Been a busy few days

We live in a complicated world these days, pressures at every turn, however, tonight I have sat and watched (for the second time) the wonderful story of Beatrice Potter, whose imagination generated the amazing story books which have enthralled children for the last  one hundred years -  Not sure if the PC people are planning on banning the stories, perhaps the ALF types, maybe -  we have "Jemima Puddleduck" on our payroll,  doing a great job at the Mercat Bar.   Mrs B  even took herself off with a friend to visit her home and museum in the Lake District.

Just calming down !!  maybe not after the weekend at the Grill,  busy and many wonderful returning customers who are becoming our friends.
We had a young 90 year old gent and family

  all the way from Prestonpans,  and at the same time another family from Dalkeith were in for a 60 th,  again, regular visitors to the Grill.

   Unknown to me Gordon was a close friend of my mate , J.J. so we had lots to talk about, and coincidentally  J.J. , now driving for Fallons,  had been in the day before to see me with his good lady.

 

We have had a few of the young and upcoming golfers from all over the World who are competing in the junior World Championships at Gullane and Murfield,  young lads in from France, USA and Chezk Republic -  along with their parents, all staying at Carberry Towers Hotel.   Amazing to see these wee lads,  9 to 11 yr old who travel the world competing, whilst being groomed for adult fame.

 

Had yet another trip to the ERI this week,  this time an annual routine visit, and believe it or not, still standing and in one piece.

 

Having fun and games with our wheeled accessories,  no doubt, much to the delight of my friends at the garage,  SODS law as they say,  first one car, then the next, then the next, and in our case, then the next again - will need to win the Lottery to pay for all the repairs to date!!!

Should be planning on a bit of time off, however, we have the Darts team's annual charity walk on Sunday where they raise finds for local charities - so we wish them well.   But next week, mother nature strikes again as the calender rings up another digit for yours truly - so I might even have a day off - provided RGB permits same.

 

Heard this on the news this morning and now a headline this evening about the 80  Afghan prisoners being held in custody during the conflict - !!!!!   What is the F*****ng fuss all about, they were not arrested willy nilly, they / or their compatriots are killing British and USA soldiers,  just as we had in N.I.    Down the line lawyers are jumping on the bandwagon and screwing the system to suit themselves.   Once again, we the long suffering British public, are back in the firing line and no doubt will have the public purse suffer. 

 

Disturbing incident in Edinburgh this week,  a murder by shooting of a young Muslim who was shot after a car chase,  lad had appeared at court with his father recently following drug charges, and now we have possible links with  London gangs.  Once again, drugs steal the limelight  and we see Asian and black individuals involved in the drug trade, which shows no sign of diminishing.

Just watching the   weather forecast - no wonder the G.P.'s are dishing out anti depressants and Vitamin C tablets -  where the hell has the sun gone ????   Tonight,  central heating is on -  so stuff the Chancellor and his suggestion that those that can afford it refuse their winter heating allowance.  

Random comments

Saturday night, sun has shone all day which was brilliant for those who took part in the Penicuik Hunter and Lass events today - really makes the day for everyone.

Very busy both yesterday and today down at the Mercat Grill and with all the pre bookings looks like tomorrow will be just as hectic -  good job we have such a good team working for us  - well done.

Had some lovely customers in from Carberry Towers (Amazing Escapes) this week, who hopefully enjoyed themselves. Also a few in who were staying at Drummohr Caravan Park - where there are many in this weekend to either run in or support friends in the Edinburgh marathon.

Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday, Scottish Cup final,   Ladies FA cup final,  grand prix,  plenty to keep everyone occupied.

Tom McInally has managed to get the first run in for the No 1 Region  Motor Cycle section, a with more in the pipeline  - and having the steed of steel nearly ready for its MOT I could be on two wheels again very soon.   No point in sitting at home waiting for the Doctors to tell me I am fit  to do things, I could wait till the sun sets for the umpteenth time.

Drinking Scotch, and talking Scottish, two different things -   last couple of days we had "Squee wiff" ;   cludgie;  dunkin biccies;  makes a change from Cockney English.

Had the upside down folks on the e mail,  young Scottie has now fled the land of Didgeridoo and is now feeling the chill winds in Edmonton, Canada -  not sure how happy his dad is,  but the cold will keep him at bay.   Even friends who we met in the USA  ( from Oz)  who are coming to the UK in July were on the Internet - so we look forward to seeing them during their visit.

