Come on Andy - Wimbledon treats

Seriously frustrated at the moment watching Andy Murray in action, although he is one set  up against Robredo he keeps making unforced errors - silly boy, but despite this he will win.   Good on Laura Robson for her win.
Commentators are the biggest pain in the backside, so totally negative,  why do they just not commentate on the game and stop speculating -  Castle and Lloyd were the mediocre never never men, so dry up boys and give us peace.

Tram works,  not just content with making a botch up with the last batch of concrete which is now being dug up again  - one hotel in Haymarket was told that the road would be open by the end of May,  now they are saying  "by the end of summer"  -   BUT one of the workmen cut through a mains power supply so the whole of the area was without "leccie"  for two and a half hours over lunch time on Wednesday, so bookings had to be cancelled and premises closed  ( no redress to the culprit).

I note that G.P.s turned down an offer for £500 plus per night to help fill shortages in Lothian hospitals !!!!!    obviously making plenty at home -  unless it is a political agenda to make a point -  our so called masters in the Scottish Office and Health boards are paying the price for previous cuts at the sharp end.

The third Forth Bridge is to be called the Queensferry Crossing, that's nice,  and Mr Fishy Salmond was seen posing with a nice new sign,   however, we hear that he is not going to the Open Golf at Muirfield, as he apparently objects to the fact that the Club is a gentlemen Only  club,    probably did not want to buy a ticket as he was not invited  -  but he is going up to open a tournament at Castle Stuart -  me, not sure that I would bother who declared the tournament open.

Police Scotland are now in trouble with their new logo,   yet another monumental waste of money - total re branding - why,  and Mr House has announced that his new computer system will now cost £60 million,  just a bit more than the original quote of £12 million -  why is no one surprised any more at botched up public spending -  he will just have to pay off a few more officers, and with morale at an all time low may get plenty volunteers.

The Mercat Grill, is now officially the name of the Whitcraig bar and restaurant,  approved at the meeting of the East Lothian Licensing Board - and also permitted to use the hog roast machine and barbecue - thank you.

Sunshine and Wimbledon, strawberries, cider and what will they call the bridge

Sun is shining, again,  in fact it is a lovely morning - so being unable to sleep I have been pottering in the garage, moving things around to make a bit more room -     should be down at the Mercat Grill,  but having to work till late this evening decided that I need to do some chores here.

Andy Murray and Ms Robson in action today at Wimbledon, hoping to keep the flag flying - no doubt Murray Mountain will be packed with fans,   good luck.  Our strawberries and cream are much cheaper!

Heard it again, and again, and again,  must be the cheapest radio advert ever made -  for Richard F Mackay's furniture sale - which seems to have gone on for the past twenty years,  everything at half price, place shut last night while they swop the price tags around, etc,   same voice on the advert as always - so it must be the same original tape - surprised it is not worn out.

Alex (fishy) Salmond is announcing the name for the new bridge being built across the River Forth today -  Saltire Crossing, Queensferry Bridge, St Mary's  Crossing,  just have to wait and see -  I thought that the "Third Forth Bridge" was fine !!!

Busy again last night at the Grill,  guests from South Africa,  having a real adventure touring Europe,  Germans,  more Australians   ( Brisbane area) (Melbourne the previous evening),  new faces from the local community, and our regulars of course-  soon be needing to book to guarantee a seat.  "T" bone steaks and Sea Bass in great demand along with haggis cigars and Ann's fabulous meringues.  Even selling the  local Thistly Cross cider.

Missing young Grant@photogenix, who is in "Sunny Beach"  tasting the 79p pints, hope he is fit for work when he gets back.
Great anticipation as one of our regulars has ordered a new motorcycle,  all waiting tom see if it is Honda ;  BMW  or even a  Harley Davidson -  camera at the ready.

Had the "steed of steel" out the stable yesterday, and looks good enough today to do the same.

Work takes precedence

Been a busy few days at the Inn, so to speak, no idea where the customers are coming from, however they keep coming and are so nice.  We sold out on steaks and even meringues today -  but not to worry more on the way,

Yesterday, should have been helping out with a Belgium visitor from the IPA, however, due the pressures of work I was unable to help out,  but one of other members stepped in at short notice to help.
Royal Highland show week, and of course the rain had to come on as part of the annual ritual, but worse than that it was both Loanhead GalaDay and the Peebles Beltane Festival - so add the three together and you have more black magic than the summer solstice.

