It strikes me that 2015 can only get a bit better. Two confirmed heart attacks, six trips to the ERI for D B & B., which was not bad considering the slagging the NHS gets. I cannot complain, my treatment was first class and staff were excellent, working under adverse conditions.
A brilliant fifteen day motor cycle trip, 3,500 miles, on the Steed of Steel, round Europe with the Scottish Motor Cycle touring Group, commanded by Tom McInally who is soon to leave to live in the South of France ( keeping me a spare bed in the outhouse). Met up with one hundred and twenty IPA members from around Europe for a great rally.
Later in the year a super holiday at the Holiday Village Coral Sea Resort , Sharm el Sheik, even planning on going back again.
We have the trams running now in Edinburgh and HRH (The Queen) has even awarded Sue Bruce, Chief Executive, Edinburgh City Council, a wee something in the New Year Honours list for apparently sorting out the mess - still no sign of compensation for those who lost out during the debacle.
But do not expect them to run when it is icy, or if one breaks down - they are worse than British Rail ever was.
Sitting here, stone cold sober, compliments of our MSP's who brought in the new lower drink driving legislation, so, having to work in the morning - no point in chancing it, is there. Might have to move south or go on holiday before I can enjoy a light libation.
Just home from the Mercat Grill which was very busy, a good sign, but no late opening as business will be as usual on New Years Day, lunches, etc. Nice to see business picking up.
Temperature outside tonight, 10 C, pretty mild considering it was 0 C and lower, a few days ago, but perfect for the thousands of revellers who have made their way into Edinburgh City for the three days Hogmanay celebrations - hope they enjoy themselves.
I suppose I have just sounded off a bit - like the "last post" of 2014, all the best.
Wednesday 31 December 2014
Monday 29 December 2014
Must have slept through the Armageddon !!
What a carry on, all for one day when the shops (except for the corner stores) were closed. Next up it was queues at 4.30 a.m. for sales in town, silly bleeders out to buy up old stock - worse still, why do we let the shops away with selling stuff at inflated prices one day, and clearance prices the next.
Just like Tesco today, eight packs of Coke for £3 ; two packs for £5; or if you looked closely a pack of twenty four for £5, and to encourage people to drink sensibly (Scottish Government policy) you can buy some beers for a little as 50p per bottle, pickle your liver and /or have a fag and as the new English "no smoking" advert tells us - "Your body will rot from within" - just how will the Government earn taxes now - BUT I forgot, the Scottish Police now stop a motorist on average every two minutes day and night - need to start issuing more tickets than warnings now.
Springs to mind, my most hated radio advert, been running for years , Richard F Mackay furnishings in Edinburgh, have a different sale running every month, same bloke has been doing the voice over for years so I would suspect they just keep rotating tapes. Even sillier are the tapes made for pre X-mas which are still being repeated despite being dated,
Weather has changed, freezing temperatures, chaos down South where they had an inch of snow, place ground to a halt; then we have the usual chaos on the trains at X-mas where "essential" works are being carried out - usual lack of communication from the rail companies. BUT - not enough snow yet for some of the Scottish resorts ; however, too much snow in the French ski resorts where skiers have been unable to get to the slopes and have been sent home !!!! what is wrong with walking or using their skies - perhaps no ski tow's handy.
So apart from their winging - totally different problems overseas, one missing Air Asia airline with one hundred and sixty aboard believed downed by a storm; a Greek car ferry on fire with several deaths; and a Virgin jumbo makes a hairy landing due to faulty landing gear.
Closer to home - more weeping and wailing - Rangers lost again; despite having sacked "super ally"; Celtic managed a draw; Jambo's doing well; Glasgow beat Edinburgh at rugby - just one disaster after another for someone.
Watching the "Rock" on TV , superb movie.
Just like Tesco today, eight packs of Coke for £3 ; two packs for £5; or if you looked closely a pack of twenty four for £5, and to encourage people to drink sensibly (Scottish Government policy) you can buy some beers for a little as 50p per bottle, pickle your liver and /or have a fag and as the new English "no smoking" advert tells us - "Your body will rot from within" - just how will the Government earn taxes now - BUT I forgot, the Scottish Police now stop a motorist on average every two minutes day and night - need to start issuing more tickets than warnings now.
Springs to mind, my most hated radio advert, been running for years , Richard F Mackay furnishings in Edinburgh, have a different sale running every month, same bloke has been doing the voice over for years so I would suspect they just keep rotating tapes. Even sillier are the tapes made for pre X-mas which are still being repeated despite being dated,
Weather has changed, freezing temperatures, chaos down South where they had an inch of snow, place ground to a halt; then we have the usual chaos on the trains at X-mas where "essential" works are being carried out - usual lack of communication from the rail companies. BUT - not enough snow yet for some of the Scottish resorts ; however, too much snow in the French ski resorts where skiers have been unable to get to the slopes and have been sent home !!!! what is wrong with walking or using their skies - perhaps no ski tow's handy.
So apart from their winging - totally different problems overseas, one missing Air Asia airline with one hundred and sixty aboard believed downed by a storm; a Greek car ferry on fire with several deaths; and a Virgin jumbo makes a hairy landing due to faulty landing gear.
Closer to home - more weeping and wailing - Rangers lost again; despite having sacked "super ally"; Celtic managed a draw; Jambo's doing well; Glasgow beat Edinburgh at rugby - just one disaster after another for someone.
Watching the "Rock" on TV , superb movie.
Friday 26 December 2014
Ba Humbug - perhaps, but it is now over , all bar the shouting.
Shouting to get into the shops on x-mas eve, and even more this morning as folks headed for the sales, big question as to whether there really are bargains. But shows how much folks are getting ripped off with what is just a commercial enterprise.
Must have been shouting this morning, when the Edinburgh trams could not run because there was icing on the power cables - add that to the break down on then 24h when all trams were stationary due to a break down. We can put a man into space for less, and have a space station orbiting with regular connections, but NO bloody trams - well done our Edinburgh City \councillors who refuse to admit what the hidden costs of the tram project were - officials are still refusing to cooperate with the ongoing enquiry. Only local authorities can get away with this, well maybe MP's etc also,
Mercat Grill has been busy over the festive period, full house on X mas day, lovely customers, enjoyed the day and our staff did brilliantly.
When I last wrote about the bin lorry tragedy in Glasgow, it did go through my mind, wondering how long the "sickos" in our society would take to start commenting on social media, right enough it has happened already, but backfired on the writers who are certainly making themselves very unpopular - with folks sending their comments to the Police and hoping for some action.
Looks like the new drink driving limit is going to have a few more casualties, some golf clubs and out of town pubs are already feeling the effect of drivers cutting back, even on the one pint.
Nanny State right enough - George Orwell was certainly a visionary with his writings.
PS - Merry X-mas everyone.
Must have been shouting this morning, when the Edinburgh trams could not run because there was icing on the power cables - add that to the break down on then 24h when all trams were stationary due to a break down. We can put a man into space for less, and have a space station orbiting with regular connections, but NO bloody trams - well done our Edinburgh City \councillors who refuse to admit what the hidden costs of the tram project were - officials are still refusing to cooperate with the ongoing enquiry. Only local authorities can get away with this, well maybe MP's etc also,
Mercat Grill has been busy over the festive period, full house on X mas day, lovely customers, enjoyed the day and our staff did brilliantly.
When I last wrote about the bin lorry tragedy in Glasgow, it did go through my mind, wondering how long the "sickos" in our society would take to start commenting on social media, right enough it has happened already, but backfired on the writers who are certainly making themselves very unpopular - with folks sending their comments to the Police and hoping for some action.
Looks like the new drink driving limit is going to have a few more casualties, some golf clubs and out of town pubs are already feeling the effect of drivers cutting back, even on the one pint.
Nanny State right enough - George Orwell was certainly a visionary with his writings.
PS - Merry X-mas everyone.
Monday 22 December 2014
Horrendous accident in Glasgow
which happened at 2.30 p.m. this afternoon in the Queens Street / George Square area when an out of control bin lorry mounted the pavement and in the course of the next three hundred yards six pedestrians were killed and at least seven seriously injured and hospitalised. At the moment it has been suggested that the driver took ill as he was seen collapsed over the steering wheel. Emergency services were on the scene within minutes and have been praised for their actions.
This has been yet another terrible tragedy for a City who suffered the deaths of ten people a year ago when a Police helicopter crashed into a crowded city centre pub.
Our thoughts and commiserations go out to the relatives and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured.
Saturday 20 December 2014
Kept on my toes - rather than chilling out.
Had planned on a wee update last night , but feeling out of sorts so it was a very early bed for me, although, I did end up sleeping in a chair most of the night.
