Zoo had been gifted the two panda bears, when in reality the zoo are paying the Chinese about £600,000 a year (rent) to have them here. They have been told by advertising standards agency to withdraw all the adverts.

I really should not be so critical of the Council who might think I am picking on them, but I have an ongoing task which I require assistance from Midlothian Council, and guess what - struggling - being ignored, more important things to do - as I have said many times before, these Local Authorities would never survive if they were to operate as a private concern.

Worse than losing your voice,

AOL are doing my head in , an old Scots phrase for driving me daft - all due to a line fault which started off with my phone line breaking up, followed by no voice calls in or out, but at least I did have broadband till last night then it went haywire and drops in and out leaving me stranded and keen to get to work to use the PC there.

I did try calling BT to report the fault , but as I have one of these so called inclusive packages with AOL , BT just were not interested - so that was the downside of the package , and of course, over the years the price has crept up and up. despite their so called offers and special deals - Old adage, you get nowt for nowt.

So back at work, things ticking along, hopefully might be re branding the Dolphin Inn soon, watch this space - our customer base continues to expand, which is good as the new faces are all very nice folks, who thankfully are prepared to come and go a bit with staff like me - still on my work experience programme.

It feels like a conspiracy, we now have road works just about opposite the pub, not nearly as bad as the Mercat Bar with the tramworks outside, however I suppose it lets the drivers who would normally whizz by, stop at the lights and have a look at the place, surprising how many do not realise that it is still a pub. Other thing, is that I can be nosy and watch the cars outside, I was a bit surprised to see a stationary Bently car across the road, the driver chatting away on a hand held mobile phone, I would have thought that a car like that would have had a built in hands free system.
Coming up soon we have a fund raising weekend at the Dolphin, to raise money for charity, with a car wash, and 10% of all food takings going to fund, and hopefully a band on the Sunday night - should be the 4th 5th and 6th of May.

49 Club lunch next week through in the Concert Hall, Glasgow, sponsored by Tenants ( curious to see what their wine will be !!!).

No chocolate egg for me

Easter Sunday and the egg hunters have been out searching for the wee treasures abandoned by the Easter bunnies. it was reasonable this morning but the rain has moved in and we are led to believe that snow could be on the way again.

Saturday I did make it to The K.T.'s, at Newbattle, the Preceptory of St Bernard De Clairvaux, and it turned out to also be the annual installation with Andy McKeen taking the Chair, a very nice ceremony, a bit different from the normal meetings, however as it is a Preceptory of instruction, things are done differently.
Meeting was followed by the usual luncheon, but as I was heading out for the evening I had to forgo the meal.
Home and then off to see Grant @Photogenix, and Yvonne for dinner, a great night and I ended up in the hot tub, so that saves me from washing for the next few days (maybe)!!!
Edinburgh Rugby did well yesterday with their Heiniken Cup win over Toulouse, bring on the semi finals.

Friday in the Dolphin was really good fun, some nice customers who made the day pass quickly with their banter, one group even managed two meals in the one day.

What holiday - Oh, that one

Sitting peacefully watching TV when I had anticipated being along at the Penicuik Bowling Club with Billy and Jamie from the pub, however, looks as though they have been delayed due to the Dolphin being busy today - some nice clients, both new and returning. The home made meringues were a real success.

Still no home phone, got broadband but to voice on the line, BT refused to talk to me as I now use AOL as my supplier, so all calls are rerouted to my mobile - but it is not the same.

Had swim in the local pool and saved three young lads from drowning !! No praise please, it was simple, I just restrained myself - their behaviour in the pool and towards the staff was so bad that drowning might have been on the cards. BUT it just shows how times have changed and how careful we now need to be , P.C running wild.

Managed to get over to Newbattle last night to the last meeting of RA, Dundas where there was a good attendance with visitors outnumbering the members - and as the candidate could not make the meeting there were two interesting masonic lectures presented by Andy Mackeen
Tomorrow, back to Newbattle for a meeting of St Bernard De Clairveaux K.T's, and again a couple of lectures on the programme.

So our esteemed Politicians managed to introduce the latest regrading of the tax credits and within twenty four hours we hear that the restructuring is badly hitting some families, more than others - and costing them a lot more than was ever anticipated. Who says that you cannot get blood out of a stone ? but H M Government are really trying their best.

Mega rugby day in Edinburgh tomorrow, with the Heiniken Cup match between Edinburgh and Tolouse at Murrayfield, probably the biggest crowd ever for a non International match. Plenty visitors to see our ultra modern tram works under construction.

Surprises all round

What a contrast, sunshine one day in warmer climes and then snow here at home- enough to send a shiver up your spine.

Big treat for us this evening when the Briggs family arrived to see us, so nice that they were able to find time to pop in for a chat, and of course the two "boys" had to do their wee bit posing also.