From Loanhead Gala we had young Charlotte and her family in for a wee buffet party at the Grill.

lovely group who enjoyed a nice wee buffet, some wonderful cupcakes, marshmallow lollipops and all sorts of goodies.

 

British Lions and Scotland  teams did their bit to restore some pride in UK rugby,  sorry for our friends in the Land of Oz who were waiting to gloat.  Good job young Scott is in Canada so he will not have to listen to his father's rantings.  

 

Andy Murray did well at Queens Club and now his fans are getting all geared up for Wimbledon, but have been banned from queueing too early to try and get tickets.  Excellent documentary about him on the TV tonight, really genuine young man, down to earth,  totally unlike our footballing and entertainment prima donna's who cannot lace his boots.

 

Perverted Mr John Cronin has been moved from Tranent to an unknown location as the locals were planning a demonstration outside his parents home.

Had another session in the swimming pool,  been out on the "steed of steel"



Sun shine - and sex offenders

Sun must be shining on the righteous - not me but my bedding plants,  they are coming on great guns with the sunshine and some watering -  hose pipe ban in the offing !!!

Been busy at Grill,  once again nice to meet some lovely guests from all over, adding to our increasing numbers of regular customers.     Have added a couple of classic sweets to our desert menu,  but you need to drop in and find out what they are.

Mercat Bar in for a busy day tomorrow, despite the tramworks,  with the 49 Club's June lunch taking place  there - members are in for a treat.

On a more serious note,  John Cronin,  the serial sex offender, has been released from prison in Ireland and returned to his home in McMerry, East lothian  -  experts predict that it will only be a matter of time before he re offends -  just hope they are wrong.

Football,  pleased to see that Jackie McNamara Snr,  is trying to add a sensible dimension to the troubles being had by Heart of Midlothian FC -  in practical terms,  if Hearts fail,  in all probability Hibs could be next.   Time the football authorities got their act together -   it already happened in Germany where the main sponsors withdrew their support -  Teams had to cut wages, and bring on home grown youth players.

Had messages this evening from our recent visitors from the Land of Oz,  Rikkie and Kevin, home in one piece.

Early start in the morning, job to be done with the aid of the steed of steel, so hopefully no change in the weather.

Quaint village and events

Home again, safe and sound after a good flight up from Heathrow by Virgin Red -  once again there was a delay, caused this time by an inbound plane with problems,  but at least the crew kept us informed, and of course we were able to get a wee G & T on the flight.

Not sure what that problem was, however, the incident on the US flight yesterday which was forced to land in Glasgow, a ploy by asylum seekers -  not even locked up -   I am sure that if their case was so clear cut the US authorities would have helped !!!!   However,  here we are again, UK taxpayers footing the bill -  methinks it is time for a radical change in this Country.

Saturday,  we had another run into Woking where William managed to pick a couple of winners,  unlike me - so perhaps I should give the ponies a miss.

Popped in to the tiny village museum in Chobham, very very interesting,  formed by a group of the locals and each week they are being handed small items / treasures - well worth a visit.  The village is very picturesque, and was visited by Queen Victoria who was reviewing thousands of troops on the nearby common.

Home, changed and headed back to Woking where we had dinner before going to the theatre,  dinner in the Azzurro Restaurant, in the Peacock Centre, was excellent, nice steak, glass of wine,  and then things went a bit downhill,  we had good seats in the centre of the stalls to see a play,  Sherlock Holmes best kept Secret,     sorry to say it was just not our scene, and we , along with several other chose to leave at half time -  sorry,  think I should stick to musicals, and of course - looking forward to seeing Susan Boyle in Edinburgh which will make up for that debacle.  Pity,  there was a good cast,  but it was too dark a setting, a bit disjointed, and hard to follow the story.

Sunday, and again we had poor weather so no chance of sunbathing before we headed to Terminal 1 Heathrow and then home to Scottish sunshine.  Well done to Andy Murray for his win at Queens Club,  hopefully a good omen for Wimbledon.       Not such good news with Heart of Midlothian football club who have announced that they are going into administration,   shame for all the loyal supporters who have been buying shares and season tickets.

Nice day today, made it to the Mercat Grill, where the staff were recovering from a very busy day yesterday, going to have to make more seating available soon.

Sunny Surrey

Currently in Chobham, London,  where having left the sun at home it was cool and windy yesterday,  however that was all change today with warm sunshine. 
Came down on the Virgin Atlantic Little Red service yesterday, which was good,  even got a complimentary drink en route.     Met at the airport by the Johnston's of Chopham  and were soon in  lovely Surrey countryside.     Nice to see their new home , despite the fact it is a building site -  but will be nice in due course. 