But, Wednesday night, a superb installation for Susan Wilson at OES;, Bonnyrigg, big turn out and a super spread afterwards. Thursday, had another run to the dental hospital where dentist took great delight in firing a mild !! electrical current through my teeth to prove they were still strong and not damaged, not a treat. Evening, made it to Loanhead where our RWM, Bryan McKenzie was receiving honorary membership - big deputation from 720, good evening just a pity I had to leave sharp (again). Loanhead have several members who are motorcyclist and members of the "Sons of the Widow" biker group, who are always raising funds for various charities - well done lads.
Friday, mad rush however I made it to Edinburgh for the meeting of Supreme RA at George Street, nice to see so many well "kent" faces - however, unfortunately felt unwell and had to leave early and head home for bed. Did drop in to the Standing Order where "Archie the Pole Dancer" was run off his feet as usual.
Mercat Grill is very busy, and congratulations to the Staff, who have just won the award for Best Pub, by the Edinburgh Evening News, looks like a phone call to book a table will be required. Once again we have come across the anomalies of "Trip Advisor" - where in amongst the good reports was a very negative report - BUT the writer was traced and spoken to , turns out he had never been in the Grill and just felt like being a "dick head".
Chatting to customers in the Conservatory on Thursday, and spotted a new "old" face, new customer, but turned out to be a former colleague Grace, who I had worked with years ago, along with her husband, but who was able to remind me that we had not met for about eight years - now a regular at the Grill.
Now getting into the habit of watching for other drivers on their mobile phones, never fails, do not understand it - Police Scotland actually did charge a lot of folks with the offence ( did look at the stats) but it is obviously not a deterrent. Thinking of setting up the Go Pro on the dashboard.
Had a wee visit to BMW Motorad at Dalkeith today, initially to get my helmet fixed again, but as they were having their x-mas bash the place was really busy and it was nice to meet folks I knew, Rennie, who had been on the trip to Europe with us, missed Dougz and Boy Dougz, who had come over to get a pressie for the boy, and met some nice folks parting with cash for bright shiny bikes as gifts for themselves.
But, Wednesday night, a superb installation for Susan Wilson at OES;, Bonnyrigg, big turn out and a super spread afterwards. Thursday, had another run to the dental hospital where dentist took great delight in firing a mild !! electrical current through my teeth to prove they were still strong and not damaged, not a treat. Evening, made it to Loanhead where our RWM, Bryan McKenzie was receiving honorary membership - big deputation from 720, good evening just a pity I had to leave sharp (again). Loanhead have several members who are motorcyclist and members of the "Sons of the Widow" biker group, who are always raising funds for various charities - well done lads.
Friday, mad rush however I made it to Edinburgh for the meeting of Supreme RA at George Street, nice to see so many well "kent" faces - however, unfortunately felt unwell and had to leave early and head home for bed. Did drop in to the Standing Order where "Archie the Pole Dancer" was run off his feet as usual.
Mercat Grill is very busy, and congratulations to the Staff, who have just won the award for Best Pub, by the Edinburgh Evening News, looks like a phone call to book a table will be required. Once again we have come across the anomalies of "Trip Advisor" - where in amongst the good reports was a very negative report - BUT the writer was traced and spoken to , turns out he had never been in the Grill and just felt like being a "dick head".
Chatting to customers in the Conservatory on Thursday, and spotted a new "old" face, new customer, but turned out to be a former colleague Grace, who I had worked with years ago, along with her husband, but who was able to remind me that we had not met for about eight years - now a regular at the Grill.
Now getting into the habit of watching for other drivers on their mobile phones, never fails, do not understand it - Police Scotland actually did charge a lot of folks with the offence ( did look at the stats) but it is obviously not a deterrent. Thinking of setting up the Go Pro on the dashboard.
Had a wee visit to BMW Motorad at Dalkeith today, initially to get my helmet fixed again, but as they were having their x-mas bash the place was really busy and it was nice to meet folks I knew, Rennie, who had been on the trip to Europe with us, missed Dougz and Boy Dougz, who had come over to get a pressie for the boy, and met some nice folks parting with cash for bright shiny bikes as gifts for themselves.
Tuesday 16 December 2014
Windows 8 - what a load of rubbish.
Just spent time updating the Blog for it to disappear into the wide blue yonder. So much for this version of windows, and added to the new lap top is doing my head in.
Bit of a Masonic week for me ; Monday - Star; Tonight an Installation with meal and social at 151 Defensive Band; another Star Installation tomorrow night; deputation to Loanhead on Thursday; and meeting in George Street of Supreme RA.
One more Nanny act by the MSP,s as they introduce the no smoking ban in cars carrying children - still does not get round the fact that youngsters could be in a house with half a dozen adults puffing away like "lums".
Watching the programme called "Secret Dealers" on TV, just shows how big a set of chancers all these second hand / antique dealers are !!!
Some terrible terrorist orientated incidents around the world in the last twenty four hours - and as previously stated they will not go away for a long time, so vigilance has to be the watchword.
Going to be a dry night again for me, need to take the car, so no drinking, not with the new lower lever of alcohol permitted ; even makes driving the next day dodgy, but as I have the dental hospital in the morning just need to behave, HOWEVER as someone rightly pointed out, those drivers who insist on using mobile phones when driving are just as big a menace, does not make sense when you can buy a set of hands free earphones for about £12 . Even more galling are those folks driving their expensive "Chelsea tractors", etc., costing in excess of £35k and they cannot use a hands free. I saw four drivers in twenty five minutes on my way to work on Saturday morning, including a bus and a lorry driver all chatting away this morning it was yet another white van man.
Bit of a Masonic week for me ; Monday - Star; Tonight an Installation with meal and social at 151 Defensive Band; another Star Installation tomorrow night; deputation to Loanhead on Thursday; and meeting in George Street of Supreme RA.
One more Nanny act by the MSP,s as they introduce the no smoking ban in cars carrying children - still does not get round the fact that youngsters could be in a house with half a dozen adults puffing away like "lums".
Watching the programme called "Secret Dealers" on TV, just shows how big a set of chancers all these second hand / antique dealers are !!!
Some terrible terrorist orientated incidents around the world in the last twenty four hours - and as previously stated they will not go away for a long time, so vigilance has to be the watchword.
Going to be a dry night again for me, need to take the car, so no drinking, not with the new lower lever of alcohol permitted ; even makes driving the next day dodgy, but as I have the dental hospital in the morning just need to behave, HOWEVER as someone rightly pointed out, those drivers who insist on using mobile phones when driving are just as big a menace, does not make sense when you can buy a set of hands free earphones for about £12 . Even more galling are those folks driving their expensive "Chelsea tractors", etc., costing in excess of £35k and they cannot use a hands free. I saw four drivers in twenty five minutes on my way to work on Saturday morning, including a bus and a lorry driver all chatting away this morning it was yet another white van man.
Friday 12 December 2014
Corned beef hash - and an ear bashing.
Good job I am keeping a record now - on the 5th I made Mrs B, her dinner, and tonight I did likewise (lovely creamy corned beef and onion hash), only to be told that it was at least six years!!!! since I had last made the dinner!! Once again a serious exaggeration, no wonder I am nearly bald and what little left is seriously grey.
Under siege once again, cold callers on the phone who are now ringing in the evening - so any withheld or unknown numbers are left for the ansaphone, then we call back.
Now the snow as winter creeps upon us, yesterday it was big boots and warm jacket with icebound roads around Penicuik, but it did clear up so I headed off to Crieff for the monthly meeting of RA 34 there. Excellent meeting with three candidates (wise men) who had travelled up from the Midlands to go through all three degrees. Had confirmation that Christmas had arrived when my car was nearly blocked in the car park by a sled and brass band as the locals switched on their X-mas lights.
Bigger shock to the system when I left to find Crieff and the rest of the County totally icebound, roads were like the proverbial skating rink, so it took ages to travel the twelve miles to the A9 in a convoy travelling at no more than twenty mph, however the main trunk roads had been gritted and were fine all the way home. Only one car off the road at Dunblane in the process of being recovered, and later on I saw the emergency services en route, I think to a fatal accident which occurred at Broxburn. That is about four different fatal road accidents in this area in the past few days. No idea if alcohol had been involved, but I did hear about a lady driver, who having left home using public transport to go out for a social, returned the same way, and then unaccountably left the house, drover her car a short distance and was stopped and found to be five times over the "new" limit.
At this point, while I remember, I have to confess to using the bus to go to a hospital appointment on Wednesday morning, we were in the midst of gale force winds and torrential rain, so I "wimped out" of taking the Steed of Steel, sorry guys - sense prevailed in this instance while I am still in the physical recovery mode, taking longer to recover than usual with even more appointments to follow.
Downside of the bus journey was when a "Jamaican" bloke got on the bus, mobile phone glued to his large lug, and treated the entire upper deck of the bus to a conversation with his friend in his own local dialect interspersed with the odd bit of broken English. So, having bitten my tongue rather than get involved in a Breach of the Peace I went to the lower deck and stood for the last part of my journey - just pure ignorance,
Heard a snippet on the radio, unconfirmed so far, that Ally McCoist has resigned as manager of Rangers FC., if true, a sad day for both him and the Club. Really sorry for him as he has put his heart and soul ( man and boy) into that club and has done his best to pull it out the murk caused by thieving scheming businessmen - potentially a bad day for Scottish football.