Just one tiny problem after another - but

Home now and wishing very much that I was still back at the Coral Sea Resort, in sunny Sharm el shakey.
Thompson's cattle truck (charter flight) left on time, packed to the gunnels, and as we had our safety lecture they were explaining the "brace position", with heads down and hands behind our heads - no way !!! there was certainly no room for anyone over ten year old to do this. Perhaps it would be a good argument for more leg room apart from anything else.

Chap next to me was a bit bigger than I am so he was already struggling for space to put his tray down, when the bloke in front of him put his seat in the full recline position trapping my neighbour (who said nothing). Well, man in front must have had some kind of behavioural problem, he was worse than a bairn, up and down, fidgeting, pushing his seat back, etc . If I had been sitting behind him there would have been words said - big time.

Relatively good flight home, bit longer than going, but of course it is uphill - and we landed bang on time in Glasgow.
No snow - despite the warnings and we even filled up with petrol (despite the media hue and cry while we were away) and made it home safely.

Tuesday morning - different ball game, blowing a blizzard, a white out - so I refused to get out of bed and just wished I had stayed on in Sharm for another couple of months. A real shame as the daffodils in the garden have all been flattened - I was thinking of the grower up in Perthshire who has acres of flowers and which will all have been destroyed.
However, with lots to do it was up and make the best of it , but next problem - no telephone, although we did have intermittent Broadband, but as the day progressed even it failed and this morning home is without landline of any sort - looks like I need a "dongle" for the UK as a belt and braces for emergencies.
Came home still suffering from toothache- but now have to wait till next week to get it sorted, and then I saw the Nurse at the Health Centre who has given me a new toy to play with - a blood pressure monitor !! Not that I have high blood pressure, but as I suffer from the white coat syndrome which drives it up - I am doing a bit of monitoring for ten days. Good fun - I just sit in the corner quietly letting the machine do its tests - but I need to quieten down the good lady who appears to be the cause of the problem !! And she was not happy when I suggested trying it out on her , around the neck !! ( just joking).

Surprise visit from the Titanium Man , Graham Briggs, who is over from Westchester PA to see his folks at Roslin along with his wife and family, so of course RGB and he ended up doing the rounds looking for his former friends in Penicuik Rugby Club.

So now, Wednesday, woke up again to snow, but not too bad, although there was a crash at Carlops which closed the A702 when a big van skidded and overturned blocking the road. Even more chaos with a serious accident on M8 at J1 adding over an hour onto journey times for folks stuck in the jam.

Bracing ourselves for the northern climes

SODS law, we head off on holiday and miss the best weather at home for months, then head home to the forecast wintry conditions - I suppose the only consolation was that we could relax in the sun here and not look at it out the windows while working.

Never the less, it has been very nice here in Sharm el Sheikh, hotel was very good, stall lovely, friendly , sociable, and there was always something available to eat and drink - (not that we w,ere excessive on this occasion).

Straight forward transfer to the airport, we even met one of the Travelco Reps who looked after us last year, it was nice to see him. For once a relatively quick check in, through the three different checks, and then met the usual rip off merchants at the so called duty free shop - only consolation was the perfect Latte we got at Cafe Rittazo in the departure lounge.

Killing time now waiting for the plane, which is on time - and time to reflect on our trip.

A few extra pics from the Coral Sea

Had a very good meal tonight, wonderfall deep fried apple fritters to finish off with - dream food, but not good for a diet, never mind that's what holidays are for.

Thought I might add a few more photos of the staff from the Coral Sea, from the bar, dining room, spa, admin and animation team.

Final day in the sun - we will miss it

Our last full day the Coral Sea Resort and we spent most of it on the beach - tremendous, weather excellent, and latterly sea mirror calm.

On our way back to the room we spooted the two chefs heading down to set up the Indian Restaurant, while the gardeners were have a bit of R & R after a long day. The twoel boys had no cards keft for me, promised faithfully that I would get my towels in the morning - as I have no intention of paying for them at our final checkout.

A few more hours to go, then homeward bound, back to cooler weather - but it has been a supwer, relaxing break away.

Reincarnation of Bluey, etc

Back on air again after taking a bit of a bad turn yesterday, not sure whether it was too long in the cold pool or what, but fortunately much better now.

Nice to get the chance to bring Blog back in line with its original name, as we spotted this little winged chappie in the gardens, most unusual.

A brilliant pedicure yesterday, outstanding, took an hour but well worth it as it feels like walking on air.
And today, sun up , roasting hot , so out on the beach with the bowlers again, and although it is not too clear spotted a ship of the desert and a ship of the sea passing each other - !!!.

There is always something sailing up and down the Gulf and as we are at the narrows they pass very close to the shore.