 A brief wander round the village, whose church,  St Lawrence,  dates back to the 9th Century,  lunch at Pascha Turkish restaurant, nice plate of mussels, boss was excellent so we have some new dressings to try.

This morning had a run out to Woking, excellent shopping mall,  The Peacock Centre, wee wander, and then headed over to Windsor chocca block with bus loads of tourist.  William and I made for William Hill Ltd,  had a bit of a flutter, then headed for home and spent the afternoon basking in the sunshine.

Were thinking of going to Brooklyn Race track tomorrow,  but as there is a big event taking place, and we do not have much time,  will need to wait till next time.  

Clickety Click

Clickety click,  two fat ladies, big day today, and I must thank everyone for their condolences !!!  thanks for the stream of greetings.

Good lady woke me at 6 a.m.,  turned over and went back to sleep -  reminded me of when we first met.   she looked at me, I looked at her and something passed between us  -  " it was a double decker bus"-  we were in the same room , she rolled her eyes at me,  "I picked them up and rolled them back to her" -  she used to be a red head,  "no hair just head" -  the old jokes are the best, and those were three of the late Chick Murray's favourites.

Headed off early down to the Mercat grill with their latest batch of meringues,   home,  jumped on the bus and headed for town -  into the S. O. to see Archie, the big Pole Dancer,  wee glass of vino tinto -  no  it was  "Private Bin",  excellent.

Outside, and the rain had come on -  sort of interesting to see that all the big shops had stocks of brollies near the front doors -  so Mrs. B.  bought her 9th or 10th to add to the collection.

Up to the Scotsman Brasserie for lunch,  bit of a disappointment,  choice was not the world's best, but the food was good (overpriced), atmosphere non existent, staff, when they did talk to us were very nice-  shame,  but I will not be adding it to my list of must become a regular. They had done a great job turning it into a hotel, and it brought back memories going through the front door -  into the main reception area where we used to go to submit our adverts for the papers.  Met three lovely young ladies from Bergen, over to the City for a few days retail therapy.

Along to the Mecat Bar,   once again tramworks are a frigging disgrace,  but what more can I say or do - no one gives a toss.    Had my ears set on fire by a nice Russian lady working in the Turkish Barbers.
Female staff  from the bar were in for a "ladies bonding session", few drinks and a nice meal - hope they enjoyed themselves.

British Lions appear to be doing  OK on their tour in the Land of  Oz -  four out of four so far  -  keep up the good work.
Steed of steel in fine working order,  been out for a run the last couple of nights, so it will take me a bit longer to regain my confidence "and take the stabilisers off"  !!!

Dinners and Celebrations

The thought of a hose pipe ban worries me, after this bright spell and with my new bedding plants in place,  I need either rain or a hose to feed my babies -  however,  not to worry, rain is in the air tonight and more to follow later in the week - so summer must be over for this year.

Had a busy week, between the pubs and things.

These young ladies,  all "Sisters" in one sense (OES) were in for dinner on Friday night, becoming well kent regulars.

Change of subject, bicycles - and the mad cap scheme to make motorists liable in all cases where there is an accident involving a cyclist - how many times have I seen cyclist riding on footpaths, going through red lights, wrong way up one way streets, and riding in the dark without lights and in dark clothing, etc.    I am generally quite anti cyclist,  however, this morning I watched a taxi in Musselburgh take several side swipes at chap on a racing cycle, blatantly aggressive and bang out of order.

Ended up working late last night so I was unable to make it for the whole evening, however I eventually made it late on to see how the intrepid sportsmen were managing down at the Tranent Lodge- good was the answer,  happy lads, and they were enjoying themselves - so I left them in peace and went back to clean my pipes.

Back to tonight, attended at Bonnyrigg Lodge Dalhousie, where there was a surprise party for Robbie and Irene's Silver wedding anniversary -  quite a surprise when they arrived and found the hall full of family and friends, lovely night had by all, and thanks to the girls for organising it so well.

Pleasant surprise- Upside folks on my doorstep

Not sure what has happened with the weather,  but four days on a row is very much like our summer and autumn rolled into one - still no excuse for our winter fuel allowance to be scrubbed!!! considering we had the central heating on last week.
However,  last night I had a surprise call from Rikkie and Kevin,   from the land of Oz,  but who were Edinburgh.   Last seen by me three years ago when we travelled together in the USA.    Met up later in the evening at the Mercat Bar for a drink and catch up - and as I paid for the drinks, I now have to make my way to Stockton, NSW so that he can return the compliment.