I see that the Mercat Grill, Whitecraig, is now in the final top ten of local pubs/bars/ restaurants in a competition being run by the Edinburgh Evening News, many thanks to our customers for taking the trouble to vote for the Grill.
Under siege once again, cold callers on the phone who are now ringing in the evening - so any withheld or unknown numbers are left for the ansaphone, then we call back.
Now the snow as winter creeps upon us, yesterday it was big boots and warm jacket with icebound roads around Penicuik, but it did clear up so I headed off to Crieff for the monthly meeting of RA 34 there. Excellent meeting with three candidates (wise men) who had travelled up from the Midlands to go through all three degrees. Had confirmation that Christmas had arrived when my car was nearly blocked in the car park by a sled and brass band as the locals switched on their X-mas lights.
Bigger shock to the system when I left to find Crieff and the rest of the County totally icebound, roads were like the proverbial skating rink, so it took ages to travel the twelve miles to the A9 in a convoy travelling at no more than twenty mph, however the main trunk roads had been gritted and were fine all the way home. Only one car off the road at Dunblane in the process of being recovered, and later on I saw the emergency services en route, I think to a fatal accident which occurred at Broxburn. That is about four different fatal road accidents in this area in the past few days. No idea if alcohol had been involved, but I did hear about a lady driver, who having left home using public transport to go out for a social, returned the same way, and then unaccountably left the house, drover her car a short distance and was stopped and found to be five times over the "new" limit.
At this point, while I remember, I have to confess to using the bus to go to a hospital appointment on Wednesday morning, we were in the midst of gale force winds and torrential rain, so I "wimped out" of taking the Steed of Steel, sorry guys - sense prevailed in this instance while I am still in the physical recovery mode, taking longer to recover than usual with even more appointments to follow.
Downside of the bus journey was when a "Jamaican" bloke got on the bus, mobile phone glued to his large lug, and treated the entire upper deck of the bus to a conversation with his friend in his own local dialect interspersed with the odd bit of broken English. So, having bitten my tongue rather than get involved in a Breach of the Peace I went to the lower deck and stood for the last part of my journey - just pure ignorance,
Heard a snippet on the radio, unconfirmed so far, that Ally McCoist has resigned as manager of Rangers FC., if true, a sad day for both him and the Club. Really sorry for him as he has put his heart and soul ( man and boy) into that club and has done his best to pull it out the murk caused by thieving scheming businessmen - potentially a bad day for Scottish football.
I see that the Mercat Grill, Whitecraig, is now in the final top ten of local pubs/bars/ restaurants in a competition being run by the Edinburgh Evening News, many thanks to our customers for taking the trouble to vote for the Grill.
Monday 8 December 2014
Winter is upon us.
Winter has arrived (hopefully I do not hear Mr and Mrs Barns laughing in Spain, where they arfe still touring on their bikes) and it took nearly ten minutes to clear solid ice from the car before setting off for work. AND there they were, first day of Winter, too cold to stand and wait on a bus, so take the car and cause even more chaos; and there are those who seem incapable of clearing their windscreens, or any windows and drive with a tiny wee square cleared - these are the folks the police should be stopping; and finally there are those who must shovel as much snow on their cars as possible and delight in getting into Edinburgh looking like "Nanook of the North" and want their colleagues to heap praise on them for struggling in to work.
Having just written the above, maybe I was daft to take the Steed of steel out for a run this afternoon to meet up with Dougz and Tom at Livingston, but the sun was shining, the roads were good, only the car park at Deerpark was a bit icy - and I did come home before the sun set and the temperature dropped.
Completely forgot about the Royal Variety Performance being on tonight and only just managed to see the last four acts. However, seeing Shirley Bassey reminded me of meeting her at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre many years ago when they held a gala concert for the Queen during the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. I had to conduct a search of her dressing room and she stayed there while we did our thing, she later rehearsed on stage, dancing about six inches above my head while I crawled under the staging . Those were the days when my shadow was slightly smaller and I was agile enough for such adventures.
Having just written the above, maybe I was daft to take the Steed of steel out for a run this afternoon to meet up with Dougz and Tom at Livingston, but the sun was shining, the roads were good, only the car park at Deerpark was a bit icy - and I did come home before the sun set and the temperature dropped.
Completely forgot about the Royal Variety Performance being on tonight and only just managed to see the last four acts. However, seeing Shirley Bassey reminded me of meeting her at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre many years ago when they held a gala concert for the Queen during the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. I had to conduct a search of her dressing room and she stayed there while we did our thing, she later rehearsed on stage, dancing about six inches above my head while I crawled under the staging . Those were the days when my shadow was slightly smaller and I was agile enough for such adventures.
Saturday 6 December 2014
Long day at the lodges, well done RWM's Allison and McKenzie
Been a long day, not long home and have just caught the tail end of the X Factor these acts are actually doing not too bad, it will be a close final and up to the fickle public at the end of the day .
Headed to the Grill a.m. to open up and do some chores, then home for a wash and change and off to Newbattle to a meeting of St Bernard De Clairveax, big turn out and an excellent lecture by Andrew Brown from Crieff . Managed to rush out the door at 4.30 p.m. and just made it to Tranent in time for the 5pm kick off at the 1112 Lodge Nisbet installation where Brian Allison was taking the chair. Needed to be there as I had promised Brian a year ago that I would attend, however I had not realised that it was also 720's Installation where Brian MacKenzie was doing another year- apologies in this instance.
Grill was busy today, and our friend Allison and her pals had a humungous Pablova for desert packed with ice cream, etc. as a birthday treat.
Today Police Scotland Officers were having a fun day stopping cars and trying out their new breathalysers with the lower limit. Tried to work out last night how long it would take for my system to absorb my intake of vino tinto, and be 100% sure that if stopped I would not have any residual alcohol left - as I have said before , this new act will put the willies up many drivers.
Fatal accident this morning on the M8, however not a drivers fault, appears that a pedestrian caused the accident.
Headed to the Grill a.m. to open up and do some chores, then home for a wash and change and off to Newbattle to a meeting of St Bernard De Clairveax, big turn out and an excellent lecture by Andrew Brown from Crieff . Managed to rush out the door at 4.30 p.m. and just made it to Tranent in time for the 5pm kick off at the 1112 Lodge Nisbet installation where Brian Allison was taking the chair. Needed to be there as I had promised Brian a year ago that I would attend, however I had not realised that it was also 720's Installation where Brian MacKenzie was doing another year- apologies in this instance.
Grill was busy today, and our friend Allison and her pals had a humungous Pablova for desert packed with ice cream, etc. as a birthday treat.
Today Police Scotland Officers were having a fun day stopping cars and trying out their new breathalysers with the lower limit. Tried to work out last night how long it would take for my system to absorb my intake of vino tinto, and be 100% sure that if stopped I would not have any residual alcohol left - as I have said before , this new act will put the willies up many drivers.
Fatal accident this morning on the M8, however not a drivers fault, appears that a pedestrian caused the accident.
Friday 5 December 2014
Been a few days again
Great excitement in the household today, Mrs B, (exaggerating as usual) claimed that I had never prepared her dinner during the past fifty years (not even known her that long), so bull by the horns and after the ensuing chaos in the kitchen - tomato soup, corned beef roll, and alka seltzer - I jest, had this been the case I would not be writing this blog. So steak, French fries, onion rings, grilled tomato, (and mushrooms for me) with Blossom Hill for elle, and a superb Turner Road 1912 Shiraz (comp of Tesco half price offer). Two happy contented bunnies ce soir. Short memory - or is it a sign of too much Rose, (sweet Carolyn take care!!)
Was watching Zoe Ball doing her thing on the BBC 2 Strictly Come Dancing nightly round up, - smashing young lady who should have been comparing the main show rather than the numpties who replaced Sir Bruce.
However, before I get back to more mundane happenings, the Lovely Go Jo, matures by yet another year tomorrow, an early happy birthday to her - hope she enjoys her surprise treat.
Stop Press - we in the UK buy two million cans of baked beans every day - and they have the cheek to blame cattle for affecting the ozone layer.
So, listening to the pre X-mas adverts we have garages offering £3k / £4k off the price of new cars; and Arnold Clark giving £300 off second hand cars - which (using my abacus) would equate to a discount of £30k for a token one hundred cars at one of their big outlets - so looking at that, and the massive glass and hi tech showrooms and garages - just how much money are these motor traders making from the punters. Worse than that are the garages charging £75 /£100 an hour to repair cars - tiddle that for a joke.