A savage brutal murder in Woolwich

Evening,   had planned on an early night , however I watched the movie  "The Edge",  superb, and when RGB decided to open a bottle of Glenkinchie cask strength ( only available at the Distillery) and not sold at the same price as your everyday malts - too much to resist and absolutely superb - so no doubt I will have a good sleep tonight,

On a seriously more sober note,  the brutal murder of Drummer Lee Rigby last night outside the Woolwich Barracks, London, has caused international outrage -  the maniacs who murdered this young lad allegedly did so to further their cause,  however there has been total condemnation of their actions from all religious and public bodies .    These types will never represent the British public - and hopefully all respectable members of the public will unite to deter and identify any other person who is so radically inclined.

 These are three of our favourite customers at the Mercat Grill, and it is lovely to see the development of the twins from week to week,  wee characters (the twins)  Grandad has to stay sober as he is the driver.

St Mary's from high in the sky

Needed a big set of steps to take this  ariel view of the West End of Edinburgh, with St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Place,  in the centre, the largest church to be built in Edinburgh since the Reformation.   The layout of the nearby streets is amazing, and I have actually walked the length of one of the Crescents at roof level.

So today, Monday, up early and into town for an informal impromptu  meeting, forgetting that it was yet another Monday holiday - so it was a real surprise when the man I wanted to see turned up out the blue.
Weather was quite pleasant, until late afternoon when the predicted torrential rains arrived - so with the temperature dropping, here we are - lights and central heating on.  No wonder we are being told that in the near future our utility bills will equal our mortgages.

Good new series on the TV last night about a private detective based in Edinburgh, photography and scenes of the City were excellent -   bit of artistic licence takes as they have used the City Council offices in Market Street as the Police Headquarters - maybe a Freudian slip as many of the existing
occupants should be in the cells for the way they mismanage affairs.

HMS Edinburgh, Britannia and things.

Talk about being unpredictable, just like women,   no rain today and once the morning mist / haze cleared it was quite nice, which was great for the boys from IPA No 1 Region  motor cycle section who had a good run out to Gourock, and points west.

Believe it or not, yesterday morning in Edinburgh, before the rain was the calm before the storm - with still waters :-

 HMS Britannia at Ocean Terminal, taken from the opposite side of the quay,   and beside it the HMS  Edinburgh, RN Destroyer here on its final decommissioning tour -

 And just to prove how still the harbour was ;-

 The flour mill  and :-

 the cranes in Leith Docks.

 

Had a wee run down to the Mercat grill with a new batch of meringues. Last night when we had two special orders for banana splits which went down a real treat.

Having made it home and with nice weather I pulled out the steeds of steel, turned over the engines, blew up the tyres, and am now about ready to get them MOT'd  and perhaps manage a few road trips,  last run on my bike was the 10th July 2012, pre hospital and subsequent wasted year.

 

 

 

IPA ( International Police Association) Executive visit to Edinburgh

Just when I thought it could not get any worse, it did ( the weather) today we had the heavens open, strong winds, fog,  perfect Scottish summer weather, and certainly a reason for calling off any proposed hose pipe ban.

However, it was a day out on the town for those members of the IPA international committee who were to see the sights.
Picked up at Newhaven Quay then headed to to Edinburgh Castle where we had access right into the heart of the Castle, unfortunately out onto the battlements which were open to the full force of the north westerly wind and rain - add that to the fog and all the usual wonderful sights from the Castle were totally obliterated.
The group had a brief presentation from the Military Police before checking out the Scottish Crown jewels, and then rejoining me in the mini bus.

Next stop was the Mercat Grill, Whitecraig, for superb soup and Turkish flatbread sandwiches, before heading to Glenkinchie Distillery, by Pencaitland, the most southern of all the Scottish distilleries, now owned by Diagio.    Must say that their own special double distilled and cask strength single malt, only available after a site visit is "bloody marvellous". Our visitors made themselves at home behind the bar -  but not sure how many would get a job at The Mercat.

 Duly fortified we set off again and within minutes the snores from the rear of the van were keeping me alert at the wheel,   however, their snooze was disturbed when I stopped off at Rosslyn Chapel, of Di Vinci Code fame and sent them off for a wee look.  Nice to know that his Lordship, the Earl of Rosslyn, a serving Police Officer, is a member of the IPA.

Despite the lateness of our arrival, and not having much time, they were fortunate enough to get a short tour of the Chapel,    would have been a shame to come all teh way from Canada, South America, and parts of Europe and not see such a famous site.

Long day so far, but the group headed back into Edinburgh for a final evening's get together dinner at the Mercat Bar, Haymarket, (possibly now the unofficial IPA meeting place in Edinburgh).

A safe journey home to all and "haste ye back".