At the time of writing, they are now heading home, via Dubai, long trip and should be there by Thursday.
Bit of a coincidence as another couple from the same trip, and also from the Land of Oz, are stopping off to see me in a couple of weeks.

Have to compliment our intrepid Dart team charity walkers on Sunday who raised nearly £1400 which is going to the Radio Forth Children's in Need Appeal.

BUT  I am not amused at the Puppeteers in Brussels who are wanting to reduce the power of our vacuum cleaners,  in an effort to save electricity -  me , I love my Dyson, especially on full blast when the dreaded dirt bugs are getting laldy - even my "Henri the Hoover" at the pub -  what would I do without their immense sook?

All the best to Kai and Lindsay who are heading off to Perth, land of Oz to start a new life,

Not sure what has happened to my new car, a VW Golf,  car dealer is trying to tell me that the onboard computer is confused since I bought it, and cannot cope with my style of driving - piffle - far too much technology in motors these days,  plug it into a computer and change a part - what happened to good old fashioned motor engineers.   I have a wee flash back to the well known and late "sonny" Swinton who used to tune the twin carbs on Jaguar cars using a rubber tube against his cheek.   And a few nights ago I was speaking my friend, Subaru man,  a real motor engineer, whose sons are building car engines from scratch, modifying motors - no time for drugs or TV games (old school).

Missed out on my bowls tonight, as I was not home in time,  and next week busy -  so sadly I have had , once again, to scrub my ties at the bowling club.

Next few days - going to be busy - plenty booking so far.

I might just sleep tonight - aided by.

Sunday evening,  what a beautiful day, so we cannot complain about the weather.

Went down to the Mercat Grill early today to let our charity team in, before they headed off on their annual walk.

Must give lots of praise,  they set off on the annual ten mile hike, down to the Stair Arms, and then back to the Mercat for a well earned drink and buffet,  well done, and all wearing costumes, most designed to suit boxers and jockeys on a last minute sweat .

 

Once again, some magic customers in the dining room, even had Kerrin (Little Princess) and "Big" Michelle in for lunch - lovely to see them again.    Thought we might be quiet as it was such a nice day,  however, got really busy later on.

 

BUT  in the meantime, I had not been idle,  finished painting the garage,  did a few jobs in the garden, then RGB and Jo Jo appeared with fodder for the BBQ  so we had a lovely evening in the garden, nice meal, few beers, wines, etc.,  and I even lit my camp fire and sat out till late -  very pleasant but I did not reach the stage of singing "Ging Gan Gooley" or cooking marshmallows -  quite happy to sit with a dram of cask strength "Glenkinchie" and meditate  before the dieing embers, -  much more peaceful than the tele. 

The never ending story.

Many (even many more) years  ago I was going up Ben Lawyers, Pershshire, and just as you got over one rise, thinking that the end was in sight, there was yet another, and then another  - end just kept stretching away.  Similarly - and it is me back on my bandwagon again -  just when we thought they were going to take down the barriers and open up the roads at Haymarket / Shandwick Place, following the horrendous tram works,  -  it has been discovered that the last batches of concrete laid were faulty !!!  so it all has to be dug up again and relaid - this time at the contractors expense -  that does not take into account the additional strain on the local businesses once again.

Beginning to think that I am jinxed with motor cars these days, all five cars I have driven recently have ended up in the garage for a variety of reasons / repairs - and I still need to get my steed of steel an MOT.

Three days of sunshine,  totally unheard of - managed to get some painting done and a few weeds up and out -   however, took  a break and headed down to Dobbie's of all places,  arrived and place had been evacuated with the fire service in attendance - and just to add to everyone's misery - the heavens opened and it poured buckets  (but not in Penicuik we discovered later)   should have stayed at home -  but instead we headed down to the Mercat Grill and had a lovely dinner .  Nice to sit with the customers, enjoy the meal and hear favourable comments.

Listening to the "Voice" on the TV, guy just murdered a Gene Pitney song,  but  it a bit better than BGT on the other side which is beginning to look like that most of those in the final will be staying up past their bedtimes. 

I see the British and Irish Lions started their tour off in style with a resounding whacking of the Barbarians in Hong Kong.    I hope they are in the same form when they play in Oz -  just to annoy Phil, father of  Robbo and Scotty.

Hopefully Sunday will remain sunny so that the members of the Darts team and supporters can enjoy their annual charity walk.