City of Edinburgh have just announced that they intend to spend yet another £400K on another feasibility study to look at extending the trams from York Place to Leith ( the original route) this is after they have just spent £9 million reinstating Leith Walk after the original tram works debacle. AND they have even suggested that the trams are a roaring success (cloud cuckoo land and heads up external rear orifices spring to mind as attributes for the Councillors).
Still not 100% fit enough yet up to be hitting the road on the Steed of Steel yet, the after effects of my holiday infection took a bit more out of me than I thought - but , getting there now.
Now Ms Sturgeon settling in to her new home at Bute House as 1st Minister, from reports on the media looks like she is a bit more "far left" than slippery Alex, so watch out income tax going up soon.
Was thinking back to reading George Orwell's book, (1984) recently and every day we see more and more Big Brother type influences on our life style.
New drink driving laws came into force today, not that I really have any objection, drink does cause accidents, however, looks as the employed motoring public will bear the brunt of this initiative to curb the drinking habits of the Scots. It will make no difference at all to those who do not drive; those who head for the supermarkets who are competing with each other to flog cases of beer and cheap spirits, even undercutting the big commercial wholesalers, then sit at home with their bottles of cheap cider, etc , get blootered , domestic unrest, and head for the streets to stagger in front of the unsuspecting sober motorist.
While on this theme - these dammed cyclists who insist on riding bikes wearing dark clothing, with no lights, etc are a total no no; blatantly ignored by the Police, who seem to also be ignoring the one head light wonders (cars) - intent on reaching statistically orientated targets set by their "Superiors" !!!
Saturday, Off to the KT,s followed by an Installation at Lodge Nisbet, Tranent, taking the car - no drink.
Was watching Zoe Ball doing her thing on the BBC 2 Strictly Come Dancing nightly round up, - smashing young lady who should have been comparing the main show rather than the numpties who replaced Sir Bruce.
However, before I get back to more mundane happenings, the Lovely Go Jo, matures by yet another year tomorrow, an early happy birthday to her - hope she enjoys her surprise treat.
Stop Press - we in the UK buy two million cans of baked beans every day - and they have the cheek to blame cattle for affecting the ozone layer.
So, listening to the pre X-mas adverts we have garages offering £3k / £4k off the price of new cars; and Arnold Clark giving £300 off second hand cars - which (using my abacus) would equate to a discount of £30k for a token one hundred cars at one of their big outlets - so looking at that, and the massive glass and hi tech showrooms and garages - just how much money are these motor traders making from the punters. Worse than that are the garages charging £75 /£100 an hour to repair cars - tiddle that for a joke.
City of Edinburgh have just announced that they intend to spend yet another £400K on another feasibility study to look at extending the trams from York Place to Leith ( the original route) this is after they have just spent £9 million reinstating Leith Walk after the original tram works debacle. AND they have even suggested that the trams are a roaring success (cloud cuckoo land and heads up external rear orifices spring to mind as attributes for the Councillors).
Still not 100% fit enough yet up to be hitting the road on the Steed of Steel yet, the after effects of my holiday infection took a bit more out of me than I thought - but , getting there now.
Now Ms Sturgeon settling in to her new home at Bute House as 1st Minister, from reports on the media looks like she is a bit more "far left" than slippery Alex, so watch out income tax going up soon.
Was thinking back to reading George Orwell's book, (1984) recently and every day we see more and more Big Brother type influences on our life style.
New drink driving laws came into force today, not that I really have any objection, drink does cause accidents, however, looks as the employed motoring public will bear the brunt of this initiative to curb the drinking habits of the Scots. It will make no difference at all to those who do not drive; those who head for the supermarkets who are competing with each other to flog cases of beer and cheap spirits, even undercutting the big commercial wholesalers, then sit at home with their bottles of cheap cider, etc , get blootered , domestic unrest, and head for the streets to stagger in front of the unsuspecting sober motorist.
While on this theme - these dammed cyclists who insist on riding bikes wearing dark clothing, with no lights, etc are a total no no; blatantly ignored by the Police, who seem to also be ignoring the one head light wonders (cars) - intent on reaching statistically orientated targets set by their "Superiors" !!!
Saturday, Off to the KT,s followed by an Installation at Lodge Nisbet, Tranent, taking the car - no drink.
Sunday 30 November 2014
Technophobia, if only I was sixty years younger "No sweat".
Under pressure tonight, trying out Windows 8.1 on another lap top, which is as bad as the critics said it was. Have no idea what I am doing most of the time, and there does not seem to be a word processing set up unless you pay for Windows Office.
Had a bit of a senior moment and forgot my log in password so just switched off and waited for a bit of inspiration. Then "Willie" called from rural England, home from his Waitrose tour of Turkey, which he said was really marvellous, interesting and they had enjoyed the company of the other twenty nine on the coach.
Still under the weather so having to take it easy, falling asleep, despite the apparently exciting football on the radio. Obviously going to take a bit longer to recover. Missed out on a trip to Castlebrae, Auchterarder for the meeting of the Scottish Region IPA.
Andy Murray planning on getting married, hopefully the Cromlix House Hotel (which he owns) will not turn him or his family away - lovely venue, especially the private chapel in the house.
Well, Mr Salmond has taken his pension money and gone, no doubt to join the lecture circuit until he gets a seat in Westminster. In the meantime Ms Sturgeon has taken over the helm at Hollyrood, now trying to make her mark and push for more devolved powers.
Dark dreich cold nights are here, the threat of power cuts, but the Greens are now telling us that the wind turbines are a rip roaring success !!! no need for nuclear energy any more. Cockenzie Power Station has been shut down, Longannet Power Station cannot afford the fees being asked for to link into the National Grid, one of the major wave energy firms has gone down the tubes, what a carry on - thermals, early to bed, etc., to save on bills.
Black Friday - what a hoot, folks fighting over old stock in Tesco's, I was in PC World and one man had been in the day before pricing things, so when he came back his potential purchase was highlighted with a Black Friday sticker, and the price was "THE SAME" as the day before. The Game Shop still had its Black Friday advert being broadcast today - a big con. I think a number of folk were right o the button when they said it was just plain GREED, by customers and more so by the Retailers.
Watching a brilliant set on the X Factor with Queen and Adam Lambert, superb, just shows how good he is compared to the contestants on this so called reality show. At least I have a good book to fall back to, found an original Tom Clancy, " Without Remorse" where a number of the characters which feature in a number of his follow up books were introduced.
The quiet lady, Susan Boyle, still touring and enjoying life, lovely new Album just been released in time for Christmas.
Had a bit of a senior moment and forgot my log in password so just switched off and waited for a bit of inspiration. Then "Willie" called from rural England, home from his Waitrose tour of Turkey, which he said was really marvellous, interesting and they had enjoyed the company of the other twenty nine on the coach.
Still under the weather so having to take it easy, falling asleep, despite the apparently exciting football on the radio. Obviously going to take a bit longer to recover. Missed out on a trip to Castlebrae, Auchterarder for the meeting of the Scottish Region IPA.
Andy Murray planning on getting married, hopefully the Cromlix House Hotel (which he owns) will not turn him or his family away - lovely venue, especially the private chapel in the house.
Well, Mr Salmond has taken his pension money and gone, no doubt to join the lecture circuit until he gets a seat in Westminster. In the meantime Ms Sturgeon has taken over the helm at Hollyrood, now trying to make her mark and push for more devolved powers.
Dark dreich cold nights are here, the threat of power cuts, but the Greens are now telling us that the wind turbines are a rip roaring success !!! no need for nuclear energy any more. Cockenzie Power Station has been shut down, Longannet Power Station cannot afford the fees being asked for to link into the National Grid, one of the major wave energy firms has gone down the tubes, what a carry on - thermals, early to bed, etc., to save on bills.
Black Friday - what a hoot, folks fighting over old stock in Tesco's, I was in PC World and one man had been in the day before pricing things, so when he came back his potential purchase was highlighted with a Black Friday sticker, and the price was "THE SAME" as the day before. The Game Shop still had its Black Friday advert being broadcast today - a big con. I think a number of folk were right o the button when they said it was just plain GREED, by customers and more so by the Retailers.
Watching a brilliant set on the X Factor with Queen and Adam Lambert, superb, just shows how good he is compared to the contestants on this so called reality show. At least I have a good book to fall back to, found an original Tom Clancy, " Without Remorse" where a number of the characters which feature in a number of his follow up books were introduced.
The quiet lady, Susan Boyle, still touring and enjoying life, lovely new Album just been released in time for Christmas.
Wednesday 26 November 2014
Still under the weather.
I seem to spend a lot of my time sleeping at the moment - still fair wabbit as a result of my various infections, but getting there slowly.
Had to miss my monthly meeting to RA 500 last night, which was a pity as I was due to be reinstalled as 3rd Principle.
This is anti terrorist awareness week and there are a number of events running around the UK, I was due at a lecture on Monday morning in Edinburgh, again , another event I was forced to cancel. The UK public really need to accept that no one is kidding any longer - there are a lot of seriously fanatical folks out there, well indoctrinated and prepared to cause mayhem, we all need to be aware.