It can only get better

Seems a bit sad, but true -  there I was at 3.30 a.m. this morning, wide awake and considering putting a few words down on the blog!   But worse than that , knowing that I was heading to Booker's cash and Carry early doors, I was getting wound up at the fact that they charge £5.67 for a kilo of Lurpak, whilst Costco sell the same at £3.69 -   so when I did eventually get to Bookers at 9 a.m.,  seriously in need of spending time calm in a darkened room, I threatened the poor manager that I was going to see if hisn establishment deserved to be subjected to the same scrutiny as I give Tesco when seeking their daily diddles.

BUT even worse, there I was, about to go to hospital for a check up, and with my bloodpressure somewhere up in the atmosphere !!!    Surprisingly though, when it was checked out a bit later - due to a very long wait as the Doctors were being very good and thorough with the patients,  it was fine , VG+  in fact.     Only downside to the visit was that I was 100% OK with regard as to my being at that clinic,  but am no further forward with my currently more persistent aches and pains - so it is back to the GP and the Surgeon again.

What a lovely day today - not sure if it is summer - but we have blue skies once again,  and a bad weather warning for tomorrow which is not nice as I am taking a group of visiting IPA members form Europe out for the day.  Hopefully they do not have too hectic an evening tonight -  but I am sure a strong breeze blowing through the ramparts at Edinburgh Castle in the morning will fix them.

Odd comment from a motorcyclist who appeared wearing his headphones, playing music from his "gadget" -  it was to prevent stray thoughts in his mind from distracting him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Managed a session on the bowling green on Tuesday eveing, however,  even with no rain and a wee bit sun it was "dashed chilly" to say the least,  but id also convince me that I am still not fit to compete in the Commonwealth Games -  so if I cannot compete, and am not alllowed to busk or shake my tinnie at the poor unsuspecting visitors, I may not have an excuse to attend -  unless of course - I do the right thing and buy a ticket to go and be part of the spectacle.

Not yet au fait with the breaking story about Heart of Midlothian FC possible going into receivership, and being relegated -  A  real pity for those fans who invested hard earned money in shares at the last life saving event.  BUT again an example of greedy bankers influencing all parts of our society -  shocking.

Not a good sign.

Cracking up  -  written two blogs this week and looks as though they were deleted during the spell checks

Old age , or is it ice age

I sat last night and wrote a wee update on life, however, no idea what button I hit,  but nothing in the system despite all the undo's I tried.

Sitting here tonight, surrounded in  paper when I should have been with Tom McInally and the Belgium  IPA motorcyclists,  however work had to take priority,  but considering that I am having a "day off" on Saturday to host another group - things will even out.

Had to put the central heating back on tonight, so much for Mr Cameron and his chancellor wanting us to fore go our annual heating allowance -  here we are,  one month away from midsummer and snow predicted on high ground tonight.  There was even a bit of film today on AOL about a freak ice wave from one of the Canadian great lakes rolling into homes there  -  sort of begs the question about the so called global warming!!   I know that my knees have never been exposed this year so far - so who knows what is happening and if they do know why do we not ????

Special meeting of the OES at Buccleugh tonight,  and from what I have been told it was a lovely ceremony, carried out by a team of sisters from Northumberland.

I hope to make the bowling on Tuesday night,  however if I continue to have these ongoing stomach pains,  Friday at Gastro Clinic will be my last opportunity to get an answer - after that, no idea where to turn, apart from alternative medicines.

Just remembered what i was on about last night -  it was the tramworks again, and the fact that in York Place they had put in a tower base in the wrong place and had to dig it out again -   the lorry driver who told me was also on about a botch job ( @ c**k up on the approach to the new Forth Bridge which has cost another £400k for a wrongly laid piece of road -   it is like every bit of Council work - no b****er is ever held liable -  taxpayers money is an ever bottomless pit.  Stories unfolding of workers in the tram works being paid for doing nothing for days due to poor planning by management -   time I got myself a job like that.

Remember - there is no such thing as a sure bet.

Looks like crime will always be attractive to many - and with spectacular results.  Tonights news was about the multi million £ thefts from ATM's around the world using non chipped cards from ATM's - obviously a lot of time and effort by the culprits.   Looks like the FBI have their work cut out.

On the other hand, just to prove that the old scams never die,  I had a call from a man, "   Ian Wilson" who claimed to be a customer,  wanting to come with a group for a surprise party - so far so good,  then he told an elaborate tale to try and get a loan of money, quickly to buy a couple of vans.  Money had to be delivered to a building site in Kilmarnock by  a local taxi driver.  Contacted the Police to check it out, but as there was crime nothing could be done -  so in the end Mr Wilson was told to clear off.     Local Police have been informed for their information, as have local pubwatch and a licensed trade body.   
Seems that this story is quite common and has been used on several different occasions as part of the con - which has greed at its essence, with the promise of half Mr Wilson's profit.  Same idea as the more usual, "cases of Vodka / Whiskey" for sale cheap.       Easy answer is to just hang up.