Police Scotland taking a bit more flak as the annual crime figures are published, and as usual have been laundered more often than our bed linen. I say the same thing every year, the figures are produced to suit the Police and have been treated likewise since I joined in 1966, and even before that when I was in Durham it was the same. Mr. Howe having a real greet in his teacup about the amount of VAT he is having to pay; but if I am right it is not so long ago that he registered Police Scotland as a business, so what does he expect. With winter coming in he might just consider getting a long sleeved shirt and a jacket to pose in, or keep himself warm when he turns the heating down in the office.
There was a bit on the internet showing the Police Chief from Milwaukee giving a statement to the media - no messing about there - told it as it was,
Had to miss my monthly meeting to RA 500 last night, which was a pity as I was due to be reinstalled as 3rd Principle.
This is anti terrorist awareness week and there are a number of events running around the UK, I was due at a lecture on Monday morning in Edinburgh, again , another event I was forced to cancel. The UK public really need to accept that no one is kidding any longer - there are a lot of seriously fanatical folks out there, well indoctrinated and prepared to cause mayhem, we all need to be aware.
Police Scotland taking a bit more flak as the annual crime figures are published, and as usual have been laundered more often than our bed linen. I say the same thing every year, the figures are produced to suit the Police and have been treated likewise since I joined in 1966, and even before that when I was in Durham it was the same. Mr. Howe having a real greet in his teacup about the amount of VAT he is having to pay; but if I am right it is not so long ago that he registered Police Scotland as a business, so what does he expect. With winter coming in he might just consider getting a long sleeved shirt and a jacket to pose in, or keep himself warm when he turns the heating down in the office.
There was a bit on the internet showing the Police Chief from Milwaukee giving a statement to the media - no messing about there - told it as it was,
Thursday 20 November 2014
Ran before I could walk - so to speak.
Kind of overdid things a bit too quickly after my brief stay in hospital last week. Made it to Glasgow on Monday night for the annual dinner of the Guild of Maltmen, full house in the Merchants Hall with RGB in the chair - nice way to celebrate his birthday. Meal was first class and ambiance superb - I just had to take it easy, even so I was kind of jiggered by the time I got back to the hotel (Premier Inn). Anyway, we had taken the train both ways so it was a quiet run home, and time to get the feet up.
Fell fowl of the Doctor yesterday morning who wants me to take it easy for a few days until my chest infection and related chest pains ease off a bit- so that is what I aim to do. Just a pity I am having to cancel the E Div dinner at Tranent and the Grand Superintendents dinner this weekend.
Bit of a blow for Scotland fans on Tuesday night after England gave them a wee bit of a thumping - just a good job it did not affect their euro chances.
Fell fowl of the Doctor yesterday morning who wants me to take it easy for a few days until my chest infection and related chest pains ease off a bit- so that is what I aim to do. Just a pity I am having to cancel the E Div dinner at Tranent and the Grand Superintendents dinner this weekend.
Bit of a blow for Scotland fans on Tuesday night after England gave them a wee bit of a thumping - just a good job it did not affect their euro chances.
Sunday 16 November 2014
Still on the mend
Sunday night, home, and watched the demise of Judy Murray in Strictly Come Dancing ( sorry, but she could not dance). Still very much under the weather awaiting the antiobiotics to work and clear up chest infection.
BUT made it to town yesterday to take up residence, like a Godfather in a nice high backed chair in the Beehive Private function sweet where there was a surprise party for RGB who is forty tomorrow. Party had to be held early as he is chairing the annual dinner of the Guild of Maltman in Glasgow tomorrow night in the Merchant's Hall. However we were in the Beehive from 2 p.m. till 11.30pm (not me) and his friend Briggsy and three others flew over from the USA to surprise him. There was a great crowd, many happy to be like me and sit and watch all four International rugby matches, hard luck for Scotland who had a great game.
I made the mistake of not taking the car despite not drinking so we unfortunately had to take a taxi back to Penicuik - £40 !!!!!! not just daylight robbery, bang out of order, If I had taken the car and been drinking it would have cost less to get Scoot to take us home.
Today, a quick run into town to let the Turkish barbers set fire to my ears, then out to Cameron Tool for a couple of messages, the folks in the O,2 shop there are first class.
Out to deliver items to the Mercat Grill which was very busy over lunch time - nice so see some friends from way back there.
Just need to see what the next few days throw up.
BUT made it to town yesterday to take up residence, like a Godfather in a nice high backed chair in the Beehive Private function sweet where there was a surprise party for RGB who is forty tomorrow. Party had to be held early as he is chairing the annual dinner of the Guild of Maltman in Glasgow tomorrow night in the Merchant's Hall. However we were in the Beehive from 2 p.m. till 11.30pm (not me) and his friend Briggsy and three others flew over from the USA to surprise him. There was a great crowd, many happy to be like me and sit and watch all four International rugby matches, hard luck for Scotland who had a great game.
I made the mistake of not taking the car despite not drinking so we unfortunately had to take a taxi back to Penicuik - £40 !!!!!! not just daylight robbery, bang out of order, If I had taken the car and been drinking it would have cost less to get Scoot to take us home.
Today, a quick run into town to let the Turkish barbers set fire to my ears, then out to Cameron Tool for a couple of messages, the folks in the O,2 shop there are first class.
Out to deliver items to the Mercat Grill which was very busy over lunch time - nice so see some friends from way back there.
Just need to see what the next few days throw up.
Thursday 13 November 2014
Through the wars once again
Seems like I eventually tempted providance - or was it that I forgot my sun had and was stupid enough to not buy a replacment - more later.
Our holiday routine continued, beach by 7am, breakfast 8am back to beach; lunch 1 pm; return to beach; 3.40 drinkies till sunset; changed ; drinkies; dinner at 8pm and usually in bed watching movies by 9,30pm - how boring.
Hotel was lovely, place very clean, choice and presentation of food excellent, however it was not long before I began to feel the effects of the sun and the local water.
Managed a couple of lovely evening meals in the Chinese and the Meditteranean themed restaurants, but on Saturday had to admit defeat and retire to bed unwell, mainly with sore stomach and wild headaches which I put down to a mild dose of sunstroke.
Hotel staff sent me herbal teas, etc and as I missed more meals expressed concers to Mrs. B.; suggesting I go to the clinic, but I stupidly failed to heed their advice. Sunday - feeling worse that "shitty" survived the day on sips of water only.
Monday am now seriously concerned as we were due to fly home in the evening I eventually got the Egyptian equivalent of Diacalm which worked faily rapidly halting my somewhat draining trips to the loo.
Hotel Front Office staff alowed us to keep the room on allowing me peace to rest antill we were nearer leaving time. Then ran me to the Reception area by buggy where we waited on the wee coach for transfer. Must praise Holiday Village Coral sea resort staff for making our holiday a memorable event.
Turned out that our flight was the last to leave that evening so we had a very easy passage through baggage inspection, drop off, visa and passport control.
By this time I was prety knackered so had to try and rest before the final short journey to the plane which was bang on time.
Eventually boarded, same seats so plenty space and tried to settle, but shortly after take off an observant stewardess came and expressed concerns about my health - I ended up with three seats in a row, pillows, blankets and was laid out, however by this time my breathing was laboured, chest pains and unable to speak.
The staff kept an eye on me, checking regularly and even called ahead for a wheel chair to get me to baggage collaction as it is a long walk at Glasgow, but were suggesting that an ambulance from the plane might be a better option.
However, knowing that RGB would be waiting I took option A the wheelchair - to the baggage hall, where I was nearly at the point of collapse!! yes. BUT RGB was there and we were soon in the car heading East and Mrs B and he decided that they had no option but take me direct to the A & E at ERI which we did.
Once again my luck was in and the place was quietish for once so I was processed very quickly and moved from Triage to A & E; examined and put on oxygen, etc and told I was being admitted to the Initial Assessment Unit.
Mrs B and RGB left me and while I waiting a couple of the other "clients" kicked off shouting and bawling dogs abuse at the staff - totally uncalled for and in the old days they would have been kicked out and locked up!! Some forlks are so bloody disrespectful it is unbelievable - Dr's and nurses trying to help them and they appreciate zilch. It is little wonder that alcohol and drug abuse is costing the NHS a fortune, Time these people had to pay for the service. When RGB left they had witnessed two Police struggling to cope with a youth in his underpants out his face on a "designer drug", wich are readilly available around the town.
I ended up in a admission assessment Unit where I eventually stayed until discharge last night - again the staff were seen being subjected to verbal and physical abuse, again by patients under the influence.
Underwent a battery of tests; a CT scan, put on different drips to rehydrate me as I was suffering from serios dehydration etc, and they ruled out heart attacks; serious stomach bugs like salmonelle, etc, and general diagnoses was too much sun; serious chest infection and "bog" standard Gyppy Tummy - happy days.
So home now, cocktail of strong anitbiotics which will curtail my activies at a couple of social events next week - never mind, I might well still be in Egypt in a clinic worrying about getting home - instead, I can now thank the folks in the HV Coral Sea; crew of the Thomson flight; and especially give praise to the marvellous staff at the ERI
Our holiday routine continued, beach by 7am, breakfast 8am back to beach; lunch 1 pm; return to beach; 3.40 drinkies till sunset; changed ; drinkies; dinner at 8pm and usually in bed watching movies by 9,30pm - how boring.
Hotel was lovely, place very clean, choice and presentation of food excellent, however it was not long before I began to feel the effects of the sun and the local water.
Managed a couple of lovely evening meals in the Chinese and the Meditteranean themed restaurants, but on Saturday had to admit defeat and retire to bed unwell, mainly with sore stomach and wild headaches which I put down to a mild dose of sunstroke.
Hotel staff sent me herbal teas, etc and as I missed more meals expressed concers to Mrs. B.; suggesting I go to the clinic, but I stupidly failed to heed their advice. Sunday - feeling worse that "shitty" survived the day on sips of water only.
Monday am now seriously concerned as we were due to fly home in the evening I eventually got the Egyptian equivalent of Diacalm which worked faily rapidly halting my somewhat draining trips to the loo.
Hotel Front Office staff alowed us to keep the room on allowing me peace to rest antill we were nearer leaving time. Then ran me to the Reception area by buggy where we waited on the wee coach for transfer. Must praise Holiday Village Coral sea resort staff for making our holiday a memorable event.
Turned out that our flight was the last to leave that evening so we had a very easy passage through baggage inspection, drop off, visa and passport control.
By this time I was prety knackered so had to try and rest before the final short journey to the plane which was bang on time.
Eventually boarded, same seats so plenty space and tried to settle, but shortly after take off an observant stewardess came and expressed concerns about my health - I ended up with three seats in a row, pillows, blankets and was laid out, however by this time my breathing was laboured, chest pains and unable to speak.
The staff kept an eye on me, checking regularly and even called ahead for a wheel chair to get me to baggage collaction as it is a long walk at Glasgow, but were suggesting that an ambulance from the plane might be a better option.
However, knowing that RGB would be waiting I took option A the wheelchair - to the baggage hall, where I was nearly at the point of collapse!! yes. BUT RGB was there and we were soon in the car heading East and Mrs B and he decided that they had no option but take me direct to the A & E at ERI which we did.
Once again my luck was in and the place was quietish for once so I was processed very quickly and moved from Triage to A & E; examined and put on oxygen, etc and told I was being admitted to the Initial Assessment Unit.
Mrs B and RGB left me and while I waiting a couple of the other "clients" kicked off shouting and bawling dogs abuse at the staff - totally uncalled for and in the old days they would have been kicked out and locked up!! Some forlks are so bloody disrespectful it is unbelievable - Dr's and nurses trying to help them and they appreciate zilch. It is little wonder that alcohol and drug abuse is costing the NHS a fortune, Time these people had to pay for the service. When RGB left they had witnessed two Police struggling to cope with a youth in his underpants out his face on a "designer drug", wich are readilly available around the town.
I ended up in a admission assessment Unit where I eventually stayed until discharge last night - again the staff were seen being subjected to verbal and physical abuse, again by patients under the influence.
Underwent a battery of tests; a CT scan, put on different drips to rehydrate me as I was suffering from serios dehydration etc, and they ruled out heart attacks; serious stomach bugs like salmonelle, etc, and general diagnoses was too much sun; serious chest infection and "bog" standard Gyppy Tummy - happy days.
So home now, cocktail of strong anitbiotics which will curtail my activies at a couple of social events next week - never mind, I might well still be in Egypt in a clinic worrying about getting home - instead, I can now thank the folks in the HV Coral Sea; crew of the Thomson flight; and especially give praise to the marvellous staff at the ERI
Tuesday 4 November 2014
Sunsine, a source of Vitamin something or other
Where does time go when you have very little to do? here in the sun now in Sharm El Sheik, hotel is the Holiday Village Coral Sea Resort, and we really cannot complain. The room is massive, robes, tea and coffee facilities, fresh water, all mod cons. Although the place was very busy last week with the English school holidays it is quieter now - there are four themed restaurants and a Stone Grill which we pay for , but it was excellent for the birthday meal with Mrs B.
Sun comes up about 0630 and sets around 4.30 p.m so we make the best of it, even it means going to bed early.
Big Spa on site, so we have had massages, shaves, pedicures, facials, etc, just nice and relaxing .
Mrs B a bit worried about the fact she is not able to produce the meringues which must now be in short supply !!!!
Last time we were here in Egypt A I we thought that the drinks were a bit rough, however, this hotel is pouring local brands which are palatable, even the wine. And as suggested by grant @ Photogenix2 I am using G & T as an antidote to the mosquitos, mind you I have only been annoyed by flies in the morning.
Onwards and upwards - wee cocktail reception this evening.
Sun comes up about 0630 and sets around 4.30 p.m so we make the best of it, even it means going to bed early.
Big Spa on site, so we have had massages, shaves, pedicures, facials, etc, just nice and relaxing .
Mrs B a bit worried about the fact she is not able to produce the meringues which must now be in short supply !!!!
Last time we were here in Egypt A I we thought that the drinks were a bit rough, however, this hotel is pouring local brands which are palatable, even the wine. And as suggested by grant @ Photogenix2 I am using G & T as an antidote to the mosquitos, mind you I have only been annoyed by flies in the morning.
Onwards and upwards - wee cocktail reception this evening.
Monday 27 October 2014
Just umpteen thoughts
What a wonderful City we live in, Edinburgh, where our City Fathers are busy axing eight of the local leisure facilities due to "funding problems", but do not worry - you can have a wee run out to and back from the airport on the tram and have a look at all the other businesses who went down the tubes, thanks to *****. So now we will have a generation of youngsters trying to emulate our commonwealth athletes, but how do you throw a discus in a tram.
'Despite the continuing expose of Police Scotland, with Stephen House and Mr Mckaskill trying to make ends meet and inch by inch destroying what was a Police service, the envy of the World - it is brilliant to see a young Policewoman, Lynn Black of Haddington winning an award as Police Constable of the Year for her work as a community constable.
Made it to an Installation at North Berwick RA on Thursday, following a trip to Crieff RA, good night but sad to see that a few of our RA Chapters are in need of support, even from their own members - time to stand up and be counted.
Clocks have just gone back, darkness falling earlier in the evening - to be expected, however, how long will Mr Salmond's innefficient wind mills be able to keep the lights on at night? 10% efficient if that - Greens now might prove to be the end of us - ( but I remember my Granny telling me to eat my greens - good for me) - wrong sort of greens, but were we hoodwinked ( again- aghast- hands up in horror) never ever has a Politician told a porky ( laughs aside).
Heart of Midlothian FC ( Jambos) managed to save their record on Sunday with a brilliant last minute goal - top of the league, ten games without defeat, well done - Glasgow Rangers down to their lowest crowd ever ( just cannot fathom out how they are in the situation they are- has to be greed by somone? - Andy Murray winning at tennis and his Ma , Judy Murray still up and running in the Strictly Come dancing series.
X - Factor multiple ??????? but we might still see a reasonable personality crawl to the top of the pile.
BIG BUT - and even a HOWEVER - after three years in the hands of a variety of NHS specialists, the time has now come to get away for a rest / chill out / holiday - so sunshine here we come - the rest will have to be resolved when I get back.
Weather changing, however, the Steed has been out on the road, eventually managed to find myself a replacement over jacket, nice Goretex unlined breatheable high viz, does the job brilliantly. Now dried, cleaned and oiled for a fortnight, and hopefully when I get back there may be news about an addition to the stable. Might make running south to see Big Tom's new pad in south west France much easier. ( wee peek at The Scottish motorcycle Touring Group site might be informative).
Pleased to say thet the Mecat Grill is doing well, despite the odd (unusually negative) comment - we even had somenone give us a negative crit evenalthough they were never near the place !!!!!! We were fully booked and could not accommodate the party - so we were given a negative report on Trip Advisor - which just proves how the system can be a double edged sword.
Happy Retirement to Paul - and birthday to his wife Sheena who were at Aberfoyle last weekend.
'Despite the continuing expose of Police Scotland, with Stephen House and Mr Mckaskill trying to make ends meet and inch by inch destroying what was a Police service, the envy of the World - it is brilliant to see a young Policewoman, Lynn Black of Haddington winning an award as Police Constable of the Year for her work as a community constable.
Made it to an Installation at North Berwick RA on Thursday, following a trip to Crieff RA, good night but sad to see that a few of our RA Chapters are in need of support, even from their own members - time to stand up and be counted.