But the worst part of the story is the fact that it proves how much information can be obtained over a telephone from unwary members of staff - so maybe we should resort back to the old wartime slogan  "loose talk costs lives".

Late eveing muse.

Had another evening in,  although I should have been at the bowls (first night of the Walkinshaw), but did not feel up to it again -  too many aches and pains.  I even forgot to mention that the RA bowls took place at Dalkeith on Saturday, and although I was working I made it along to see the troops who turned up - chewed on several excellent chicken legs !!! for my dinner before heading back to the Mercat Grill. BUT - would not have been able to participate anyway.

Sun shone today - was it our Summer just past again - because we are due wet and windy weather again as of tomorrow, and I am of south again on Thursday, even that job is now in the balance,  but at least with a new set of wheels beneath me, it should be a pleasant day out.

Must compliment the RAC ( breakdown service)   who turned out tonight again to get the wee wee car going again-  bit of a pest, beginning to think that Mercedes Smart cars were not such a Smart move after all.  The older one rattles like nothing at all, with such small wheels, when the car hits one of the millions of potholes which are manifest in the Lothians it is no wonder cars are being shaken to bits.   I WONDER WHAT WE PAY ROAD TAX FOR?  Anyway,  the car was started, and I then had to pop over to Danderhall with it to get the fault rectified properly - no way I am going to risk it to Manchester this week.

Pleased to see that the FBI are assisting with the investigation into the rescue of the three women in PA, USA. !!   However, to be fair, the Police have been following up leads for the past ten years, and now - the ladies having been rescued, all the neighbours are quick to say how suspicious they were of the accused !!!!     What did they do about their suspicions ?  ZILCH -  for years I preached to people -  "The Police would rather have a genuine false alarms, made with good intent rather than no reports at all".

What else - murder and mayhem in the UK,   the mad axeman has been released after forty years,  surprised William Hill has not got odds on what the next or final act will be.   UKIP stirring things up - about time, and time we had a vote on the EU.     However at the current rate of arrests by the Met police and other forces of celebrities HM prisons are guaranteed to have full houses for the x-mas panto's.
BUT - on the other hand we have to compliment out Police services and security agencies who have broken up several terrorist groups before they have repeated previous horrific bombings here, we just need to see the newsreels of fanatical acts overseas to see the results of successful plots.  Long may our OWN CITIZENS show willing and cooperate with our authorities.


  

Still standing

Not long in, feet up and well deserved, although I think Claire, Garry,  and the team at the Mercat Grill all deserve a well done for their work over the past couple of days.  we have been busy and had some lovely customers through the door - many back again and other by recommendation - just makes for a great day at the Grill.

Just a pity I have missed the sunshine today and methinks it is time that the steed of steel took to the road again - especially when Tom McInally, circumventor of the world is setting up evening bike rides for IPA No 1 Region members, guests, friends.

Tragic deaths

Just checked and discovered that five days have passed since I last wrote.

From a local and personal point of view, the deaths of the three soldiers by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan is tragic loss.  Their home base was Glencorse Barracks, which , for me was the hub of my social life for many years as the Scottish Infantry Depot, before closing and then being reopened, rebuilt as the Army Training Regiment and a Battallion depot.     Triputes to  Fusilier Flint; Private Hetherington and Corporal Savage, have been laid outside the main gates.   TV crews have also been there since news of the tragedy broke.

We were also told of the death of Margaret Watson, Past WM of the OES last weekend whose funeral takes place tomorrow.

Obviously been a busy week otherwise I would have been on line,  met with Committee members of the IPA ( not beer)  but the International Police Association on Tuesday night , busy times ahead with several groups of visiting officers from overseas due into the City.

Weather wise,  we have noted that the north / south divide has already kicked in , with us here getting our share of rain and cold while the south bakes,    No doubt if  Ian Duncan Smith's wealthy pensioners down south agree to forfeit their annual heating allowance, they may well seek some compensation for buying bottled water when the next hose pipe ban takes effect.

Obviously cheered too loudly when the wee Smart car hit the road again - currently now stationary
by the roadside awaiting yet another tow to the garage -  someone said that Meecedes only produced them to meet some EU target on emmissions -  will certainly meet their targets if the dashed things never work.

anyway, off to clooect anew set of wheels this morning to replace my previous car, now being recycled into biscuit tins, etc.