Clocks have just gone back, darkness falling earlier in the evening - to be expected, however, how long will Mr Salmond's innefficient wind mills be able to keep the lights on at night? 10% efficient if that - Greens now might prove to be the end of us - ( but I remember my Granny telling me to eat my greens - good for me) - wrong sort of greens, but were we hoodwinked ( again- aghast- hands up in horror) never ever has a Politician told a porky ( laughs aside).
Heart of Midlothian FC ( Jambos) managed to save their record on Sunday with a brilliant last minute goal - top of the league, ten games without defeat, well done - Glasgow Rangers down to their lowest crowd ever ( just cannot fathom out how they are in the situation they are- has to be greed by somone? - Andy Murray winning at tennis and his Ma , Judy Murray still up and running in the Strictly Come dancing series.
X - Factor multiple ??????? but we might still see a reasonable personality crawl to the top of the pile.
BIG BUT - and even a HOWEVER - after three years in the hands of a variety of NHS specialists, the time has now come to get away for a rest / chill out / holiday - so sunshine here we come - the rest will have to be resolved when I get back.
Weather changing, however, the Steed has been out on the road, eventually managed to find myself a replacement over jacket, nice Goretex unlined breatheable high viz, does the job brilliantly. Now dried, cleaned and oiled for a fortnight, and hopefully when I get back there may be news about an addition to the stable. Might make running south to see Big Tom's new pad in south west France much easier. ( wee peek at The Scottish motorcycle Touring Group site might be informative).
Pleased to say thet the Mecat Grill is doing well, despite the odd (unusually negative) comment - we even had somenone give us a negative crit evenalthough they were never near the place !!!!!! We were fully booked and could not accommodate the party - so we were given a negative report on Trip Advisor - which just proves how the system can be a double edged sword.
Happy Retirement to Paul - and birthday to his wife Sheena who were at Aberfoyle last weekend.
Saturday 25 October 2014
A few days late, but comments
Saturday night, mesmerised with the long legs in Stricktly Come Dancing, and rather bored with the X Factor, will be singers being judged by non singers ;; and only a couple of the singers any good.
I see that there have been another couple of prangs between cars/ taxis and trams in the west end of Edinburgh - a big surprise - NOT. Had a look into the Mercat, West maitland Street, deid, sad - will take ages, if ever to recover - Edinburgh Council chiefs, stick your head where the sun never shines and ignore the businesses you sent down the tubes.
Next smart move by the City, dig up the historic setts / cobbles, cover them in tar and it will be easier for the next lot of utilities to dig the roads up.
A703 roadworks are now at Noble's Garage and the Nivensknowe junction ( site of the old "Casinao - Miners welfare club), so masses of folks now heading out on the top road (A702) and mid road to Hillend; through Roslin Glen; causing headaches elsewhere - but in the meantime - ASDA and some of the industrial estate based companies are suffering. Not quite in this area, but a firm at Duddingston dropping takings from£15000 to £600 a week due to rail works and on the verge of going bust !!! From the state of the road in Roslin Glen looks like next landslide might well be terminal.
Referendum over - but porkie pies still in the air, oil in the North sea - yes or no!! Years ago a fairly reputable geologist once told me about deposits of valuable minerals off our shores but at that time, and maybe not even now do we have the proper technology for deep water excavation.
masonic news, made it to a busy night at 720 Dalhousie on Tuesday; Fa'side OES on Wednesday; and RA installation at North Berwick on Friday, good night there and had a late run up the road on the Steed - attired in my new high viz waterproof, Goretex overjacket.
Current conundrum- modern washing machines, I remember the time when you could load a macine with dirty washing and it came out clean, nowadays, I use two new machines, follow the intructions to the letter - but no luck, still have stains on the end products - looks like you cannot beat the old boiler and the scrubbing board (here in the UK) or even in the stream.
Just like using muddy divits waas equally as good as a brillo pad.
Busy week at the Mercat Grill, as usual new faces and returning customers, waiting list for Xmas already - but needing a break so off in search of the sun on tuesday and just rest and chill out.
Missed Sheena's birthday on 23rd, so sorry.
Friday 17 October 2014
Random, rambling thoughts of
I must be falling by the wayside when I am getting phone calls to ask where the last blog has gone !!!
so this will be a series of random thoughts, and in no particular order.
Been to the Squaremen , now relocated to the Royal Scots Club at Haymarket., a wee run up to Crieff to see Kenny Jack being reinstalled into the chair at the RA there, and have managed to make it to three different OES meetings, at Portobello, Mid Calder and Bonnyrigg. Having said that I missed RA at Esk 42; Currie; and Tranent (apologies); and also a ARPOS, AGM at Fettes last Sunday, but I cannot be everywhere, and with three different events taking place at the same time which straw do I draw.
Feeling surprisingly good, no blips since my last 24 hr stay in the hospital, so that was obviously the side effects of a virus, which has since cleared from my system.
Struggling seriously with the "Mindfulness" project, too many butterflies in the cranium to allow me to sit at peace for more than thirty seconds.
Had a return visit to my "alternative medicine man" who seemed to think I was doing well since my first visit and if his computer was not "rigged" then I am showing signs of recovery, certainly feeling better/ and calmer !!.
Tuesday, sun was shining so I had a pleasant run down to Duns to see Andy at Border Bikes, as he was on his own we had time for lunch , a blether before the Steed had an oil change and tweek, and with a wee bit of luck there might well be an addition to the "stable" in the near future.
SO, bearing that in mind I have spent nearly two days gutting the garage to make room - job well done - amazing what you find and have been hoarding "just in case " for twenty years!!!! and never used, so off to the skip or the charity shop. Eight pairs of rugby boots !!!!!
Headed to Ocean Terminal yesterday, Edinburgh - a CITY UNDER SEIGE - traffic ground to a halt at Bilston due to the ongoing gas works on the A701, for TWO MONTHS - bloody chaos - just wonder how much revenue ASDA is losing?? It is a nightmare, so with a long detour ended up stuck in traffic again in Leith Walk - how many more businesses are going down the tubes to satisfy the ego and errors of our City Fathers ?? who - have just made application for £200 million to get the City Roads back into shape again - SO one might ask - would they have been in such a s**t state if they had not spent £760 million on the tram project. Personally _ I avoid Edinburgh like the plague and it is only through necessity I go anywhere near the place.
About to start packing the case for a few days away, looking forward to that soon.
Electoral Register - what a carry on - now we have to "op out" form the "open Register" which is the one the Councils must sell on to businesses - so opt out now and hopefully cut down on the number of "cold calls/ nuisance calls" we get. Just a shame that our homes are also now under seige - if I do not recognise the phone number - or witheld- no pick up and the caller can go onto ansaphone - and I will reply.
My Tesco diddle today was actually pointed out to me by a member of staff, two single packets of digestive biscuits on an offer - yellow tags, great deal - BUT next to it, a twin pack of the same biscuits even cheaper !! and TESCO have had to suspend Directors who made a wee accounting error of Lord knows how many £millions.
Really odd - sitting here with three lap tops doing different things, and for no reason all my current open, new E mails have disappeared - I am still on AOL who is owned by Talk Talk or whoever, but service is crap, and expensive.
Bank of England have announced latest round of interest rates, etc - no change - so how come some of the businesses we deal with have increased theri charges from 4% to 25% - bit of a joke - may be to some but not to the majority.
EBOLA virus, along with the publicity is causing a great deal of concern, caused by fruit bats, and also by a seious lack of hygiene in Zaire, spreading throughout the region due to physical contact with the blood and body fluids - we ( the UK) appear to be doing more to assist than may other European countries.
So - here we are part of the Euro Zone, governed and inflicted by their incessant stream of gobbledygook and trivia - putting up with low powered vacume cleaners, expensive light bulbs, and an immigration policy that is costing the UK an absolute fortune. If you are British, white, born in the Uk, get to the back of the queue.
News tonight that farmers are taking action against the supermarkets who are now charging less for a litre of milk than a litre of water!!
Mercat Grill ticking along nicely, full house already for X mas day, so have a waiting list, just in case. Lovely customers which makes it all worth while.
Sadly - have to report that we attempted to have breakfast at Frankie and Benny's, ocean Terminal yesterday ( only our 2nd visit to this Franchise) and we were BLANKED by staff - stood standing there and felt like the Invisible man - not good, so we had breakfast in Debenham's Cafe where the ladies made us welcome and all was good.
Cannot remember the name of the shoe shop on the first floor beside Waterson's, but staff were brilliant.
Anyway, time for bed, no idea if I am meeting up with Dougz or Co in the Scottish motorcycle Touring Group over the weekend while the weather holds. Wait and see.
so this will be a series of random thoughts, and in no particular order.
Been to the Squaremen , now relocated to the Royal Scots Club at Haymarket., a wee run up to Crieff to see Kenny Jack being reinstalled into the chair at the RA there, and have managed to make it to three different OES meetings, at Portobello, Mid Calder and Bonnyrigg. Having said that I missed RA at Esk 42; Currie; and Tranent (apologies); and also a ARPOS, AGM at Fettes last Sunday, but I cannot be everywhere, and with three different events taking place at the same time which straw do I draw.
Feeling surprisingly good, no blips since my last 24 hr stay in the hospital, so that was obviously the side effects of a virus, which has since cleared from my system.
Struggling seriously with the "Mindfulness" project, too many butterflies in the cranium to allow me to sit at peace for more than thirty seconds.
Had a return visit to my "alternative medicine man" who seemed to think I was doing well since my first visit and if his computer was not "rigged" then I am showing signs of recovery, certainly feeling better/ and calmer !!.
Tuesday, sun was shining so I had a pleasant run down to Duns to see Andy at Border Bikes, as he was on his own we had time for lunch , a blether before the Steed had an oil change and tweek, and with a wee bit of luck there might well be an addition to the "stable" in the near future.
SO, bearing that in mind I have spent nearly two days gutting the garage to make room - job well done - amazing what you find and have been hoarding "just in case " for twenty years!!!! and never used, so off to the skip or the charity shop. Eight pairs of rugby boots !!!!!
Headed to Ocean Terminal yesterday, Edinburgh - a CITY UNDER SEIGE - traffic ground to a halt at Bilston due to the ongoing gas works on the A701, for TWO MONTHS - bloody chaos - just wonder how much revenue ASDA is losing?? It is a nightmare, so with a long detour ended up stuck in traffic again in Leith Walk - how many more businesses are going down the tubes to satisfy the ego and errors of our City Fathers ?? who - have just made application for £200 million to get the City Roads back into shape again - SO one might ask - would they have been in such a s**t state if they had not spent £760 million on the tram project. Personally _ I avoid Edinburgh like the plague and it is only through necessity I go anywhere near the place.
About to start packing the case for a few days away, looking forward to that soon.
Electoral Register - what a carry on - now we have to "op out" form the "open Register" which is the one the Councils must sell on to businesses - so opt out now and hopefully cut down on the number of "cold calls/ nuisance calls" we get. Just a shame that our homes are also now under seige - if I do not recognise the phone number - or witheld- no pick up and the caller can go onto ansaphone - and I will reply.
My Tesco diddle today was actually pointed out to me by a member of staff, two single packets of digestive biscuits on an offer - yellow tags, great deal - BUT next to it, a twin pack of the same biscuits even cheaper !! and TESCO have had to suspend Directors who made a wee accounting error of Lord knows how many £millions.
Really odd - sitting here with three lap tops doing different things, and for no reason all my current open, new E mails have disappeared - I am still on AOL who is owned by Talk Talk or whoever, but service is crap, and expensive.
Bank of England have announced latest round of interest rates, etc - no change - so how come some of the businesses we deal with have increased theri charges from 4% to 25% - bit of a joke - may be to some but not to the majority.
EBOLA virus, along with the publicity is causing a great deal of concern, caused by fruit bats, and also by a seious lack of hygiene in Zaire, spreading throughout the region due to physical contact with the blood and body fluids - we ( the UK) appear to be doing more to assist than may other European countries.
So - here we are part of the Euro Zone, governed and inflicted by their incessant stream of gobbledygook and trivia - putting up with low powered vacume cleaners, expensive light bulbs, and an immigration policy that is costing the UK an absolute fortune. If you are British, white, born in the Uk, get to the back of the queue.
News tonight that farmers are taking action against the supermarkets who are now charging less for a litre of milk than a litre of water!!
Mercat Grill ticking along nicely, full house already for X mas day, so have a waiting list, just in case. Lovely customers which makes it all worth while.
Sadly - have to report that we attempted to have breakfast at Frankie and Benny's, ocean Terminal yesterday ( only our 2nd visit to this Franchise) and we were BLANKED by staff - stood standing there and felt like the Invisible man - not good, so we had breakfast in Debenham's Cafe where the ladies made us welcome and all was good.
Cannot remember the name of the shoe shop on the first floor beside Waterson's, but staff were brilliant.
Anyway, time for bed, no idea if I am meeting up with Dougz or Co in the Scottish motorcycle Touring Group over the weekend while the weather holds. Wait and see.
Friday 3 October 2014
Blackness Castle between showers (heavy ones)
Making up for a period of absence - Met up this afternoon with Tom and Dougz at Blackness where, due to the heavy rain we found ourselves in Bo'Ness for coffee and scones. However the rain cleared so we headed back for our photoshoot at the castle, which dates back to the 15th century. A very extensive history which saw it used a castle, jail, attacked, seiged, and latterly as Scoltland's main munitions Depot from 1874 to the end of WW1 - probably very handy for the naval dockyard at Rosyth just across the water - as are the two Forth Bridges and the third one now under construction.
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Tom has several other photos which will be reproduced on the Scottish Motorcycle Touring Group facebook.
Must have been a long hard day
Losing track of the days, think it must be Thursday , and just back in from a RA meeting at Gorebridge where Sparky Mark received honorary membership of the RA - well done. Been busy but with little to show so far, tired but still standing and feeling much better than several months ago.
Had a wee run or two out on the Steed of steel, short runs but pleasant taking the back roads around Temple, Gladhouse and Portmore , easy to get lost but scenic and intersting.
Mercat Grill doing well, and as usual, new faces every week, some tourists , but lovely to see the locals returning after several years absence.
Super article in the new edition of Police World, the IPA magazine, about our trip to Europe and the Dolomites with the Scottish Motorcycle Touring Group in June this year, penned by our own Tom McInally, who sadly will be leaving us soon to relocate in the south west of France.
Had a brief visit from my Best man, Graeme Mackay, bearing venison and trout, looking well despite having a fall and ending up on crutches, bit older than me ( 10 days) still working very hard and refusing his bus pass !!
Ladies had an excellent trip to Amsterdam, one of the mini cruises from Newcastle, great three days, train to and from Edinburgh ( thanks to Allison and Russell), weather was good, bus and barge tour of Amsterdam - nice wee breeak for the them.
RGB back from China where he, along with Brian Maynard and Brian Millar, did their 100 mile walk along eight sections of the Great Wall - each day they walked a sectrion and then were driven for about three to four hours to a new overnight stay before doing the next bit - marvellous opportuity to see rural China, live with families , (use the loal community latrine - poo - pongy) but at the end of the day they raised £12000 for Clik Sergeant charity.
Many many returns of the day to our friend Paul Douglas who was 60 last week and retired last week. He has bought a beautiful new two berth caravan - owever, nice as it is, he joins the multitude of tortoise people" who I was always harranging for holding up traffic when I was on my routine runs South on the motorway.
Andy murray doing well again at the tennis, might pop in for a coffee at the Cromlix Hotel next week on my way to Crieff next week, and with a bit luck get served this time. So far score sits at Cromlix 30 - Blaikie 0.
Must have been really excited writing the above as I fell asleeep and awoke at 2 a.m. computer on my knee !!!!!!
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Had a wee run or two out on the Steed of steel, short runs but pleasant taking the back roads around Temple, Gladhouse and Portmore , easy to get lost but scenic and intersting.
Mercat Grill doing well, and as usual, new faces every week, some tourists , but lovely to see the locals returning after several years absence.
Super article in the new edition of Police World, the IPA magazine, about our trip to Europe and the Dolomites with the Scottish Motorcycle Touring Group in June this year, penned by our own Tom McInally, who sadly will be leaving us soon to relocate in the south west of France.
Had a brief visit from my Best man, Graeme Mackay, bearing venison and trout, looking well despite having a fall and ending up on crutches, bit older than me ( 10 days) still working very hard and refusing his bus pass !!
Ladies had an excellent trip to Amsterdam, one of the mini cruises from Newcastle, great three days, train to and from Edinburgh ( thanks to Allison and Russell), weather was good, bus and barge tour of Amsterdam - nice wee breeak for the them.
RGB back from China where he, along with Brian Maynard and Brian Millar, did their 100 mile walk along eight sections of the Great Wall - each day they walked a sectrion and then were driven for about three to four hours to a new overnight stay before doing the next bit - marvellous opportuity to see rural China, live with families , (use the loal community latrine - poo - pongy) but at the end of the day they raised £12000 for Clik Sergeant charity.
Many many returns of the day to our friend Paul Douglas who was 60 last week and retired last week. He has bought a beautiful new two berth caravan - owever, nice as it is, he joins the multitude of tortoise people" who I was always harranging for holding up traffic when I was on my routine runs South on the motorway.
Andy murray doing well again at the tennis, might pop in for a coffee at the Cromlix Hotel next week on my way to Crieff next week, and with a bit luck get served this time. So far score sits at Cromlix 30 - Blaikie 0.
Must have been really excited writing the above as I fell asleeep and awoke at 2 a.m. computer on my knee !!!!!!
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
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